Washington sends congratulatory message to Seoul ahead of Liberation Day SEOUL, August 14 (AJP) - The U.S. sent a congratulatory message to South Korea on Wednesday, just days ahead of the country's 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, which falls on Friday. In a press statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, "On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Korean people as you celebrate your national day." "For over 70 years, the United States and August 14, 2025

Annual report highlights media censorship despite 'no significant changes' in South Korea's human rights situation SEOUL, August 13 (AJP) - The U.S. raised concerns over media censorship, restrictions on freedom of expression, and worker's rights in South Korea in its annual human rights report released on Tuesday. Despite "no significant changes in the human rights situation" in the country, the State Department enumerated several cases, that occurred last year, including "credible reports of restrictions on freedom of expression" and some violations of workers' righ August 13, 2025

Ex-first lady arrested over multiple charges SEOUL, August 13 (AJP) - Former first lady Kim Keon Hee was arrested late Tuesday after a court issued an arrest warrant over a series of allegations. The Seoul Central District Court issued the warrant around midnight for the wife of disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol, citing the risk of tampering with evidence after a hearing earlier in the day. With her arrest, Kim and Yoon became the country's first former presidential couple to be held at the same time, as her husb August 13, 2025

Ex-first lady awaits court's decision on arrest warrant SEOUL, August 12 (AJP) - The Seoul Central District Court is set to decide whether to arrest former first lady Kim Keon Hee over a series of allegations. The wife of disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol arrived at the court in the morning for a hearing that lasted about four hours, before being taken to a remand prison in southern Seoul to await the court's decision. Kim has been accused of accepting bribes including a luxury handbag and jewelry, being involved in a stock August 12, 2025

Business leaders from South Korea and Viet Nam forge partnership at forum in Seoul SEOUL, August 12 (AJP) - Business leaders from South Korea and Viet Nam gathered for a forum in Seoul on Tuesday to explore new opportunities for economic cooperation and strengthen partnership between the two countries. Co-hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Vietnamese Embassy, and Viet Nam's Ministry of Finance, the forum took place, coinciding with the visit of Vietnamese Communist Party Ge August 12, 2025

Commemorative US coin honoring activist of Korean decent issued this week SEOUL, August 12 (AJP) - Commemorative 25-cent coins featuring American activist Stacey Park Milbern are now available in the U.S., making her the first woman of Korean descent to appear on U.S. currency. The quarters honoring her life and legacy went on sale starting this week "in two- and three-roll sets, as well as 100-coin bags," according to the U.S. Mint. The issuance came several months after the Mint revealed this year's honorees to be featured on the backs August 12, 2025

Lee's first pardon includes slew of 'controversial' political figures SEOUL, August 11 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung has decided to pardon a slew of politicians and several others to mark the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day which falls on this Friday, despite some public criticism that is likely to stir a fresh round of political disputes. The decision was made at a cabinet meeting chaired by Lee on Monday, just a day after his return from a weeklong summer vacation. According to the Ministry of Justice, the special amnesty aimed at "prom August 11, 2025

Lee meets Viet Nam's top party leader in Seoul SEOUL, August 11 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung met with Viet Nam's top party leader in Seoul on Monday to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations. To Lam, the general secretary of the Communist Party, arrived in Seoul the previous day for a meeting with Lee, the first state visit by a foreign leader since Lee took office in early June. In a meeting at the presidential office in Yongsan, To began his talks by saying he was honored to be the first state gues August 11, 2025

South Korea to send envoys to Indonesia SEOUL, August 10 (AJP) - A handful group of lawmakers will visit Indonesia this week to strengthen biliteral relations with the Southeast Asian country, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung told reporters on Sunday. Led by Cho Jeong-sik of the ruling Democratic Party, the group will head to Jakarta for a three-day visit starting Monday. The move is part of broader diplomatic efforts by President Lee Jae-myung, who has sent special envoys to various Asian and European countries August 10, 2025

Son Heung-min makes MLS debut for LAFC SEOUL, August 10 (AJP) - Striker Son Heung-min made his Major League Soccer (MLS) debut for Los Angeles FC (LAFC) on Saturday, just days after finalizing his transfer from Tottenham Hotspur. Son's earlier-than-expected debut was anticipated after he was included among the substitutes for the MLS club's away match against Chicago Fire FC. At SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, Son came onto the pitch in the 61st minute to replace Venezuelan forward David Martí August 10, 2025