Former defense minister accused of repeatedly changing phones after lifting of martial law

SEOUL, December 10 (AJP) - Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and National Police Chief Cho Ji-ho, central figures in the December 3 martial law declaration, are facing allegations of repeatedly changing their mobile phones after martial law was lifted. Lawmakers speculated on Tuesday that the changes may have been an attempt to destroy evidence related to the controversial move. Data from mobile telecom companies, obtained by Democratic Party (DP) lawmaker Hwang Jeong-ah, r

December 10, 2024

Special ops commander reveals President Yoon's order to 'drag out lawmakers' from National Assembly

SEOUL, December 10 (AJP) - South Korea's Army Special Warfare Command (SWC) commander Kwak Jong-geun revealed on Tuesday that President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered him to "drag out the lawmakers" from the National Assembly Main Hall. The alleged order came when politicians had gathered to unanimously pass a resolution to lift the emergency martial law early Wednesday, about three hours after the declaration. Straight after the declaration, some dozens of martial forces, co

December 10, 2024

National Assembly approves downsized budget for next year

SEOUL, December 10 (AJP) - South Korea’s opposition-controlled National Assembly on Tuesday approved the nation's 2024 budget of 673.3 trillion won ($470.8 billion), a 4.1 trillion won reduction from the government’s initial proposal, without the ruling party's consent. The budget bill was passed with 183 votes in favor, 94 against, and 1 abstention. The cuts were primarily driven by the main opposition Democratic Party, which has been critical of the Yoon Suk

December 10, 2024

Assembly approves bill for special investigation into Yoon's martial law declaration

SEOUL, December 10 (AJP) - South Korea's National Assembly passed a bill Tuesday for a permanent special counsel to investigate President Yoon Suk Yeol and senior officials over last week's failed martial law declaration. Yoon declared martial law last Tuesday, deploying troops to the National Assembly and National Election Commission, before canceling the measure six hours later after parliament voted against it. The independent investigation bill passed with 210 lawmake

December 10, 2024

OPINION: The struggle for truth in the digital age

SEOUL, December 10 (AJP) - The current era presents not only novel opportunities but also significant challenges for humanity. In an era characterised by the rapid generation and circulation of information, the communications ecosystem is undergoing a profound transformation. However, this transformation process encompasses moral, cultural, and humanitarian challenges alongside positive advancements. Artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms, as they are integral to daily life in

December 10, 2024

PHOTOS: Students urge punishment of President Yoon Suk Yeol

SEOUL, December 10 (AJP) - Student members of youth organizations, including Asunaro, held a press conference at Gwanghwamun Plaza to call for impeachment and punishment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

December 10, 2024

Samsung Electronics faces dim outlook for 2025

SEOUL, December 10 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics' stock price target has been lowered by a brokerage firm, citing weaker-than-expected performance in the company's semiconductor division for 2025. Kiwoom Securities now forecasts a target price of 73,000 won ($56) for Samsung, down from its previous estimate of 75,000 won ($57). Kiwoom predicts that Samsung's operating profit for 2025 will reach 39.5 trillion won ($30.3 billion), falling short of the market consensus of 4

December 10, 2024

PHOTOS: Comedy film 'About Family' will hit theaters tomorrow

SEOUL, December 10 (AJP) - The cast of the upcoming family comedy film 'About Family' celebrated the movie's imminent release, Dec. 10, 2024, with a dumpling truck event in Seoul. Actors Kim Yun-seok, Lee Seung-gi, Kim Sung-ryoung, Kang Han-na, and Park Soo-young were in attendance for the special event. The film is set to hit theaters tomorrow.

December 10, 2024

Travel warnings, currency volatility hamper tourism recovery

SEOUL, December 10 (AJP) - South Korea's tourism industry is facing a significant setback as the nation grapples with political unrest following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law on Dec. 3. The incident has sparked international concern and prompted travel warnings from several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. The warnings, which advise citizens to avoid areas near major protest sites in Seoul, have

December 10, 2024

French Embassy celebrates cultural milestones and a bright future in Seoul

SEOUL, December 10 (AJP) - The French Embassy in Seoul hosted an evening reception on Monday to celebrate the launch of the French government’s global promotional campaign, "Make It Iconic." The event also highlighted the success of the 2024 Paris Olympics and the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. "Make It Iconic," an ambitious international campaign envisioned by French President Emmanuel Macron, officially launched in October. The campaign aims to en

December 10, 2024