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  Korean biotech firm begins clinical trial of subcutaneous cancer drug SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - South Korean biotechnology company GI Innovation announced on Monday that it has dosed the first patient in a Phase 1 clinical trial of its subcutaneous (SC) immunotherapy drug, GI-102. This marks a significant milestone for the company, as it is the first domestic company to administer an SC formulation of its own immunotherapy. The Phase 1 trial is being conducted at 14 medical institutions across South Korea and the United States. Samsung Biologics Co December 23, 2024
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  Seoul hospitals see surge in out-of-city patients over past decade SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - Over 6.33 million patients from outside Seoul sought medical treatment in the capital's hospitals last year, marking a 27 percent increase from 2013, according to the National Health Insurance Service's annual report. Non-Seoul residents accounted for 41.7 percent of the total 15.2 million patients treated in Seoul medical facilities in 2023, the highest proportion among South Korea's 17 administrative regions. These out-of-city patients genera December 22, 2024
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  Koreans' smoking habits shift as e-cigarette use rises SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - Koreans are shifting from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes, contributing to a steady increase in overall smoking rates over the past three years. Alcohol consumption is also rebounding after a pandemic-induced decline, while obesity rates continue to rise despite increased physical activity. A nationwide survey by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) of 230,000 adults at 258 public health centers revealed these significant behavio December 22, 2024
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  Police interrogate ex-military intelligence chief over notebook linked to martial law plans SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - Police are questioning Roh Sang-won, a former military intelligence chief, over his alleged role in planning the Dec. 3 martial law declared by President Yoon Suk Yeol. Roh is accused of collaborating with Moon Sang-ho, the arrested commander of the Military Intelligence Command, to orchestrate the operation. The National Assembly impeached President Yoon on Dec. 14, suspending him from his duties. The motion, passed 204 to 85, cited allegations of rebel December 22, 2024
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  Fans gear up for 'Squid Game' season 2 with themed pop-ups and global hype SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - Fans worldwide are gearing up for the highly anticipated second season of "Squid Game," set to premiere on Netflix on Dec. 26. The record-breaking series, which captivated audiences globally in its first season, is already sparking excitement, with Korean retailers tapping into the frenzy through themed products and pop-up stores. The first season of the Korean drama made history, garnering 2.2 billion views and becoming Netflix's most-watche December 22, 2024
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  VISUALS: Tractor protestors continue standoff with police for second day SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - Farmers from the Korean Peasants League (KPL) are locked in a standoff with police for the second consecutive day after their attempt to enter Seoul with around 30 tractors and 50 trucks was blocked by authorities. The farmers, traveling to join a mass rally in the city, were stopped by police near Namtaeryeong Pass, a key route connecting Seoul to its southern suburbs. The police cited concerns that the tractors would cause significant traffic disruptions and erect December 22, 2024
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  Monthly 5G data traffic in Korea expected to surpass 1mln TB amid impeachment crisis SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - Korea is poised to see its monthly 5G mobile data traffic exceed one million terabytes for the first time, driven by heightened public interest in news related to President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment. Many citizens are watching news clips and live broadcasts via social media platforms such as YouTube. A digital media consumption report published by the Korea Press Foundation in 2023 revealed that 53 percent of 2,003 Korean survey participants consume December 22, 2024
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  Impeachment trial stalled as Yoon refuses to accept court documents SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - The impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol has stalled even before its formal proceedings could begin, as Yoon has repeatedly refused to accept legal documents from the Constitutional Court and has not submitted a notice of attorney appointment. The president was suspended from his duties after the impeachment vote passed 204 to 85, citing allegations of rebellion and abuse of power. The impeachment was triggered by Yoon’s sudden declaration December 22, 2024
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  Protesters split over Yoon's impeachment in downtown Seoul SEOUL, December 21 (AJP) - Tens of thousands of people filled the streets of downtown Seoul again on Saturday, holding rival protests either supporting or opposing President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment. The fierce protests came a week after a motion to impeach the president over his short-lived declaration of martial law earlier this month was passed at the National Assembly last Saturday. Police estimated that around 15,000 anti-Yoon protesters gathered in and aro December 21, 2024
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  S.Korea, U.S. top diplomats agree to hold talks SEOUL, December 21 (AJP) - Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken over the phone on Saturday. The call took place following South Korea's transition to an acting presidency under Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. During their telephone conversation about arranging an in-person meeting, Blinken expressed strong confidence in South Korea's current interim leadership, calling Han "a capable and respected leader." Blinken reaffirme December 21, 2024