Actress Nana cleared of assault charges in home break-in case SEOUL, January 16 (AJP) - Actress Nana has been cleared of assault charges filed by a man who allegedly broke into her home late last year, police said Friday. Police in Guri, Gyeonggi Province said they would not pursue charges of attempted murder and assault against Nana in a countersuit filed by the intruder, determining that her actions were in self-defense. After questioning Nana last week, police concluded that her actions were lawful self-defense, in line with prosecutors who had placed the man in his 30s in custody on robbery charges. The case drew renewed attention online earlier this month after the suspect, arrested for breaking into Nana's home, filed a complaint from a detention center, claiming the actress injured him with a weapon. He allegedly climbed a ladder to Nana's home in the early hours of Nov. 15, entered through an unlocked door, and demanded valuables. Nana, who woke to her mother's screams, tried to stop him. During the confrontation, Nana reportedly injured the man's jaw while defending herself. 2026-01-16 14:57:29

South Korea, U.S. to launch parallel talks on nuclear submarine, fuel cycle issues SEOUL, December 21 (AJP) -South Korea and the United States plan to begin simultaneous, issue-by-issue consultations next year to implement leaders’ agreements on Seoul’s nuclear-powered submarine program, civilian uranium enrichment and the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, South Korea’s national security adviser said Sunday. Wi Sung-lac said the two sides agreed to “launch consultations all at once” starting next year as follow-up measures to agreements reached at recent summit meetings, Yi told Yonhap News Agency after wrapping up his three-day trip to New York and Washington. He had met secretary of state Marco Rubio and energy secretary Chris Wright among other officials. South Korea has formed a “nuclear-powered submarine task force” and an “enriched uranium task force” under the presidential National Security Office and is preparing to begin working-level negotiations as soon as U.S. counterparts are designated, Wi said. “Consultations between South Korea and the United States are generally going smoothly, and the U.S. has referred to the alliance as a ‘model alliance,’” Wi said. “Based on this atmosphere, we intend to move swiftly to implement the leaders’ agreements.” On the nuclear-powered submarine program, Wi said the two sides agreed to pursue a separate bilateral accord under Section 91 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, which allows the transfer of military nuclear material with presidential authorization. The approach is intended to work around restrictions in the bilateral nuclear cooperation agreement that limit transfers of weapons-usable nuclear material. Wi said the framework would mirror Australia’s precedent under AUKUS, the trilateral security partnership among the United States, Britain and Australia, under which Canberra received an exception through a separate agreement to pursue nuclear-powered submarines. “In Australia’s case, an exception was granted under Section 91 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, which required a separate bilateral agreement,” Wi said. “Since we may also need such an arrangement, that possibility will be discussed.” The consultations follow joint fact sheets released after summit meetings in August and October between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump. According to the documents, Washington agreed to support South Korea’s civilian uranium enrichment and spent-fuel reprocessing for peaceful purposes, within the bounds of the bilateral nuclear cooperation agreement and U.S. legal requirements. The United States also agreed to approve South Korea’s construction of nuclear-powered submarines and to work closely with Seoul on related issues, including securing nuclear fuel. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-21 09:08:06

Korean court revisits authoritarian-era anti-communism conviction SEOUL, December 20 (AJP) -A South Korean court has fully acquitted Anglican Church of Korea priest Yoon Jung-hyeon, overturning his 1975 conviction under the now-abolished Anti-Communism Law after a retrial held nearly five decades later. The Seoul Northern District Court ruled on Dec. 11, 202, that Yoon was not guilty, and the verdict became final last Friday. The court said it could not rule out the possibility that coercive interrogation or mistreatment occurred during the unlawful detention period, and concluded that such procedural violations fatally undermined the reliability of the prosecution’s case. The ruling further held that Yoon’s statements and activities did not satisfy the legal elements of an offense under the Anti-Communism Law, and that they did not pose a substantive threat to national security or the democratic constitutional order. The court rejected the prosecution’s case on grounds of insufficient evidence and flawed legal interpretation. Yoon, who was convicted in 1975, filed for a retrial on Nov. 1, 2024, nearly 49 years after the original judgment. The court approved the retrial on April 4, 2025, citing Articles 420(7) and 422 of the Criminal Procedure Act, and held seven hearings between May and December before delivering the acquittal. Prosecutors had already sought an acquittal during closing arguments on Nov. 26, and formally allowed the ruling to stand by foregoing an appeal. The significance of the Yoon Jung-hyeon ruling lies not merely in the reversal of a guilty verdict, but in the court’s explicit judgment on the investigative practices of the authoritarian era. The ruling also exposes the inherent limits of the Anti-Communism Law itself, which allowed punishment to extend beyond concrete acts to encompass thought, attitude, and interpretation. By affirming that Yoon’s words and conduct did not present a real threat to national security, the court reaffirmed a core constitutional principle: criminal law must address actual danger, not belief or conscience. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-20 12:50:41

Korea's FTC chief signals suspension on Coupang if fault confirmed in data leak SEOUL, December 20 (AJP) -Ju Biung-ghi, chairman of South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission, said authorities are keeping open the possibility of slapping business suspension e-commerce giant Coupang following a large-scale leak of customer personal data. Speaking on KBS’ “NewslineW" on Friday afternoon, Ju said the FTC is mobilizing “all available means,” including dispute mediation and support for consumer lawsuits, to assist those affected by the incident. Ju’s remarks came amid renewed regulatory momentum at the FTC. Earlier this week, he also signaled the watchdog’s intent to resume efforts to tighten regulations on monopolistic online platforms — an initiative that had stalled amid strong opposition from the United States ahead of the Korea–U.S. trade agreement finalized last month. Regarded as a key architect of President Lee Jae Myung’s economic policy framework, Ju described Korea’s penalties for unfair business practices as relatively lenient. He voiced support for the president’s push to impose substantial fines on Coupang over the data breach, which affected nearly 34 million users. Ju stressed, however, that enforcement steps would depend on the outcome of the investigation. Authorities must first determine whether the leaked consumer information was actually misused in online transactions and whether such misuse has caused — or could cause — financial harm. “If consumer losses are confirmed, the FTC will demand that Coupang take steps to restore damages,” Ju said. Should the company fail to do so adequately, the commission could order a suspension of business operations. He added that if a suspension would result in greater harm to consumers, authorities could instead impose a penalty surcharge. A joint investigation team comprising multiple government agencies is currently examining the case, Ju said, adding that “the top priority” is to clearly establish responsibility for the data breach. Ju also addressed plans reported earlier in the day to President Lee to strengthen the FTC’s enforcement capacity. He said the commission would prepare measures to secure compulsory investigative powers, in line with the goal of making administrative sanctions more effective. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-20 11:58:27

Nine-year-old boy becomes South Korea's youngest professional go player SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - A nine-year-old boy has become South Korea's youngest professional go or baduk player ever, the mind sport's governing body said on Friday. According to the Korea Baduk Association, Yoo Ha-jun earned professional status after passing the final qualification round the previous day, along with another young boy Pyo Hyun-woo who is 12 years old. The two stood out among about 55 under-12 apprentices to become South Korea's youngest professional Go players. At nine years, six months, and 12 days old, Yoo broke the previous record set in 1962 by baduk grandmaster Cho Hun-hyun. With the two new additions, the association now has 456 professional players, consisting of 366 men and 90 women. 2025-12-19 15:58:56

Tottenham bids another emotional farewell to Son in documentary SEOUL, December 18 (AJP) -Tottenham Hotspur has released “Heung-Min Son: Homecoming,” a documentary capturing the final chapter of the South Korean star’s decade-long journey at the club, following his emotional return to North London in December. The film premiered this week on Tottenham’s official streaming platform and documents Son’s long-awaited farewell at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during the Dec. 9 Champions League match against Slavia Prague. Now 33 and playing for LAFC, Son addressed supporters before kickoff and signed a newly unveiled mural dedicated to his legacy. Son’s return came five months after his abrupt departure in August, when he announced his decision to leave Tottenham at a press conference in Seoul during the club’s preseason tour. The timing meant he never received a proper farewell at the stadium — a gap the club sought to address by inviting him back. “When I announced my decision to leave in Korea, I never got a proper chance to say goodbye to fans at the stadium,” Son said in the documentary. Former defender Ledley King presented Son with a commemorative trophy on the pitch, while supporters heard directly from their former captain in what became a belated but deeply personal send-off. The mural on Tottenham High Road — personally selected by Son — depicts his signature camera celebration and the moment he lifted the Europa League trophy in May, ending the club’s 17-year silverware drought. Son signed the mural during his visit. Son joined Tottenham from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 for £22 million. Over ten seasons, he recorded 173 goals and 101 assists in 454 appearances, ranking fifth on the club’s all-time scoring list. His achievements include the 2021-22 Premier League Golden Boot, shared with Mohamed Salah, the 2020 FIFA Puskás Award, and becoming the first Asian player to score 100 Premier League goals. His partnership with Harry Kane produced 47 combined goals — the most prolific duo in Premier League history. Son captained Tottenham to the 2025 Europa League title with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao, a moment the documentary frames as the perfect closing act. “Ending it with a trophy was the most ideal ending,” Son said, adding that the final was his last match for the club. The film also explores Son’s decision to depart after the Europa League triumph. “I’m not the type to stay in a stable place for a long time, so I felt I needed a new challenge,” Son said, noting that he discussed the decision with people he trusts and that they supported him. He said he informed Tottenham of his intentions immediately after the final and made one condition clear: he would not join another Premier League club. “I respect this club,” Son said. “I don’t want to play against Tottenham. I was a player who played only for Tottenham.” Son completed a move to Los Angeles FC in August for $26.5 million, a record transfer fee in Major League Soccer.’ During his December return, Son reflected on his transformation over a decade in North London. “I came to north London as a kid who didn’t speak English,” he told fans. “I leave as a grown man, a very proud man. I will always be Spurs and always be with you. This will always be my home.” Near the end of the documentary, Son thanked the club once more. " I’m truly grateful to Tottenham for being with me, and the time I played in this uniform was an honor and happiness,” he said. “I hope you remember me forever as a Tottenham player.” Asked whether he would have chosen a different way to say goodbye, Son replied, “I think the way it happened now was perfect.” The film closes with a familiar chant echoing through the stadium and beyond: “Nice one, Sonny.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-18 14:15:04

Ex-golfer Pak Se-ri's father gets suspended sentence for fraud SEOUL, December 17 (AJP) - South Korean golf pioneer Pak Se-ri's father received a suspended sentence for document forgery and fraud on Wednesday. The Daejeon District Court in central South Korea sentenced him to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years on several charges. He was convicted of falsely claiming to be the head of his daughter's namesake foundation from June 2021 to July 2023, and allegedly forging the foundation's seal and other documents in an attempt to establish an international golf academy. After becoming aware of this, the foundation filed a complaint against him in September 2023, although he claimed that he had acted on behalf of his daughter with tacit approval from the foundation. But the court said, "There is no evidence of delegated authority from the foundation to him." 2025-12-17 15:08:59

Hotel Shilla president's son admitted to Seoul National University SEOUL, December 12 (AJP) - Hotel Shilla president Lee Boo-jin's eldest son has been accepted to Seoul National University. According to a list released by the prestigious university on Friday, his name, identified by his last name Im, appeared among the successful early-admission applicants to the university's Department of Economics for next year's academic year. Those admitted must register by next week. If he enrolls, he will follow in the footsteps of his uncle and Samsung chief Lee Jae-yong, who majored in Asian history after entering the university in 1987. Im had already drawn attention when it was revealed that he earned a near-perfect score on last month's university entrance exam, missing only one question. The news spread last week shortly after former conservative lawmaker Park Sun-young shared it on social media, adding that Im "never lost first place throughout his school years." His decision to forgo medical school, despite being a top scorer, while completing all his primary and secondary schooling in South Korea rather than abroad like many conglomerate or chaebol heirs, also drew praise as an exemplary case. Lee drew widespread attention in 1999 when she married Im Woo-jae, a former bodyguard of her late father Lee Kun-hee. But the couple divorced in 2020 after a lengthy legal battle. Lee gained custody of their son, while her ex-husband received a substantial portion of the couple's assets. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-12 11:23:33

SM warns of legal action vs online harassment of Winter after rumor with Jungkook SEOUL, December 10 (AJP) -SM Entertainment has issued a sharp warning over what it calls a surge of malicious online posts targeting aespa member Winter, the South Korean agency threatening to expand legal action against defamation, sexual harassment and fabricated rumors circulating after recent dating speculation involving BTS member Jungkook. In a statement released Wednesday, the agency said it was “fully aware of the seriousness” of the growing wave of harmful content — including sexual remarks, personal attacks, privacy breaches and deepfake materials. SM said it has been monitoring major online communities and social media platforms, where it identified “a large volume of malicious posts and comments” aimed at the singer. The company said it has already begun filing both criminal complaints and civil claims against individuals who created or spread such content, and will submit additional complaints as it reviews further evidence. The agency added that it has secured a substantial amount of data through ongoing monitoring and tip-offs, stressing that it will respond “without leniency.” The girl band star found herself in the hot seat amid swirling rumors linking her to BTS's JungKook. Claims that the two shared couple-style tattoos, nail designs and similar fashion items spread quickly across Korean social media, fueling speculation among fans. Until the defamation claim, neither SM Entertainment nor HYBE, Jungkook’s agency, has addressed the claims, a silence that has only stirred further curiosity among online users. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-10 17:48:22

Hollywood star Charlize Theron spotted in Seoul's trendy neighborhood SEOUL, November 24 (AJP) - Hollywood actress Charlize Theron was recently spotted in Seoul's trendy areas near Hongik University, crating a buzz among fans here. A video clip posted on social media on Sunday showed Theron dressed in a brown trench-style coat and sunglasses, walking with her daughter without any security guards. The clip went viral immediately. When one fan approached her and asked to take a photo together, Theron smiled and warmly posed with her arm around the fan. Theron's visit to South Korea has not been unknown, but her relaxed outing with her daughter suggests she might be on vacation. An Oscar winner for "Monster" (2003), Theron has starred in many hit films including "The Italian Job" (2003) and "Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015). Her upcoming film "Odyssey" directed by acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan is slated for release here in July next year. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-24 17:15:16