Early presidential election looms with opposition leader Lee Jae-myung leading the race

SEOUL, April 4 (AJP) - South Korea is now headed for an early presidential election, after the Constitutional Court on Friday upheld the National Assembly’s impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. The court's decision immediately strips Yoon of his presidential powers, triggering a nationwide vote that must be held within 60 days under the Constitution. The landmark ruling comes four months after Yoon declared emergency martial law on Dec. 3, a move that shocked the coun

April 4, 2025

President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment upheld

SEOUL, April 4 (AJP) - The Constitutional Court of Korea on Friday unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched martial law debacle late last year. In a verdict read out live on television, presiding justice Moon Hyung-bae began by explaining the trial's constitutional and procedural legality before handing down the court's decision. Moon said Yoon's impeachment trial over his Dec. 3 declaration of martial law deemed lawful, dismissin

April 4, 2025

Trump's tariffs rattle Korean tech firms with global supply chains

SEOUL, April 4 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose steep reciprocal tariffs on major importers to the United States has sent shockwaves through Asian manufacturing economies — and could deal a heavy blow to South Korea’s technology industry. Analysts warn of broader consequences for Asia’s export-driven economies, many of which serve as key links in the global supply chains of multinational technology firms. The new levies, which also

April 4, 2025

PHOTOS: Security tightens around Constitutional Court and National Assembly ahead of Yoon impeachment ruling

SEOUL, April 04 (AJP) - On Friday, the day of the Constitutional Court's impeachment ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol, security has been significantly heightened around key government buildings. The areas surrounding the Constitutional Court and the National Assembly are sealed off with police bus barricades, reflecting the growing tension.

April 4, 2025

Police on highest alert nationwide ahead of impeachment ruling

SEOUL, April 04 (AJP) - As South Korea awaits the Constitutional Court’s ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, police have been placed on the highest emergency alert across the country starting midnight on Apr. 4. The top-level alert, known as "Gapho Emergency," allows authorities to mobilize 100 percent of available police forces. Officers are barred from taking leave, and commanding staff are required to remain in constant communication and on st

April 4, 2025

S. Korean military on standby ahead of Yoon's impeachment ruling

SEOUL, April 04 (AJP) - South Korea’s military elevated its surveillance readiness against North Korea Friday, ahead of the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), the military expanded and reinforced the operation of surveillance equipment such as reconnaissance aircraft, radar, and thermal observation devices (TOD) in the hours leading up to the 11 a.m. ruling. Key military commanders

April 4, 2025

PHOTOS: Korea's largest auto show opens at KINTEX

SEOUL, April 03 (AJP) - The 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, the premier automotive exhibition in South Korea, commenced this week at the KINTEX convention center in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. The event began with a media preview on Wednesday, followed by an official opening ceremony on Thursday, and is scheduled to run through April 13. The show has attracted approximately 460 companies from across the globe, eager to display their latest innovations. Among the highlights are anticipated debuts

April 3, 2025

Over 80 billion won raised for wildfire victims as donations continue to pour in

SEOUL, April 3 (AJP) - After a spate of massive wildfires that devastated the southern part of the country late last month, over 80 billion won has been donated to support recovery efforts. According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, the total donations collected through various charity organizations reached about 84.12 billion won (US$61 million) as of Thursday. The blazes that began in Sancheong, South Gyeongsang Province, on March 21 and Uiseong,

April 3, 2025

Asian cosmetics brand ends partnership with actor Kim Soo-hyun

SEOUL, April 3 (AJP) - Global cosmetics brand Y.O.U BEAUTY has severed ties with South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun and signaled potential legal action following allegations concerning his relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron. In a statement posted on its official Instagram account, Y.O.U BEAUTY reaffirmed its commitment to values that support and empower women. "We believe every woman deserves to live with confidence, dignity, and strength," the company said. Th

April 3, 2025

Yoon not to attend Constitutional Court's impeachment ruling

SEOUL, April 3 (AJP) - President Yoon Suk Yeol will not attend the Constitutional Court of Korea's verdict in his impeachment trial, his legal representatives said on Thursday. The court earlier announced that it will deliver its ruling on Yoon's impeachment over his botched Dec. 3 declaration of martial law at 11 a.m. on Friday. "The president has decided not to be present for the ruling," Yoon's legal representatives said in a statement, citing security co

April 3, 2025