US defense secretary to skip Seoul visit amid political turmoil

SEOUL, March 15 (AJP) - U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will skip South Korea during his first official tour of the Indo-Pacific region. Hegseth plans to visit Guam, Hawaii, Japan, and the Philippines later this month to discuss military cooperation and regional security concerns, according to Pentagon officials on Friday. A potential stop in Seoul was considered but later excluded, reportedly due to political uncertainty here in the wake of President Yoon Suk Yeol's ma

March 15, 2025

Nationwide demonstrations sweep across South Korea as Yoon's impeachment ruling nears

SEOUL, March 15 (AJP) - Mass protests both for and against President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment swept across South Korea on Saturday, just days before the Constitutional Court delivers its final ruling on his botched martial law declaration last December. The largest anti-impeachment rally took place near Gwanghwamun in central Seoul in the afternoon, organized by a conservative supporters' group. Protesters waved national flags and chanted slogans opposing the impea

March 15, 2025

US adds South Korea in bottom category of sensitive countries list

SEOUL, March 15 (AJP) - The U.S. government officially confirmed Friday that it added South Korea to its “Sensitive and Other Designated Countries List (SCL)” in early January. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) said Friday that South Korea was placed in the lowest category on the list, labeled as an “Other Designated Country,” during the final days of the Biden administration. The list includes countries subject to additional oversight due to concerns re

March 15, 2025

LE SSERAFIM return with new album

SEOUL, March 14 (AJP) - K-pop girl band LE SSERAFIM released their new album on Friday. Their fifth mini-album "HOT" consists of five songs with the theme of love, with the title track delivering a message about diving into what you love without holding back. The quintet held a showcase for fans the previous day, kicking off their promotional activities for the album. They will also embark on their first world tour in April, with stops in Japan and Taiwan.

March 14, 2025

Actor Kim Soo-hyun denies allegations of inappropriate relationship with late actress

SEOUL, March 14 (AJP) - Actor Kim Soo-hyun denied allegations of being involved in an inappropriate relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron, in a statement released by his agency on Friday. After a brief denial, the actor said the previous day that he would come clean sometime next week, but he apparently couldn't remain silent any longer as the controversy snowballed further with more evidence surfacing about his alleged long-term romantic relationship with the actress.

March 14, 2025

TRAVEL: Seoul Public Bicycle Ttareungi

SEOUL, March 11 (AJP) - I have been commuting to work using 'Ttareungi,' Seoul's unmanned public bicycle system operated by the Seoul Facilities Corporation, for over two years. I have been riding bicycles since my middle and high school years, commuting for six years. A few years ago, after a late-night gathering, I found myself without public transportation and unable to get a taxi. I spotted a Ttareungi bike nearby, rented it, and rode home. What would have taken o

March 14, 2025

Over half of South Koreans trust Constitutional Court, poll shows

SEOUL, March 14 (AJP) - Over half of South Koreans trust the Constitutional Court of Korea, a recent poll suggest. The survey results released on Friday could provide some insight amid an intense split over President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law debacle last year, as the final verdict in his impeachment trial looms. Pollster Gallup Korea surveyed about 1,001 adults nationwide early this week and found that 53 percent of respondents expressed belief in the Constitutiona

March 14, 2025

Police to deploy 20,000 officers, enforce no-fly zone on impeachment ruling day

SEOUL, March 14 (AJP) - Police will implement its highest emergency alert level on the day of the Constitutional Court’s ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, deploying 337 riot police units and about 20,000 officers nationwide. The court’s decision follows Yoon’s declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, a move that escalated political tensions across the country. While the exact date of the ruling has not yet been announced, legal experts pre

March 14, 2025

PHOTOS: Authorities ramp up wildfire prevention efforts

SEOUL, March 14 (AJP) - Springtime often sees a surge in wildfires, as dry conditions and parched vegetation create ideal circumstances. Authorities are responding with heightened preparedness, including public education campaigns, increased monitoring, and rigorous firefighting exercises.

March 14, 2025

Racy teaser clip stirs controversy ahead of reality show featuring kids

SEOUL, March 14 (AJP) - Cable channel MBN's upcoming reality show featuring young K-pop wannabes is set for release later this month. Some 59 contestants under the age of 15 from over 70 countries have been selected as finalists for "Under 15," slated to air on March 31, where they will compete for a chance to become K-pop's next big stars. But a teaser clip released on Thursday stirred unexpected controversy, raising concerns over whether it is appropriate for

March 14, 2025