Hungarian envoy says relations with South Korea poised for further growth

SEOUL, December 20 (AJP) - "A growing number of universities in Hungary now offer programs dedicated to South Korea thanks to the Korean Wave," said Hungarian Ambassador to South Korea István Szerdahelyi during his recent interview with AJP. "Riding the wave of these changes, we hope to see more South Korean students coming to Hungary," Szerdahelyi added, sharing his vision for the future of bilateral relations between the two countries. Hungary, is, in

December 20, 2024

Toxic substances found in Christmas toys sold on Chinese e-commerce sites

SEOUL, December 20 (AJP) - Seoul City has discovered alarming levels of toxic substances in Christmas toys sold on major Chinese e-commerce platforms, with some items containing hazardous materials far exceeding South Korean safety standards. On Friday, the city government announced that six out of 15 inspected products, including paper toys, beads, and toy blocks, failed to meet domestic safety regulations. Two Santa Claus figurines from AliExpress were found to contain phthalat

December 20, 2024

Far-right media may have shaped Yoon's martial law decision

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - President Yoon Suk Yeol’s December 3 martial law decree, criticized as both extreme and impractical, has ignited scrutiny over his decision-making process and alleged reliance on far-right media sources. Analysts suggest that conspiracy theories promoted by far-right YouTube channels, which have propagated unfounded claims of election fraud, may have influenced the president’s controversial actions. The channels in question have repeatedly

December 19, 2024

Acting president's veto of six bills sparks backlash from Democratic Party

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - Acting President Han Duck-soo on Thursday vetoed six controversial bills, exercising presidential power for the first time since assuming interim leadership following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. The vetoes, which include four agricultural bills and two related to parliamentary procedure, were approved during an extraordinary Cabinet meeting convened by Han earlier in the day. “My heart feels heavy as I ask the National Assembly t

December 19, 2024

South Korea's tourism goals stumble amid political turmoil

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - South Korea’s ambitious goal of attracting 20 million foreign tourists in 2024 faces setbacks amid political upheaval, including recent martial law declaration and the impeachment of the president, tourism officials and industry experts say. While daily life for locals remains largely unaffected, the uncertainty has spooked international visitors, raising concerns about safety. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism reported a considerable

December 19, 2024

US raises alarm over Russia's possible shift on North Korea's denuclearization amid growing military ties

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - The U.S. has raised concerns that Russia may shift its stance on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. "Russia may be close to accepting North Korea's nuclear weapons program, reversing Moscow's decade long commitment to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula," said U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield during a Security Council meeting in New York on Wednesday. "We believe that Moscow will become more r

December 19, 2024

PHOTOS: Film on independence fighters will be released on Dec. 24

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - A press conference and media preview screening for "Harbin," a film depicting the life-risking journey of Korean independence fighters during the Japanese colonial period, took place at CGV in Yongsan, Seoul, Dec. 18, 2024. The film opens in theaters Dec. 24.

December 19, 2024

Prices of popular winter fruits surge due to heat wave damage

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - South Korean consumers are bracing for higher winter fruit costs, with tangerines and strawberries experiencing significant price hikes compared to last year. The culprit is a prolonged summer heat wave that wreaked havoc on crops. Data released Thursday by the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp. revealed that retail prices for tangerines have surged 18 percent year-on-year to 4,265 won ($2.94) per 10 pieces. Strawberries, likewise, have seen a 14

December 19, 2024

Yoon marks low-key birthday as he prepares for impeachment trial

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - President Yoon Suk Yeol quietly marked his 64th birthday on Wednesday without any official schedules or festivities. His low-key birthday came amid his suspension from presidential duties after a motion to impeach him over his abrupt declaration of martial law was passed last week. But the presidential office in Yongsan received over 2,000 letters congratulating Yoon on his birthday, and some of his die-hard supporters also sent flowers to the Constitution

December 19, 2024

Acting President Han talks with Japanese PM on the phone

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - Acting President Han Duck-soo spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba over the phone on Thursday. Han's conversation with Ishiba came after his phone call with U.S. President Joe Biden last weekend. During their talks which lasted about 20 minutes, Han assured Ishiba that the country's state affairs including diplomatic and security policies would be managed without disruptions in accordance with the Constitutional law and order, despi

December 19, 2024