Lee Jae-myung maintains lead over Kim Moon-soo in final poll SEOUL, May 28 (AJP) - With just one week remaining before South Korea’s snap presidential election on Jun. 3, Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung continues to lead over People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo, according to the final public opinion survey released before the pre-election blackout period. The Realmeter poll, conducted on May 26 and 27, showed Lee with 49.2 percent support, extending his lead over Kim, who received 36.8 percent. Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok followed with 10.3 percent. Since the previous survey, Lee’s support rose by 2.6 percentage points, while both Kim and Lee Jun-seok saw slight drops. The margin between the top two candidates widened to 12.4 percentage points, up from 9 points earlier. Realmeter noted that Lee appears to have regained upward momentum, while Kim has faced mixed responses within the conservative bloc, amid internal rifts over candidate unification and calls for generational reform. Regionally, Lee posted a notable rebound in Seoul, leading with 43.2 percent compared to Kim’s 39.5 percent. In Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, traditionally a conservative territory. Lee climbed to 42.2 percent, narrowing the gap with Kim’s 44.9 percent. However, Lee’s support dipped in several regions, including Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang Province, as well as Daejeon, Sejong, and the Chungcheong provinces. He also saw a 4.2-point decline in Gwangju and South Jeolla Province, though he continues to lead comfortably in key areas. Kim made modest gains in the Chungcheong and southeastern regions, while Lee Jun-seok also saw slight increases in those areas. By age group, Lee leads among voters in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. Kim draws stronger support from voters in their 20s and those aged 70 or older. Lee Jun-seok’s support is concentrated in the 20s demographic, where he reached 29.9 percent. In hypothetical head-to-head matchups, Lee led Kim by 52.3 percent to 41.7 percent. Against Lee Jun-seok, Lee held a 50.6 percent to 36.7 percent lead. Both gaps have widened compared to previous surveys. Nearly 89 percent of respondents said they planned to continue supporting their chosen candidate through election day. When asked who they expected to win regardless of personal preference, 57.8 percent predicted Lee, followed by Kim at 33.8 percent and Lee Jun-seok at 4.7 percent. This survey is expected to be the final publicly released poll before the legally mandated blackout period. Under South Korean election law, polls conducted after May 28 cannot be published until after the vote. The poll was conducted through automated phone interviews on wireless lines with 1,003 adults nationwide. The margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level, and the response rate was 10.1 percent. Full details are available on the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission. 2025-05-28 14:27:45

India urges stronger global cooperation on terrorism during Seoul visit SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - A group of Indian lawmakers and former diplomats held a press conference in Seoul on Monday to deliver a clear message -- terrorism, especially cross-border attacks, must not be tolerated. Speaking to Korean officials, researchers, and journalists, the delegation emphasized that India’s approach is now defined by what they called a policy of “zero tolerance.” The delegation’s visit comes in the wake of the Apr. 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians, including one Nepali citizen. India has blamed militants trained in Pakistan for the attack and responded with what it described as a series of measured, precise strikes on terrorist facilities, an operation now referred to as Operation Sindoor. At the press conference in Seoul, Indian Ambassador Amit Kumar said the delegation was there “to amplify the Indian government's messaging on its new policy of zero tolerance to combat terrorism in all its manifestations.” Before the press event, the group consisting of both ruling and opposition party members met with South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong Kyun, and several key lawmakers at the National Assembly. Brij Lal, a member of the Indian Parliament and part of the ruling party, said the Pahalgam attack was a calculated assault on religious lines. “India waited for two weeks, verified the facts, and then launched precision strikes against nine terrorist infrastructures in Pakistan. No civilians were harmed,” he said. He also pointed to South Korea’s strategic importance, both as a commercial partner and a UN Security Council member. When asked whether India saw a path forward through dialogue, Aparajita Sarangi, another MP in the delegation, made her position clear. “No dialogue with Pakistan unless there is cogent, clear evidence that Pakistan has given up terrorism,” she said, adding those responsible must be brought to justice. “Every time we reached out, we were betrayed,” she added. “This is not about symmetry. India is not sponsoring terrorism. We are the land of Mahatma Gandhi.” Mohan Kumar, India’s former ambassador to France, echoed that frustration. Citing past terror attacks, including the 2008 Mumbai bombings, he said India had repeatedly attempted talks, only to be met with violence. “Our humility is not our weakness. We waited 14 days for Pakistan to act. When they didn’t, we responded with precision and restraint,” he said. “We are a peace-loving nation, but we will defend our people.” The delegation also met with lawmakers such as Yun Ho-jung, who chairs the Korea–India Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Sung Il-jong, chair of the National Defence Committee. Both expressed support for India’s position. Sung described terrorism as “a crime against humanity.” In meetings with think tank representatives, the delegation explained what they called India’s “New Normal” in dealing with terrorism -- quick, targeted responses, and no separation between attackers and the governments that support them. The visit to Seoul is part of a broader international tour that includes stops in Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Other Indian delegations have traveled to Europe and the Middle East. According to the group, the goal is not just to share India’s position, but to build wider consensus that terrorism cannot be treated as a regional issue. It is a global one. 2025-05-27 14:26:03

Yoon Suk Yeol appears in court for fifth insurrection trial amid investigation into deleted phone records SEOUL, May 26 (AJP) - Former President Yoon Suk Yeol returned to the Seoul Central District Court on Monday for the fifth hearing in his trial on charges of insurrection and abuse of power. It was his third time entering through the main public entrance. As in previous appearances, he passed reporters in silence, offering no comment on the Dec. 3 martial law declaration or whether he intended to address the public ahead of the Jun. 3 presidential election. The May 26 hearing is the final session scheduled before voters go to the polls. The next hearing is set for Jun. 9. The case is being heard at the Seoul Central District Court. Lee Sang-hyun, commander of the Army’s Special Warfare Command, is expected to take the stand, with testimony focused on military deployments and the command structure in place the night martial law was imposed. Meanwhile, police have launched an investigation into the deletion of encrypted phone records linked to Yoon, former National Intelligence Service Deputy Director Hong Jang-won, and former Seoul Police Chief Kim Bong-sik. According to investigators, the records were wiped remotely on Dec. 6, three days after the martial law order. The deletion came to light during a forensic review of logs voluntarily submitted by the Presidential Security Service. In total, 19 devices, including Yoon’s own phone, are now under examination. The police said that the deletions were carried out by the security service, but it remains unclear who gave the order. 2025-05-26 16:07:07

Lee Jae-myung calls inter-Korean summit essential but says now is not the time SEOUL, May 26 (AJP) - Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung said Monday that while holding a summit with North Korea is something that should happen, current conditions make it unlikely in the near future. “It is something that obviously should happen, but I don’t know whether it will be possible,” Lee told reporters during a visit to Ajou University in Suwon on May 26. “At the moment, it would be extremely difficult.” Lee acknowledged the importance of dialogue with Pyongyang and said Seoul should not hesitate to engage, especially given the frequency of summits South Korea holds with the United States and other neighboring countries. “As we engage in many summits with the U.S. and surrounding nations, there’s no reason not to do the same with North Korea,” he said. “It’s something we should prepare for and work to make possible,” Lee said. He also commented on the potential for a renewed U.S.–North Korea summit, noting that President Donald Trump continues to express interest in meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Lee said South Korea would support such talks and seek to contribute. “If a U.S.–North Korea summit becomes possible, we will support and cooperate to help it succeed,” he said. “There is definitely a role for us in that process.” On the nuclear issue, Lee made clear he does not support South Korea developing its own weapons. “Pursuing nuclear armament is neither realistic nor desirable,” he said. “We should aim to freeze North Korea’s nuclear capabilities as a step toward denuclearization. While the U.S. has a major role, China and Russia also have responsibilities. We must manage relations with all neighboring countries carefully.” 2025-05-26 13:43:32

North Korea begins repairs on damaged destroyer after failed launch SEOUL, May 26 (AJP) - North Korea has begun restoring a newly developed warship that was severely damaged during its launch ceremony last week, according to a report by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Sunday. The 5,000-ton-class destroyer sustained major damage on May 21 at the northeastern port of Chongjin. During the launch event, attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the warship’s stern reportedly detached from its transport cradle and tipped to one side, partially submerging in seawater. Kim was said to have reacted with visible anger, calling the failed launch a critical and unacceptable accident. He reportedly ordered military authorities to complete full restoration of the vessel by the end of June. KCNA stated that restoration work is underway “according to schedule” under the technical guidance of a team of experts, with efforts currently focused on stabilizing the ship’s balance. The report also noted that Ri Hyong-son, vice department director of the Munitions Industry Department of the ruling Workers’ Party, has been summoned and detained in connection with the incident. 2025-05-26 11:02:36

India and South Korea come together to mark 11th International Day of Yoga SEOUL, May 23 (AJP) - In Seoul on May 22, the Embassy of India and the Korea Yoga Association hosted a joint press conference to announce plans for this year’s 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY 2025), which also marks a decade since the first global celebration of the event in 2015. The main celebration will take place at Gwanghwamun Square, one of South Korea’s most iconic public spaces. About 1,000 participants are expected to gather under this year’s slogan, "Discover Your AURA," and the theme, "Yoga for One Earth, One Health." Organizers estimate that approximately 10 million South Koreans have practiced yoga at least once. Additional yoga programs are scheduled throughout June in Jeju, Busan, and Nami Island. Indian Ambassador to South Korea Amit Kumar opened the briefing by reflecting on yoga’s long history and its expanding role in modern life. "Yoga is not just a physical exercise, it is a holistic approach to wellbeing," he said. "It encompasses various practices, including asanas or postures, pranayama or breathing techniques, and meditation." He reminded the audience that yoga has been practiced in India for over 3,000 years and gained global recognition when it was added to UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list in 2016, following the UN’s adoption of June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014. "Yoga offers us a sanctuary, a space where we can reconnect with ourselves and find peace," the ambassador said, highlighting its relevance in addressing lifestyle-related diseases and its increasing role in preventive healthcare frameworks. Ambassador Kumar thanked the Korea Yoga Association, local governments, sponsors, and institutions including the India Center at Busan University of Foreign Studies for their collaboration. He also expressed appreciation to Miss Lee Geum-hee, a well-known broadcaster who was appointed as the promotional ambassador for this year’s event, and yoga instructor Moon Jeong-hye, who will lead the main yoga session in Seoul. Lee, who served as the master of ceremonies at last year’s rain-soaked IDY event at COEX, recalled being deeply moved by the determination of the participants. "I will never forget that scene," she said. "So many yoga practitioners stayed until the end, soaking wet but completely focused." That experience, she said, inspired her to accept the role of ambassador for IDY 2025. "I want people to discover yoga like fans discover their favorite idols, so no one misses out," she said. Lee also praised the dedication of the organizers and shared her hope that yoga in Korea can grow beyond a wellness trend. "These days, K-pop, K-drama, and K-food are all making waves around the world. I hope ‘K-Yoga’ can join that list," she said. "We have enough content, enough practitioners, and enough instructors." She added with a smile, "If there's a role I can play, I’ll do my best, starting with improving my English." 2025-05-23 16:46:13

INTERVIEW: Georgian envoy hails South Korea trade deal as milestone for deeper ties SEOUL, May 23 (AJP) - Georgian Ambassador to South Korea Tarash Papaskua sees the new Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Georgia and South Korea as a turning point in bilateral relations. In an interview with Aju Press on May 19, he described the agreement as a "new generation agreement" and praised the speed and spirit of cooperation behind its conclusion. "The negotiations on this agreement were concluded in just seven months, from start to finish," he said. "That’s quite fast, and it was only possible thanks to the true spirit of partnership and a fast-track approach from both sides." He expressed gratitude to South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, calling the negotiation process "very focused, mobilized and determined." Described as "FTA+," the EPA eliminates tariffs on nearly all goods while expanding cooperation in renewable energy, e-commerce, environmental sustainability, digital economy, and intellectual property rights. "Essentially, the agreement will provide for a comprehensive institutional framework," the ambassador said. "Almost 95 percent of the goods will be tariff-free." With legal procedures and translations now underway, the agreement is expected to open new markets for Georgian products in South Korea, such as Kvevri (amber) wines, mineral water, fruits, nuts, and industrial goods. "It shows and demonstrates the willingness of governments to cooperate and to address issues, to facilitate and promote joint ventures," he added. Georgia is undergoing a long-term economic transition. Once heavily reliant on traditional manufacturing, the country is now shifting toward services, tourism, and information technology. Ambassador Papaskua said this transformation has accelerated since the early 2000s, when the country began comprehensive reforms to modernize institutions, reduce corruption, and create a more open business climate. As Georgia prepares to celebrate its Independence Day on May 26, the ambassador reflected on the country’s difficult journey to statehood. "On 31 March 1991, 99.08 percent of the population provided an unequivocal, positive answer to the question of restoring independence based on the 1918 declaration," he said. "Today we continue to still face this challenge of territorial integrity," he noted, referring to Russia’s occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali. "But Georgia has managed to transform into a modern democratic state," Papaskua said, adding: "I would like to express deep gratitude to the Republic of Korea, as well as all our friends and partners for their continued support of Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders." With 46 free trade agreements in place, including with the European Union and China, Georgia is positioning itself as a strategic hub between Europe and Asia. "Georgia is at the heart of a dynamic transit and logistics juncture that bridges Europe and Asia," he said, highlighting the country’s access to a 2.3 billion consumer market. Infrastructure is key to this ambition. Projects include a deep-sea port, a new airport, and a 1,195-kilometer (742 miles) submarine cable under the Black Sea to transmit both renewable energy and data to Europe. "The feasibility studies have been completed," he said, adding that South Korean companies have already been consulted. Energy cooperation is one of the most promising areas. "If I really would have to choose the most promising sector, that would definitely be energy, especially renewable energy," he said. He also pointed to logistics and advanced technologies as natural fits for South Korean companies. "Georgia has been very open, but we understand that it takes time, in a global environment where you have so much turbulence." While current trade and investment figures remain limited, Ambassador Papaskua stressed that the potential is far greater. "Current figures, either in trade or investments, are far from the real potential of both economies and this is something that we need to work on." Tourism is one area where momentum is building. The number of South Korean visitors to Georgia nearly tripled in 2024, and charter flights operated by Hanjin Travel and Korean Air will increase to eight this year. "We are seeing a positive trajectory," he said. Georgia will also participate in the Seoul International Travel Fair in June to further promote itself to South Korean travelers. The embassy is actively promoting the country’s tourism and culture through events in South Korea. "These events aim to showcase Georgia’s rich culture, history, and unique offerings, strengthening the people-to-people connections between our two nations." Interest in academic and cultural exchanges is also rising. "South Korea is becoming increasingly popular among young Georgians. They actively learn Korean language and culture, and many are already studying at South Korean universities." Georgian students have received scholarships from the Woojung and Elim Foundations, and several university-level MoUs are being developed. The embassy is working to establish a Sejong Institute in Tbilisi and hopes to eventually host a formal South Korean Cultural Center. "Even though our countries are far apart, our cultures share many similarities," he said. From Oct. 22 to 23, Georgia will host the 5th International Tbilisi Silk Road Forum under the theme "Invest in Connectivity – Grow in Stability." The event is expected to draw over 2,000 delegates from more than 60 countries. "Naturally, we hope to see strong participation from such an economic powerhouse as South Korea," Ambassador Papaskua said. Another sign of growing ties came in November 2024, when South Korea elevated the status of its embassy in Tbilisi. "This is a significant milestone that underscores the strengthening of diplomatic relations between our two countries," he said. "We look forward to deepening political dialogue and economic cooperation, facilitating cultural exchanges and thereby further solidifying our bilateral ties." Ambassador Papaskua said that his goal is to raise cooperation to a "qualitatively new level." He listed tourism, education, innovation, and cultural exchange as top priorities. "I believe that relations between Georgia and the Republic of Korea will continue to grow stronger," he said. "Both parties are motivated to deepen this value-based partnership in the coming years." 2025-05-23 15:16:49

New Zealand Embassy in Seoul and EAAFP celebrate World Migratory Bird Day SEOUL, May 22 (AJP) - A small seabird that flies thousands of kilometers each year received the spotlight in Seoul this week, as the New Zealand Embassy in the Republic of Korea hosted a reception on Tuesday to mark World Migratory Bird Day. The event, jointly organized by the embassy and the East-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) was held at the ambassador’s residence bringing together diplomats, scientists, and civil society to highlight the shared responsibility of protecting migratory bird habitats. The East Asian–Australasian Flyway spans 22 countries, linking ecosystems from Alaska to New Zealand. Along this vast route, the Korean peninsula serves as a vital stopover. In her opening speech, New Zealand Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Dawn Bennet spoke about the kuaka, the bar-tailed godwit, and the ancient connection it symbolizes between New Zealand and the Korean Peninsula. The kuaka, revered in Māori culture, completes one of the longest known migratory flights in the animal kingdom, traveling from Alaska to New Zealand in a non-stop journey spanning 11,000 kilometers (6,835 miles). “According to Māori tradition, it was the flight of the kuaka that actually prompted the discovery of our country by ancient Polynesian explorers as they sailed through the Pacific Ocean,” said the ambassador. “They set sail southwards as well, following the kuaka toward the land beyond the horizon.” The birds’ return trip in March takes them along the western and southern coasts of Korea, where they rest and refuel in tidal flats, areas now under threat from development, climate change, and habitat loss. “The kuaka and other migratory birds provide a poignant reminder of the connections between our countries,” Bennet said. “Those connections span biodiversity and ecosystems as well as the trade, cultural and people-to-people links that we often talk about in diplomacy.” Jennifer George, Chief Executive of EAAFP, compared the Yellow Sea to Seoul Station, a busy transit hub where migratory birds converge before continuing their flight to breeding grounds. “They need to stop here for two months on their way north,” she said, warning that without protected wetlands, many birds won’t survive the journey. George illustrated the stakes with the story about a godwit with a tag name “ZRM” that arrived in Korea exhausted and died before completing its migration. Researchers found ZRM’s leg near the mud flats in the southwestern area of the Korean Peninsula. “It is a quiet and a very powerful reminder of everything that they have to go through on that journey,” she said. But not all stories end in loss. George also spoke of “AJD,” a godwit that has made the same journey for 17 years and has become something of a local legend in his New Zealand hometown. Children write about him in school, local leaders track his movements, and indigenous communities consider him part of their stewardship. “He's a local hero,” she said. “He's part of their story. He's part of their guardianship.” George challenged guests from universities, local government, and international organizations to consider what role they could play in supporting the ecosystems birds depend on. “What small thing can you do?” she asked. 2025-05-22 11:13:28

US, South Korea, Japan hold trilateral secretariat meeting in Washington SEOUL, May 20 (AJP) - The United States, South Korea, and Japan have convened a Trilateral Coordinating Secretariat Managing Board meeting in Washington, D.C. on Monday (local time), the U.S. Department of State announced. The Department of State said in a statement that the meeting was led by U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kevin Kim, South Korean Deputy Director-General for North American Affairs Yi Won-woo, and Japanese Deputy Director-General for Asian and Oceanian Affairs Okochi Akihiro. The Trilateral Coordinating Secretariat was officially launched in November last year to support systematic trilateral cooperation among the three countries. Through the meeting, the board members reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to advancing trilateral cooperation and discussed progress on existing initiatives, the Department of State said. The meeting highlighted the importance of institutionalizing collaboration across economic, security, and people-to-people domains. Participants reviewed recent developments and discussed next steps to improve coordination, enhance information sharing, and strengthen joint responses to regional and global challenges. The Managing Board also reiterated support for the Secretariat’s role in implementing trilateral outcomes and maintaining momentum on priority efforts. 2025-05-20 14:45:26

Lee targets key swing regions as Kim highlights welfare issues in Seoul campaign push SEOUL, May 20 (AJP) - With just two weeks left until South Korea’s snap presidential election on Jun. 3, Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung and People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo are stepping up their campaigns in the capital region on Tuesday, each appealing to core and swing voters with contrasting schedules. The election was called after former president Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached and removed from office for abuse of power. On Dec. 3 last year, Yoon declared martial law, citing threats from “North Korean communist forces” and “anti-state elements.” The Constitutional Court ruled on Apr. 4 that the action violated the Constitution, prompting an early vote to select his successor. Lee will begin the day by holding virtual meetings with South Koreans living overseas to encourage participation in absentee voting, which opened this week. The former human rights lawyer is scheduled to visit Seoul’s satellite cities -- Uijeongbu, Goyang, Gimpo, and Paju -- in the northern part of Gyeonggi Province, regions considered crucial in shaping the outcome of the race. On Wednesday, he will continue his capital-area tour with a visit to the western port city of Incheon. Lee’s itinerary underscores his campaign’s focus on the Seoul metropolitan area, which accounts for nearly half of the national electorate. His team views the greater capital region as the decisive battleground and is ramping up direct voter engagement in the final stretch. Former labor minister Kim Moon-soo is delivering a different message, one centered on social welfare and cultural policy. On Tuesday morning, Kim will meet with representatives from the Korean Federation of Artistic and Cultural Organizations in Yangcheon District, where he plans to pledge stronger support for the arts and sign a policy agreement with local artists. Later in the day, Kim is scheduled to visit Namboo Market in Seoul’s Gangseo District to meet merchants and check grocery prices. He will then head to Yeongdeungpo District, where he plans to visit a densely packed shantytown to hear directly from residents living in vulnerable housing conditions. His campaign says he will use the visit to highlight the need for stronger protections and better living standards for the urban poor. 2025-05-20 11:11:20