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

VISUALS: Opera 'Again 2024 Turandot' will hit South Korean stage

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - A press call for the opera "Again 2024 Turandot" was held at COEX in Seoul on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. The opera, scheduled to run from Dec. 22 to 31 at COEX, is Italian composer Giacomo Puccini's final masterpiece. This three-act opera tells the love story between Princess Turandot and Prince Calaf, set in ancient China.

December 19, 2024

Lotteria caught in viral storm over martial law meeting

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - Lotteria, a popular South Korean fast-food chain, has unexpectedly found itself at the center of a political storm and social media frenzy after it was revealed that former and current military intelligence commanders secretly discussed martial law plans at one of its franchise locations. According to the National Police Agency, Intelligence Commander Moon Sang-ho and former commander Roh Sang-won met at a Lotteria store near Sangnoksu Station in Ansan o

December 19, 2024

Koreans Zinc's stake battle now depends on shareholder vote

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - South Korea’s largest zinc smelter, Korea Zinc, and a rival consortium led by Young Poong and MBK Partners have concluded their respective campaigns to acquire shares in the company. However, neither side has secured a majority stake, setting the stage for a crucial shareholder vote in January. As of Wednesday, Korea Zinc is estimated to hold a 33.83 percent stake, while the Young Poong-MBK alliance holds a 39.83 percent stake. The upcoming extraordi

December 19, 2024