Korea ranks second in office property investment in Asia-Pacific

SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - South Korea's commercial office property investments have surged 18 percent this year, securing the second position in the Asia-Pacific region after Japan, according to a new market report released on Monday. The report from global real estate consultancy Savills showed South Korea captured 22 percent of the region's office property investments in the first three quarters of 2024, while Japan led with 30 percent market share. China, Australia and I

December 23, 2024

Police secure President Yoon's phone records related to emergency martial law

SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - The National Police Agency's special investigation team announced Sunday that it had obtained phone records from President Yoon Suk Yeol as part of its probe into the president's declaration and execution of emergency martial law on Dec. 3. The president declared martial law at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 3, citing threats to national security. Martial forces were deployed to major government facilities, including the National Assembly and

December 23, 2024

Korean biotech firm begins clinical trial of subcutaneous cancer drug

SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - South Korean biotechnology company GI Innovation announced on Monday that it has dosed the first patient in a Phase 1 clinical trial of its subcutaneous (SC) immunotherapy drug, GI-102. This marks a significant milestone for the company, as it is the first domestic company to administer an SC formulation of its own immunotherapy. The Phase 1 trial is being conducted at 14 medical institutions across South Korea and the United States. Samsung Biologics Co

December 23, 2024

Seoul hospitals see surge in out-of-city patients over past decade

SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - Over 6.33 million patients from outside Seoul sought medical treatment in the capital's hospitals last year, marking a 27 percent increase from 2013, according to the National Health Insurance Service's annual report. Non-Seoul residents accounted for 41.7 percent of the total 15.2 million patients treated in Seoul medical facilities in 2023, the highest proportion among South Korea's 17 administrative regions. These out-of-city patients genera

December 22, 2024

Koreans' smoking habits shift as e-cigarette use rises

SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - Koreans are shifting from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes, contributing to a steady increase in overall smoking rates over the past three years. Alcohol consumption is also rebounding after a pandemic-induced decline, while obesity rates continue to rise despite increased physical activity. A nationwide survey by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) of 230,000 adults at 258 public health centers revealed these significant behavio

December 22, 2024

Police interrogate ex-military intelligence chief over notebook linked to martial law plans

SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - Police are questioning Roh Sang-won, a former military intelligence chief, over his alleged role in planning the Dec. 3 martial law declared by President Yoon Suk Yeol. Roh is accused of collaborating with Moon Sang-ho, the arrested commander of the Military Intelligence Command, to orchestrate the operation. The National Assembly impeached President Yoon on Dec. 14, suspending him from his duties. The motion, passed 204 to 85, cited allegations of rebel

December 22, 2024

Fans gear up for 'Squid Game' season 2 with themed pop-ups and global hype

SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - Fans worldwide are gearing up for the highly anticipated second season of "Squid Game," set to premiere on Netflix on Dec. 26. The record-breaking series, which captivated audiences globally in its first season, is already sparking excitement, with Korean retailers tapping into the frenzy through themed products and pop-up stores. The first season of the Korean drama made history, garnering 2.2 billion views and becoming Netflix's most-watche

December 22, 2024

VISUALS: Tractor protestors continue standoff with police for second day

SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - Farmers from the Korean Peasants League (KPL) are locked in a standoff with police for the second consecutive day after their attempt to enter Seoul with around 30 tractors and 50 trucks was blocked by authorities. The farmers, traveling to join a mass rally in the city, were stopped by police near Namtaeryeong Pass, a key route connecting Seoul to its southern suburbs. The police cited concerns that the tractors would cause significant traffic disruptions and erect

December 22, 2024

Monthly 5G data traffic in Korea expected to surpass 1mln TB amid impeachment crisis

SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - Korea is poised to see its monthly 5G mobile data traffic exceed one million terabytes for the first time, driven by heightened public interest in news related to President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment. Many citizens are watching news clips and live broadcasts via social media platforms such as YouTube. A digital media consumption report published by the Korea Press Foundation in 2023 revealed that 53 percent of 2,003 Korean survey participants consume

December 22, 2024

Impeachment trial stalled as Yoon refuses to accept court documents

SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - The impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol has stalled even before its formal proceedings could begin, as Yoon has repeatedly refused to accept legal documents from the Constitutional Court and has not submitted a notice of attorney appointment. The president was suspended from his duties after the impeachment vote passed 204 to 85, citing allegations of rebellion and abuse of power. The impeachment was triggered by Yoon’s sudden declaration

December 22, 2024