Gov't proposes supplementary budget for disaster relief and economic recovery

SEOUL, March 30 (AJP) - The government on Sunday proposed a supplementary budget of at least 10 trillion won (US$6.8 billion) to shore up the struggling economy, which has been further battered by massive wildfires that have ripped through the southeastern region since last week, amid lingering political turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law debacle late last year. During an emergency meeting with key officials, Economy and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mo

March 30, 2025

Man booked for allegedly sparking wildfires in southern region

SEOUL, March 30 (AJP) - Police said on Sunday they have nabbed a man suspected of igniting the massive wildfires that have devastated the southeastern part of the country since last week. The 56-year-old man is accused of sparking the blaze around noon on March 22 during an ancestral rite at his family grave in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province. The flames then rapidly spread to nearby areas including Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok, fueled by strong winds and dry w

March 30, 2025

Pressure mounts on Constitutional Court to rule on Yoon's impeachment

SEOUL, March 30 (AJP) - With the Constitutional Court still wrestling over President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial for more than a month, it remains uncertain when the court will deliver its verdict, as public division and conflict continue to escalate amid the country's prolonged leadership vacuum. Given that at least two days are required for security arrangements and other preparations, the verdict is now expected sometime in April, as the court has yet to set a final

March 30, 2025

South Korea offers $2 million humanitarian aid to quake-hit Myanmar

SEOUL, March 29 (AJP) - The South Korean government has pledged $2 million (approximately 3 billion won) in emergency humanitarian assistance to Myanmar following a powerful earthquake that struck the country on Friday. South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Saturday that it hopes the aid "will help efforts to save lives in the affected areas." The ministry added that it "will closely monitor the damage situation and consider additional support if

March 29, 2025

Death toll from South Korean wildfires rises to 70 as flames reignite

SEOUL, March 29 (AJP) - The death toll from South Korea's devastating wildfires has climbed to 70 people, according to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters on Saturday. The fires have caused 25 deaths, 5 serious injuries, and 24 minor injuries across five cities and counties in North Gyeongsang Province, including Uiseong, Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok. In South Gyeongsang Province, wildfires in Sancheong and Hadong resulted in 4 deaths, 5

March 29, 2025

Acting President attends ceremony remembering fallen sailors

SEOUL, March 28 (AJP) - Acting President Han Duck-soo on Friday condemned North Korea for persistently resorting to the development of nuclear weapons programs and continuous provocations against South Korea, vowing to immediately and resolutely respond to them. He made the remarks at an event in Daejeon to commemorate the deaths of around 55 South Korean sailors who lost their lives during naval skirmishes with North Korea and other incidents in the West Sea. "The repressiv

March 28, 2025

US offers condolences to South Korea over wildfires, pledges support

SEOUL, March 28 (AJP) - The U.S. extended its condolences to South Korea on Friday for the loss of life caused by weeklong massive wildfires here, pledging to offer any necessary support. "The United States offers our sincere condolences to the people of for the tragic loss of life and the extensive damage caused by ongoing wildfires in the southeastern region," said Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department in a statement. "The deadly

March 28, 2025

Firefighters battle worst-ever wildfires as death toll rises to 28

SEOUL, March 28 (AJP) - With massive wildfires ravaging the southeastern part of the country for a week, the death toll continues to rise, leaving at least 28 people dead and dozens more injured as of Friday. Nearly 40,000 residents have been forced to evacuate as around 48,000 hectares of land and forests have been burned, making it the worst wildfire ever. The fires also decimated around 3,500 houses and other buildings, turning them into ashes, while affecting villages and tow

March 28, 2025

Stars rush to donate money for wildfire victims

SEOUL, March 27 (AJP) - K-pop stars and other celebrities are extending their support to those affected by a spate of massive wildfires that have continued to devastate the southeastern part of the country since last Friday. Versatile star IU made a generous donation of 200 million won (US$140,000), while singer-turned-actress Suzy gave 100 million won ($69,000). Actresses Han Ji-min and Park Bo-young donated 50 million won ($37,000) each. Other fellow stars like Go Min-si, Go Yo

March 27, 2025

Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung acquitted in election law violation appeal

SEOUL, March 26 (AJP) - Lee Jae-myung, the leader of South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party and a leading presidential contender, cleared a major legal obstacle on Wednesday after being acquitted in an appeals trial for violating the Public Official Election Act. The Seoul High Court overturned a lower court ruling that had sentenced Lee to one year in prison with a two-year suspension for allegedly spreading false information during the 2021 presidential primary. L

March 26, 2025