Japanese Encephalitis alert issued

SEOUL, April 1 (AJP) - With a forecasted long summer amid unseasonably hot spring weather in some southern regions, a nationwide alert for Japanese encephalitis has been issued as mosquito activity is expected to rise. The alert came after the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) found that samples of the specific species of mosquitos transmitting the disease were detected for the first time this year in Jeju and South Jeolla Province last week. Japanese encephaliti

April 1, 2025

Finance minister's US treasury investments raise questions over integrity

SEOUL, April 1 (AJP) - South Korea's Minister of Economy and Finance, Choi Sang-mok, invested approximately 200 million won (US$135,771) in U.S. treasury bonds last year, while the Korean won was weakening sharply against the dollar. The disclosure has prompted criticism over potential conflicts of interest, given his role in stabilizing the nation's currency. According to official asset disclosure documents released on March 27, Choi purchased 30-year U.S. treasury bonds

April 1, 2025

Former lawmaker Jang Je-won found dead amid sexual assault probe

SEOUL, April 01 (AJP) - Former People Power Party lawmaker Jang Je-won, who was under police investigation for sexual assault allegations, was found dead at about 11:40 p.m. on Monday, police reported Tuesday. According to the police, Jang was found dead at around 11:40 p.m. at a studio apartment in Seoul’s eastern district of Gangdong. A note believed to have been written by Jang was found at the scene. Police suspect Jang took his own life and are investigating the exact c

April 1, 2025

Kim Soo-hyun denies allegations, files defamation charges against Kim Sae-ron's family

SEOUL, March 31 (AJP) - Actor Kim Soo-hyun denied accusations that he dated late actress Kim Sae-ron while she was a minor, holding a press event on Monday to address the claims. This is the actor's first public appearance since the family of the late actress accused him of maintaining a six-year relationship with her, which reportedly began when she was underage. The allegations were made last month via a quasi-news YouTube channel. In a tearful statement, Kim clarified, &ld

March 31, 2025

PHOTOS: After the flames, nation rallies to aid wildfire victims

SEOUL, March 31 (AJP) - The devastating wildfires that tore through South Korea’s southeastern region have finally been extinguished, authorities confirmed. Firefighters and military personnel worked around the clock to contain the flames, while civilian volunteers stepped in to provide critical support, offering medical care and meals to those impacted by the disaster. As the nation rallies to aid affected communities, fundraising efforts are gaining momentum. Donation

March 31, 2025

Indian Embassy and Seoul City plant trees to deepen India–S. Korea friendship

SEOUL, March 31 (AJP) - The Embassy of India in the Republic of Korea, in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, held a tree-planting event under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (“One Tree in the Name of Mother”) campaign at Boramae Park in western Seoul on March 28, 2025. The event also commemorated Arbor Day in South Korea, a day aimed at preserving forests and expanding urban green space. The ceremony was held at

March 31, 2025

South Korea faces dilemma over Alaska LNG project

SEOUL, March 31 (AJP) - Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has stepped up efforts to persuade South Korea to participate in his state’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, using a recent visit to Seoul to underscore the economic and strategic stakes involved. Speaking to local and international media, Dunleavy framed South Korea’s potential purchase of Alaskan LNG as a pivotal factor in reducing the U.S.-Korea trade deficit, while also presenting the project as an opportun

March 31, 2025

Police to grant one-month amnesty for surrendering illegal weapons

SEOUL, March 31 (AJP) - Police will offer a one-month amnesty for individuals to surrender illegal weapons without facing penalties, the National Police Agency said on Monday. The initiative, set to run through April, will allow people to turn in unlicensed firearms, explosives, and other restricted weapons without criminal or administrative consequences. Weapons eligible for surrender include unlicensed or revoked firearms, explosives, swords, stun guns, sprayers, and crossbows.

March 31, 2025

PHOTOS: Royal guard appointment ceremony

SEOUL, March 31 (AJP) - A reenactment of a historic royal guard appointment ceremony took place at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul on March 30. The "National Royal Guard Appointment Ceremony," an annual spring event, is based on records dating back to 1469, during the reign of King Yejong of the Joseon Dynasty. Historically, the king would select the most trusted official to serve as head of the royal guards through a process known as "nakjeom," marking the name of the chose

March 31, 2025

Short selling resumes in South Korea after 17-month ban

SEOUL, March 31 (AJP) - South Korea has fully reinstated short selling across all listed stocks, ending a 17-month ban imposed in an effort to curb illegal naked short selling and restore investor confidence. The move, which took effect Monday, marks the first time since March 2020 that investors will be permitted to short sell any security on the country’s exchanges. During the suspension, regulators introduced a series of structural reforms, including a centralized monito

March 31, 2025