Yoon's legal team denounces arrest warrant as special counsel ramps up investigation SEOUL, June 25 (AJP) - Former President Yoon Suk Yeol's legal team filed a formal objection with the Seoul Central District Court on Wednesday, pushing back against an arrest warrant request from the special counsel investigating his December 3 martial law declaration. They argued that the warrant lacks legal basis and violates Yoon's right to a fair defense. Before the special counsel took over, Yoon had been summoned three times by the police -- on June 5, 12, and 19 -- but declined to appear on each occasion. He made it clear that he did not intend to respond during the police investigation phase, prompting concerns that he was trying to run out the clock on the limited-duration inquiry. In the written opinion submitted to the court, Yoon's lawyers claimed the request was procedurally improper and blindsided the former president. "President Yoon has not received a single summons from the special counsel. We have not been informed of where the office is located, who the lead prosecutor is, or where any questioning would take place," the lawyers said in a statement. "Skipping every basic procedure and going straight to an arrest request is impossible to understand and seriously infringes on his legal rights." The team also questioned the legitimacy of the warrant, noting that it was based on summons issued during an earlier police investigation. "The police and the special counsel are clearly separate investigative bodies," the statement read. "Basing a special counsel's arrest warrant on police summons lacks legal validity and procedural fairness." The court is currently reviewing the submission and could issue a decision as early as today. Unlike detention warrants, arrest warrants in South Korea can be granted without a formal hearing. Special Counsel Cho Eon-seok filed the arrest warrant on Jun. 24, just six days after formally launching the investigation. Yoon is facing multiple charges, including obstruction of official duties, abuse of power, and instigating violations of the Presidential Security Act. Prosecutors allege that he ordered the Presidential Security Service to block police from arresting him on Jan. 3, and that he later instructed top military intelligence officials to delete encrypted phone records linked to the martial law plan. Yoon's lawyers said he had intended to cooperate with the special counsel and appear voluntarily once a schedule was agreed upon. They characterized the arrest warrant as an ambush and reiterated that he is willing to respond to a properly issued summons. The charges stem from Yoon's declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, 2024. The move, which bypassed the National Assembly, included the deployment of military units and the activation of emergency communication protocols, raising serious constitutional concerns. Two failed attempts to arrest Yoon followed in January. On both January 3 and January 15, officers from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) were stopped by the Presidential Security Service at the gates of his residence. Yoon's legal team at the time argued the CIO lacked the authority to detain a sitting or former president under the Constitution. On April 4, 2025, the Constitutional Court upheld the National Assembly's impeachment of Yoon, officially removing him from office. It was the first time a South Korean president had been impeached and ousted over allegations related to insurrection. After the ruling, the case was transferred to prosecutors. In early June, the National Assembly passed legislation establishing a special counsel to investigate whether Yoon's actions amounted to insurrection or treason under the Criminal Act. Cho's team began its work on June 18 and has moved quickly. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun was indicted for allegedly ordering the destruction of evidence, and prosecutors are now seeking an additional detention warrant for him. The special counsel has emphasized the urgency of the probe, which must be completed within 150 days by law. 2025-06-25 10:16:16

INTERVIEW: How Kazakhstan's Korean Cultural Center fosters bilateral relations SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - In the central Eurasian steppe, there is a place that has been at the forefront of promoting Korean culture and heritage for over 15 years. Located in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) there has played a pivotal role in introducing Korean culture across Central Asia since 2010. As the region's first and only such center, it has provided locals with a wide range of programs that raise awareness of the northeastern Asian country, from language classes to cultural activities featuring music, food, and more. In an interview with AJP earlier this month, Koo Bon-chul, the center's chief, said, "South Korea and Kazakhstan have maintained a close relationship since diplomatic ties were first established in 1992. The center has further boosted exchanges and cooperation between the two countries." Among many programs the center offers, the most prominent are those related to "Koryoin," also known as "Kareiski," which refers to ethnic Koreans in former Soviet Union territories who were forcibly deported in 1937 to Central Asia, primarily Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Currently, around 500,000 ethnic Koreans live across Central Asia, with approximately 120,000 residing in Kazakhstan. The center organizes film festivals, art exhibitions, and traditional performances for both Koryoin and local communities, in collaboration with cities such as Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent, where ethnic Koreans have settled. "Many Kazakh people have told me they became interested in Korean culture because their neighbors are ethnic Koreans," Koo said. "This shows that ethnic Koreans have played a key role in promoting Korean culture within Kazakh society. For this reason, we want to continue supporting them, serving as a bridge between the two countries." Koo particularly stressed ethnic Koreans' endurance and diligence in overcoming the hardships of forced deportation, which enabled them to disperse and settle in the uninhabited, barren areas of Central Asia, thereby shaping their distinct historical and cultural identity. "What I really admire is that, even after all these many years, ethnic Koreans have never forgotten their roots," Koo said. "They preserve traditional Korean culture and heritage in their daily lives, passing them down through generations. For example, they publish newspapers in Korean and run a theater showcasing Korean music, dance, and plays," he said. "It is important for the center to support and recognize their efforts." "Ethnic Koreans have firmly established themselves as proud members of Kazakh society, with numerous individuals achieving prominence and notable success," Koo added. "Their presence is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties between South Korea and Kazakhstan." 2025-06-24 17:40:14

North Korea holds key party meeting ahead of major anniversaries SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - North Korea wrapped up a plenary meeting of the Workers Party to review policies and plans for the second half of this year, state media reported on Tuesday. According to the official state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the three-day meeting, which began last Saturday and was chaired by its leader Kim Jong-un, was convened "to conduct the interim review" of major policies for this year and "to discuss and decide on the issues arising in the course of expanding and deepening short-, intermediate-, and long-range plans for economic construction." According to KCNA, discussions also covered preparations for upcoming key anniversaries and other events including the 80th anniversary of the Workers Party's founding, which falls on Oct. 10. Kim delivered a speech, but details were not disclosed, with KCNA merely saying that the "respected comrade" made an "important speech." The North's rubber-stamp parliament also "unanimously" decided to convene a party congress, "which would be another important watershed" for the party, without specifying a date. The meeting drew attention from many pundits as they sought to gauge how Kim would respond to recent conciliatory gestures by the new U.S. and South Korean administrations, amid rising hopes for reengagement with the isolated country. 2025-06-24 17:11:56

South Korea to host US students in shipbuilding education program SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - South Korea will launch a new shipbuilding education program next year aimed at strengthening maritime industry ties with the United States by hosting American university students and faculty for short-term training. The initiative was announced Tuesday by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Seoul National University, San Diego State University, and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering signed a memorandum of understanding, outlining plans for collaborative education and training. Under the agreement, Seoul National University will host between 20 and 30 students and faculty members from U.S. institutions annually, beginning in 2026, for short-term engineering programs focused on shipbuilding. The two countries also committed to expanding the scope of the program to include shipyard design professionals. The new agreement builds on a similar trilateral accord signed last July between Seoul National University, the University of Michigan, and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering. The latest initiative comes as the United States seeks to rebuild its maritime capabilities, following decades of industrial decline in commercial shipbuilding. 2025-06-24 17:09:13

South Korea urged to deepen mineral ties with Africa SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - As tensions between the United States and China continue to roil global supply chains, especially those critical to the electric vehicle industry, South Korea is being urged to strengthen its strategic engagement with Africa to secure vital battery minerals. A report released Tuesday by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) warns that growing geopolitical fragmentation threatens the stability of supply routes for key materials such as lithium, cobalt, graphite, and manganese. These minerals are indispensable to the production of EV batteries, and much of the world’s reserves are concentrated in Africa. The report notes that competition among major economies to establish footholds on the continent has intensified, driven by Africa’s mineral wealth, its young and expanding labor force, and its governments’ commitment to industrial development. China, with a long track record of diplomatic investment in Africa, has made the region central to its foreign policy. Chinese foreign ministers traditionally make their first overseas visits of the year to African nations, and the Belt and Road Initiative has directed billions of dollars into infrastructure supporting mineral extraction and transport. Japan is deepening its own footprint through a combination of technical assistance and equity investments by trading conglomerates. South Korea, while lacking the financial heft or diplomatic reach of these larger players, holds unique advantages in battery technology and manufacturing, the KITA report argues. The report said that Korea’s battery industry is confronting a dual threat: China’s growing control over mineral supply chains, and the United States’ accelerating push to reduce dependency on Chinese materials. “Africa presents an increasingly vital diversification route,” the report said. “But a piecemeal approach won’t suffice. Strategic, coordinated engagement is essential.” The call comes at a pivotal moment for South Korea, whose leading battery makers — including LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, and SK On — are expanding rapidly abroad but remain exposed to mounting supply-side uncertainties. 2025-06-24 17:03:39

Acting US envoy discusses prospects for relations between two allies in Seoul SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - A group of journalists from leading news outlets gathered in Seoul for a seminar to discuss the evolving diplomatic landscape between South Korea and the U.S. since the inauguration of new administrations in both countries. Hosted by the Korea Press Foundation in central Seoul on Tuesday, the seminar offered an opportunity to hear from Joseph Yun, the Chargé d'Affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, through in-depth discussions about recent developments and upcoming challenges in bilateral relations. Beginning with opening remarks by the Korean-American career diplomat, the seminar provided a comprehensive analysis of key issues shaping the bilateral relations, addressing diplomatic strategies and future tasks amid shifting global geopolitical tensions that continue to reshape regional alliances and security frameworks. Expressing "regret" over President Lee Jae-myung's first meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump falling through at last week's Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada due to Trump's early departure, Yun conveyed his hope that Lee would visit Washington as soon as possible to resolve various pending issues including broader regional alliances, tariff-related agreements, defense cost-sharing arrangements and other matters. "It was very unfortunate that the summit did not take place due to scheduling conflicts," Yun said, adding that he is "100-percent confident" it will be held during his tenure. Dispelling concerns about any veiled distance between the two allies raised by some, Yun, who spoke in both English and Korean, reiterated that there is "no doubt" about the bilateral relationship, describing it as one of the "most successful alliances," which he believes will remain unchanged under the Trump administration. Touching on the Pentagon's recent remarks about a "new standard" for alliances with allies worldwide including those in Asia, which calls for spending 5 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defense, he also brought up a possible readjustment in cost-sharing for the upkeep of American troops here along with "other costs," which may point to the regular deployment of U.S. strategic assets on the Korean Peninsula, not only to counter North Korea, but also to keep China in check. In a follow-up panel discussion chaired by Kim Jae-cheon, a professor at Sogang University, participants including editors and news writers in charge of foreign affairs and security engaged in a lively debate, sharing insights from diverse perspectives to explore ways to strengthen bilateral ties and promote cooperation. When one participant asked about any shifts in policies toward North Korea and Trump's anticipated re-engagement with its leader Kim Jong-un, Yun explained, "It takes two to tango," suggesting that any future talks with Pyongyang could take place if North Korea is willing to engage, although Washington "has not yet heard from the North Korean side." But he dismissed speculation that the U.S. would recognize North Korea as a "legitimate nuclear power," as Trump has frequently implied. He emphasized that Washington remains committed to the complete denuclearization of North Korea, which should not be confused with merely acknowledging its possession of nuclear weapons. But he cautioned against laying out the ultimate goal of denuclearization at the initial stage of talks, stressing the need for a more strategic and "smarter" approach to negotiations. Yun, who began his diplomatic career in 1985, served at embassies in several Asian countries including Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, and Thailand before assuming his current post in January this year. He will remain in the role until a new U.S. ambassador is appointed. He graduated from the University of Wales and London School of Economics and Political Science and worked as an economist for a U.S.-based think tank. 2025-06-24 16:18:47

Consumer sentiment in South Korea hits 4-year high SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - South Korea’s consumer confidence surged to a four-year high in June, lifted by optimism over the launch of a new government and expectations for a forthcoming supplementary budget, the central bank said Tuesday. The Bank of Korea reported that its Composite Consumer Sentiment Index (CCSI) rose to 108.7 in June, up 6.9 points from the previous month and marking the highest reading since June 2021, when the index reached 111.1. The latest increase represents the third consecutive monthly gain and reflects a sharp rebound from December, when the index plummeted 12.5 points following the declaration of martial law by then President Yoon Suk Yeol. Sentiment began to recover in April, when the index stood at 93.8. Analysts said consumer confidence has been bolstered by President Lee Jae-myung’s proposed supplementary budget, which is aimed at stimulating domestic consumption and reviving economic growth. All six sub-indices of the sentiment survey improved in June. The outlook for domestic economic conditions posted the largest gain, rising 16 points to 107. The index measuring current economic conditions climbed 11 points to 74. Expectations for housing prices also surged, with that index jumping 9 points to 120 — its highest level since October 2021, when it hit 125. The monthly increase was the sharpest in more than two years. 2025-06-24 16:13:32

TRAVEL: Cheonggyecheon — Seoul's green heart SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - In the heart of this bustling metropolis, a remarkable scene unfolds along the Cheonggyecheon Stream. Citizens dip their bare feet into the cool water, some engrossed in books, others in animated conversations with friends, colleagues, and international visitors. The clear stream teems with life: stately carp glide beneath the surface, while herons, observed with curious delight by passersby, patiently stalk fish. Families of mallards, foraging for sustenance, are a common and charming sight. This verdant corridor, a testament to ambitious urban planning, stands as a prime example of transforming an imagined ideal into a tangible reality. Stretching 8.12 kilometers from Cheonggye Plaza to its confluence with the Jungnangcheon Stream, Cheonggyecheon’s journey from a natural waterway to a modern urban amenity is a saga of resilience and renewal. Before the Joseon Dynasty, Cheonggyecheon was a natural stream, albeit one with significant drawbacks. Prone to severe flooding that inundated homes, and serving as an open sewer for household waste during drier periods, it was a source of widespread unsanitation. Historical records indicate that the Joseon Dynasty undertook periodic maintenance and dredging, with a commemorative monument near Gwangtonggyo Bridge still marking these early efforts. The mid-20th century, particularly after the Korean War, saw Cheonggyecheon devolve into one of Seoul's most notorious slum areas. Addressing this pressing social and environmental challenge led to the audacious Cheonggyecheon covering project. In three distinct phases between 1958 and 1977, the stream was systematically encased, and atop this newly created land, an elevated highway rose. The Cheonggye Elevated Highway, in its time, was a powerful symbol of South Korea’s modernization. Yet, by the mid-1980s, an explosion in vehicle ownership transformed it into a notorious chokepoint, exacerbating traffic congestion across the city. By the early 2000s, the elevated structure itself showed signs of severe aging and structural fatigue. In 2002, Lee Myung-bak, then the newly inaugurated mayor of Seoul, championed a bold vision: the demolition of the elevated highway and the ambitious restoration of Cheonggyecheon. On June 30, 2003, the highway was closed, followed by its systematic dismantling. From July 1, 2003, to October 1, 2005, the covering over Cheonggyecheon was removed, and the stream was meticulously brought back to life. To ensure a continuous flow of water, the Seoul Metropolitan Government now pumps purified water from the Han River, supplemented by groundwater collected from subway stations. This commitment comes with a significant annual maintenance cost, approximately 10 billion won, but it underpins the stream’s vitality and cleanliness — a rarity in a major urban center. A Thriving Ecosystem and Global Landmark Two decades since its restoration, Cheonggyecheon has flourished, evolving into a vibrant ecological corridor. Lush trees and thriving aquatic plants now define its banks, attracting indigenous fish species like minnows and pale chub, as well as a variety of birds, including egrets and little egrets. What was once a blighted urban waterway is now a celebrated landmark. It has become an indispensable stop for international tourists and a frequent destination for visiting government officials keen to study Seoul's pioneering approach to urban renewal. For those wishing to delve deeper into this remarkable transformation, the Cheonggyecheon Museum offers a comprehensive chronicle of its history. 2025-06-24 15:43:55

Asiana Airlines resumes Phuket flights after two-year suspension SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - Asiana Airlines will resume its daily service between Incheon and Phuket on Wednesday, restoring a popular Southeast Asian route that had been suspended for more than two years, the carrier said on Tuesday. The route, which was halted in April 2023, will operate once a day, departing from Incheon International Airport at 6:10 p.m. and arriving in Phuket at 10:30 p.m. local time. Return flights will leave Phuket at 11:40 p.m., arriving in Incheon at 8:00 a.m. the following morning. On Saturdays, the return flight is scheduled to depart slightly earlier, at 11:25 p.m. The restoration of the service comes amid growing demand for overseas travel during South Korea’s peak summer vacation season, particularly to beach destinations in the region. Phuket, often dubbed the “Pearl of Asia,” remains one of Asia’s premier resort getaways, known for its turquoise waters, white sand beaches and a wide array of leisure offerings. The airline’s return to Phuket reflects a broader recovery in outbound travel from South Korea as pandemic-era restrictions continue to ease. Still, travelers are advised to take note of new entry requirements: since May, Thailand has mandated that all foreign visitors submit an electronic arrival card, known as the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), before entering the country. Applications can be submitted starting three days prior to departure through the official TDAC website. 2025-06-24 15:30:58

Former Naver executives steer President Lee Jae Myung's AI policy SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung has appointed former top executives from Naver to senior government posts, signaling a shift toward industry-driven policymaking as the country seeks to accelerate its ambitions in artificial intelligence. Ha Jung-woo, 48, the former head of AI innovation at Naver Cloud, was named the first Chief of AI Future Planning within the presidential office on June 15. A deep learning specialist, Ha had led the development of advanced AI technologies at Naver and was a vocal proponent of building “sovereign AI” — domestically developed AI systems tailored to national priorities. In his inaugural press briefing, Ha underscored the need for cross-ministerial collaboration, describing AI development as a “strategic imperative” for South Korea’s economic and technological independence. President Lee also nominated Han Seong-sook, 58, a pioneering figure in South Korea’s internet industry, as Minister of SMEs and Startups. Han served as Naver’s chief executive from 2017 to 2022 — the first woman to hold the role — overseeing a critical period of expansion into mobile platforms, fintech, and overseas markets. Under her leadership, the company launched Naver Pay, scaled its global webtoon business, and surpassed 6 trillion won (about $4.3 billion) in annual revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic. The appointments reflect a broader departure from the traditional practice of staffing key policy roles with bureaucrats and academics. Instead, President Lee's administration is turning to private-sector technologists with hands-on experience to help shape the country’s digital future. Industry analysts say the move aligns with Lee’s campaign pledge to develop a homegrown AI model, positioning South Korea as a leader in next-generation technologies while reducing dependence on foreign platforms. 2025-06-24 15:26:22