Job postings fall while number of job seekers rises: data SEOUL, April 07 (AJP) - South Korea is facing a growing imbalance in the job market, with new job postings sharply declining while the number of job seekers continues to rise, government data showed Monday. According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the number of new job openings posted through the government’s Employment24 platform in March stood at 154,000. This marks a decrease of 45,000, or 22.8 percent, compared to the same month last year. Meanwhile, the number of new job seekers rose to 480,000, up 63,000 or 15.2 percent from a year earlier. As a result, the job openings-to-applicants ratio—or job vacancy ratio—fell to 0.32 in March, meaning there were fewer than one-third of a job opening available for each job seeker. This is the lowest level for March since the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis. Jeon Kyung-gi, head of future employment analysis at the ministry, said the drop in job openings may be tied to growing uncertainty in the global economy. “Companies could be cutting back on hiring due to concerns over trade policy risks, such as U.S. tariffs under President Trump’s administration,” he said. The growing mismatch between labor supply and demand comes as South Korea continues to see declines in employment among young and middle-aged workers, while older age groups show increases. 2025-04-07 14:10:05

Pyongyang hosts international marathon event for first time in 6 yrs SEOUL, April 07 (AJP) - North Korea hosted the 31st Pyongyang International Marathon on Sunday, Pyongyang’s state media reported Monday. It was the first international marathon held in six years, following the country’s lockdown in 2020 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. The Pyongyang International Marathon is held annually to celebrate the birthday of Kim Il-sung, the founding father of North Korea, who was born in 1912. The event, which draws professional athletes and amateur running enthusiasts from around the world, offers four types of races: full marathon, half-marathon, 10-kilometer run, and 5-kilometer run. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that runners from North Korea, China, Romania, Morocco, Ethiopia, and other countries participated in the international event, along with spectators including foreign tourists, Pyongyang residents, and North Korean government officials. According to state media, male and female North Korean runners won first place in the full marathon and swept the gold, silver, and bronze medals in the half-marathon. In the amateur category, Polish male runners took the top three places, while a female runner from Hong Kong finished first in the women’s race. Around 180 foreign runners joined this year’s marathon through a six-day Pyongyang tour program organized by Koryo Tours, a Beijing-based travel agency. According to the exclusive travel partner of the event, the Pyongyang program offers foreign participants the opportunity to run through the streets of the North Korean capital and engage with locals. 2025-04-07 10:14:26

70% of workers say impeachment rallies had positive impact on S. Korean democracy SEOUL, April 06 (AJP) - A majority of South Korean workers believe the rallies calling for the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol contributed positively to the country’s democratic development, a recent survey showed Sunday. According to a survey of one thousand working people aged 19 and more, conducted by civic group Gapjil119, 68.7 percent of respondents agreed that the rallies had a positive impact on the development of democracy in South Korean society. Female respondents (74.1 percent) were more likely than male respondents (62.7 percent) to view the rallies favorably. Many workers also expressed a sense of political empowerment through participation in rallies. A total of 80.1 percent agreed that rallies are “an effective way to express one’s views as a citizen,” while 79.8 percent said rallies “have the power to correct what is wrong with the country.” Meanwhile, 12.5 percent said they had personally taken part in the pro-impeachment demonstrations. While the outlook for political democratization in South Korea appeared generally positive, expectations for greater workplace democracy were more muted. About 63.3 percent agreed that “South Korean politics will become more democratic following the impeachment rallies,” but only 47.3 percent said that “democracy in the workplace will expand as a result.” When asked what is needed to improve democracy at work, 35.6 percent cited the “introduction of fair decision-making processes,” followed by “eliminating unfair labor practices” (26.8 percent), “increasing transparency and access to corporate information” (19.0 percent), “guaranteeing labor union activity” (8.5 percent), and “expanding employee representation in decision-making” (8.4 percent). Gapjil 119's attorney Lee Sun-min said, “While many citizens chant for democracy in public squares, unilateral decisions and irrational practices by employers still persist in the workplace. Institutional reforms and action to realize workplace democracy must come alongside political democratization.” 2025-04-06 14:42:58

National Assembly speaker proposes constitutional referendum alongside presidential election SEOUL, April 06 (AJP) - National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik proposed Sunday holding a constitutional referendum on the same day as South Korea's upcoming presidential election, following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Speaking at an emergency press conference at the National Assembly, Woo emphasized the need for constitutional reform to reinforce the separation of powers and to better reflect popular sovereignty and national unity. "We need to strengthen the pillars of the separation of powers for the sake of the people’s sovereignty and integration," he said. "A constitutional amendment is necessary." Woo noted that although constitutional revision has often been a campaign promise during past presidential elections, actual progress has been rare. "There has been only one serious attempt, and that too was blocked by conflicting interests and calculations among political factions," he said, pointing specifically to disputes over the structure of executive power as a major stumbling block. He explained that constitutional reform efforts often stall depending on political timing. "At the beginning of a presidential term, leaders hesitate, fearing a political black hole. Toward the end, lame-duck status weakens momentum." Given the current political transition, Woo argued that now is the right time. "Before a new president takes office, we must open the way," he said. "There is no clearer moment to heed the public’s call for a redistribution of power and to realize popular sovereignty and national unity." He proposed pursuing discussions up to what can be agreed within the current timeframe and focusing especially on changes to the power structure. "If some issues remain unresolved, we can address them in a second round of constitutional revisions, perhaps alongside next year’s local elections," he added. To move forward, Woo called on all political parties to support amending the National Referendum Act and establishing a special parliamentary committee on constitutional reform. He pointed out a key procedural hurdle: the current National Referendum Act restricts overseas citizens' voting rights, a provision previously ruled unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court. "We must revise this clause and ensure simultaneous voting for the public office election and constitutional referendum is legally viable." "It is urgent that we immediately establish the constitutional reform committee," Woo said, urging lawmakers to act swiftly given the time constraints involved in preparing for a referendum. 2025-04-06 14:17:25

Domestic sales of Hyundai and Kia EVs surpass 500,000 units after 14 years SEOUL, April 06 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor Group said Sunday it has sold more than 500,000 electric vehicles (EVs) in South Korea since launching its first model in July 2011. The milestone underscores the nation’s long-standing push for a greener transportation system, backed by government subsidies and growing infrastructure. As of March 2025, Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis had sold a cumulative total of 502,036 EVs domestically. Hyundai, including its luxury arm Genesis, accounted for 291,608 units, while Kia sold 210,428. Models built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) represented 215,058 units, or 43 percent of total EV sales. Sales accelerated in 2021 with the debut of the Ioniq 5 and EV6 -- Hyundai and Kia’s first vehicles using the E-GMP platform. That year, combined sales hit 71,447 units, marking a 160 percent jump from 2020. Momentum carried into 2022 with a record 119,791 units, and continued in 2023 with 111,911. However, sales dipped to 85,203 in 2024 amid a market-wide slump often referred to as the "EV chasm." The market showed signs of recovery in early 2025. Hyundai and Kia sold 23,159 EVs in the first quarter, up 75 percent from the same period last year, aided by the early allocation of government subsidies. Hyundai’s investment in fast-charging infrastructure has also helped spur demand. The company introduced its E-pit ultra-fast charging system in 2011, which delivers roughly 100 kilometers of range in five minutes for E-GMP vehicles. By March 2024, 286 E-pit chargers had been installed at highway rest stops, with the number expected to reach 500 by year-end. Top-selling E-GMP models include the Ioniq 5 with 83,555 units, EV6 with 64,491, Ioniq 6 with 26,446, and EV3 with 18,569. The Ioniq 5 earned the title "2022 World Car of the Year," and the EV6 was named "2023 North American Car of the Year," showcasing Hyundai’s competitive edge in the global EV market. Kia’s EV3, a compact electric SUV, emerged as a strong performer in early 2025. It was named "2025 Korea Car of the Year" and led Hyundai and Kia’s first-quarter EV sales with 5,718 units. 2025-04-06 10:12:35

Full ruling: Constitutional Court removes President Yoon Suk Yeol from office SEOUL, April 04 (AJP) - The Constitutional Court unanimously ruled on April 4 to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol from office. Below is the full summary of the ruling read aloud by Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae in the Grand Chamber. The petitioner is the National Assembly. The respondent is former President Yoon. --- We now begin the ruling on case 2024Hun-Na8 regarding the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. First, on procedural legitimacy: The declaration of martial law, even if a high-level political decision, is subject to judicial review when considering the impeachment trial's purpose of protecting the constitutional order from violations by senior officials. The absence of a review by the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee does not make the impeachment resolution invalid. The Constitution delegates impeachment procedures to legislative discretion, and the National Assembly Act makes such review optional. The principle of double jeopardy was not violated. The first impeachment motion failed during the 418th session, and the current one was introduced in the 419th session. Justice Chung Hyeong-sik noted the need for a law limiting repeated filings across different sessions. The lifting of martial law shortly after its declaration does not negate the legal standing of the case. The cause for impeachment had already materialized. Changing the legal basis from criminal charges to constitutional violations is permissible if the factual background remains consistent. The respondent’s claim that the vote would have failed without the original charge is speculative and lacks evidence. The impeachment power was not abused. The procedure was lawful, and evidence of constitutional violations existed. On evidentiary rules: Justices Lee Mi-seon and Kim Hyeong-du supported a relaxed application of hearsay rules. Justices Kim Bok-hyeong and Cho Han-chang supported stricter application moving forward. On the constitutional and legal violations by the respondent and their gravity: Martial law requires a real emergency such as war or serious civil disorder. The respondent claimed that legislative overreach by the opposition-controlled Assembly justified the declaration, citing excessive impeachment motions and unilateral budget cuts. However, at the time, only two trials were underway, the budget had not passed, and vetoed bills had not taken effect. Allegations of election fraud were unsubstantiated. The NEC had implemented security measures and oversight. No objective emergency existed. The martial law declaration did not follow required procedures. Although the president informed the prime minister and nine ministers, details were not shared, nor were opinions solicited. Required co-signatures were missing, no formal notice was given to the Assembly, and essential announcement requirements were not fulfilled. The respondent ordered troops into the National Assembly. Soldiers entered via helicopters, some breaking windows. He directed special forces to drag lawmakers out and instructed the police chief to block access, resulting in lawmakers being unable to enter. The Defense Security Command was ordered to track political figures’ locations. This violated legislative powers and civil rights, and compromised military neutrality. The martial law proclamations banned legislative, local, and party activities. These violated constitutional articles protecting the Assembly's power to cancel martial law, party pluralism, civil liberties, and required legal procedures. The president ordered an unauthorized inspection of the National Election Commission’s systems. Military personnel entered without a warrant, confiscated phones, and conducted surveillance, violating judicial oversight and the NEC’s independence. The respondent attempted to locate retired Supreme Court justices for potential detention, undermining judicial independence. On whether the violations justify removal: By using military force to disrupt the National Assembly and suppress freedoms, the president undermined democratic principles and constitutional order. His actions disregarded proper governance mechanisms and revived a history of emergency power abuse. These violations severely damaged public trust and the rule of law. The rapid lifting of martial law was due to civilian resistance and military restraint, not because the offense was minor. The president’s power comes from the Constitution and must remain within it. He instead caused national disruption, violated his duty to unite the people, and infringed on other institutions’ rights. These acts represent a grave betrayal of public trust. The constitutional benefit of removal outweighs the cost. We hereby rule, unanimously: Yoon Suk Yeol is removed from office. The ruling was delivered at 11:22 a.m. 2025-04-04 21:07:41

Early presidential election looms with opposition leader Lee Jae-myung leading the race SEOUL, April 4 (AJP) - South Korea is now headed for an early presidential election, after the Constitutional Court on Friday upheld the National Assembly’s impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. The court's decision immediately strips Yoon of his presidential powers, triggering a nationwide vote that must be held within 60 days under the Constitution. The landmark ruling comes four months after Yoon declared emergency martial law on Dec. 3, a move that shocked the country and ultimately led to his impeachment. Attention has now shifted to the next presidential race, and early polling suggests a clear frontrunner. A survey released by Flower Research on March 31 showed Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the opposition Democratic Party, far ahead of other contenders. According to the poll, Lee received 46.3 percent support, while his closest conservative rival, Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo, polled at 9.7 percent. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and former Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon followed with 4.9 and 4.7 percent, respectively. Lee led across all regions, including the traditionally conservative Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, and in every age group except those aged 70 and older, where the race was extremely close. He also dominated among moderates and progressives, while conservative voters were more divided among Kim, Oh, and Han. Lee Jae-myung's rise to the top of the poll marks a significant turning point in his political journey. Born into poverty in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, he began working in a factory at a young age due to a workplace injury that left his father incapacitated. Despite a challenging youth, Lee passed the bar exam after earning his law degree through night classes and became a human rights lawyer, advocating for the underprivileged and fighting for labor rights. His time as mayor of Seongnam from 2010 to 2018 laid the foundation for his national presence. Lee spearheaded urban renewal projects, including the Daejang-dong and Baekhyeon-dong developments, which later became the subject of intense political scrutiny. As mayor, he implemented policies aimed at welfare expansion, youth support, and civic participation, which helped build his image as a reform-minded and action-oriented leader. Lee became the Democratic Party's presidential nominee in the 2022 election but narrowly lost to Yoon. Since then, he has remained the central figure in the opposition, despite being entangled in multiple legal investigations. Recently, Lee cleared a major legal hurdle when an appeals court acquitted him of violating the election law over remarks made during the 2021 presidential primary. The court ruled that his comments about not knowing a key city official were not false or misleading under the law. Lee's continued political momentum is also remarkable considering he survived a life-threatening stabbing attack during a public event in Busan in January 2024. The assailant, later revealed to be politically motivated, was arrested at the scene. The incident drew nationwide sympathy and may have further strengthened Lee's image as a resilient leader. In recent months, Lee has sought to broaden his appeal beyond the Democratic Party base, delivering speeches focused on economic reform, income inequality, and regional balance. He has also called for national unity in the wake of political upheaval, positioning himself as a stabilizing figure for a country facing institutional strain. Kim Moon-soo, currently serving as minister of labor, began his political career as a prominent labor activist and member of the South Korean democratization movement. A former member of the National Assembly and governor of Gyeonggi Province, Kim was once considered a key figure in moderate conservative politics. In recent years, however, Kim has taken a sharp turn to the right, aligning himself with far-right evangelical Christian groups and drawing support from figures such as Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon. This shift has made him popular within religious conservative circles, especially among older Christian voters, though it has also limited his broader national appeal. Kim has focused his messaging on traditional family values, anti-communism, and religious freedom. His rhetoric has been sharply critical of the Democratic Party and progressive policies, often echoing talking points popular in ultra-conservative quasi-media. Despite his low approval rating in national polls, Kim's growing base of devoted followers has allowed him to stand out in a fragmented conservative field. His challenge remains expanding beyond that core base to appeal to undecided and centrist voters. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon represents a more moderate and urban-friendly voice within the People Power Party. Having served multiple terms as mayor, Oh is known for his focus on city development, welfare innovation, and policies aimed at young families and small business owners. Oh's political career has seen both setbacks and revivals. After resigning in 2011 following a failed referendum, he made a comeback in the 2021 mayoral by-election and was re-elected in 2022. His return solidified his image as a seasoned and pragmatic administrator capable of regaining public trust. Though his support in the Flower Research poll remains modest, Oh is viewed as a potential consensus candidate should conservative forces seek to unite behind a less polarizing figure. His calm demeanor and emphasis on practical governance resonate with middle-class and centrist voters, particularly in Seoul and surrounding areas. Oh has so far avoided confrontational politics, focusing instead on housing reforms, digital infrastructure, and urban mobility. His platform may appeal to voters fatigued by ideological clashes and seeking stability. Han Dong-hoon, the former justice minister and a close ally of President Yoon, is often seen as a rising star among younger conservatives. He built his reputation as a tough prosecutor during major corruption investigations, earning praise for his legal sharpness and media-savvy presence. As justice minister, Han pursued high-profile cases targeting political and corporate figures, which drew both applause and criticism. After stepping down in 2024, he briefly served as acting leader of the People Power Party, signaling his broader political ambitions. Han's base includes conservative-leaning youth and professionals drawn to his image as a clean, reform-oriented outsider. However, his lack of elected office experience and close ties to Yoon's administration may be a liability in the post-impeachment political climate. To gain traction in a divided field, Han would need to distinguish himself from other conservative contenders while addressing concerns about his political independence. His legal credentials and communication skills remain assets as he seeks a path forward. 2025-04-04 11:25:15

Police on highest alert nationwide ahead of impeachment ruling SEOUL, April 04 (AJP) - As South Korea awaits the Constitutional Court’s ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, police have been placed on the highest emergency alert across the country starting midnight on Apr. 4. The top-level alert, known as "Gapho Emergency," allows authorities to mobilize 100 percent of available police forces. Officers are barred from taking leave, and commanding staff are required to remain in constant communication and on standby. On Thursday, the police deployed around 20,000 officers nationwide, with over 60 percent -- some 14,000 officers from 210 riot police units -- concentrated in Seoul to maintain public order. Key areas of concern include the Gwanghwamun Square, where large-scale protests are expected, and the presidential residence in Hannam-dong. The police have designated the Gwanghwamun and Jongno areas as “special crime prevention zones.” Around 1,500 officers, including mobile patrol units, local police, traffic police, and detectives are stationed throughout the area. Security around the Constitutional Court is especially tight. A 150-meter perimeter has been sealed off with police buses to prevent demonstrators from entering the area, effectively creating what officials describe as a “vacuum zone.” All protests near the court are banned. To ensure the safety of the justices, additional security teams have been dispatched. Special police units have been stationed near the Constitutional Court building, while riot squads are equipped with pepper spray and long batons in preparation for any potential unrest. 2025-04-04 10:26:29

S. Korean military on standby ahead of Yoon's impeachment ruling SEOUL, April 04 (AJP) - South Korea’s military elevated its surveillance readiness against North Korea Friday, ahead of the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), the military expanded and reinforced the operation of surveillance equipment such as reconnaissance aircraft, radar, and thermal observation devices (TOD) in the hours leading up to the 11 a.m. ruling. Key military commanders were placed on standby and maintained at their designated posts. In response to a question about readiness during a briefing on Apr. 3, Joint Chiefs spokesperson Lee Sung-jun stated, “We plan to upgrade our surveillance status.” Following the court’s ruling, Kim Sun-ho, who is serving as acting defense minister, is scheduled to preside over a meeting of top military commanders to review and assess the country’s military preparedness. 2025-04-04 10:16:40

Italian Embassy partners with Korean fried chicken giant Kyochon for new Italy-inspired menu SEOUL, April 03 (AJP) - The Italian Embassy in Seoul has joined forces with Kyochon Food & Beverages, South Korea’s leading fried chicken franchise, to develop new chicken dishes using premium Italian ingredients. Unlike other major fried chicken chains known for heavily spiced or sweet-and-spicy sauces, Kyochon is recognized for its signature crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet soy glaze. With about 1,400 locations across the country, Kyochon has also built strong popularity overseas, especially in regions less accustomed to spicy flavors. The embassy announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding with Kyochon on Mar. 31 to promote food culture exchanges between Italy and South Korea. As part of the collaboration, the two sides will work on introducing a “Kyochon Italia” menu, featuring key ingredients imported from Italy such as balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and olive oil-based dressings. Kyochon is expected to unveil and serve the new dishes during an embassy-hosted event on Jun. 2, coinciding with Festa della Repubblica, Italy’s Republic Day. As part of the partnership, Kyochon Chairman Kwon Won-kang has also been invited by the embassy to visit Milan in May for “Tuttofood Milano 2025,” an international food trade fair. “This collaboration could become a benchmark for Korean food brands aiming to enter the global gourmet market. We also aim to offer Korean consumers a new, distinctive culinary experience,” a Kyochon spokesperson said in a statement. 2025-04-03 15:26:48