Trump says he is ready to talk with 'everyone' for peace in apparent overture to Pyongyang SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump is willing to talk with "everyone" in pursuit of global peace and prosperity, the U.S. State Department said on Tuesday, suggesting once again that it remains open to talks with North Korea. When asked about the possibility of resuming dialogue with the North, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce reiterated during a press briefing on Tuesday Trump's "willingness to talk with everyone in order to achieve July 30, 2025

Elderly population surpasses 10 million SEOUL, July 29 (AJP) - The elderly population in South Korea surpassed 10 million for the first time, Statistics Korea said Tuesday. Those aged 65 and older stood at 10.12 million as of November last year, accounting for 19.5 percent of the total population of 51.81 million, roughly one in five. That also brought the average age of the population to 46.2. Amid an aging society with a super-low birthrate, the elderly population has steadily increased in recent years from 8.71 mill July 29, 2025

Yoon refuses to appear for questioning in probe involving ex-first lady SEOUL, July 29 (AJP) - Disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol failed to appear for questioning in a probe involving his wife, Kim Keon Hee, independent prosecutors said on Tuesday. Yoon, who has been detained at a remand prison in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province since last month over charges related to his botched Dec. 3 declaration of martial law last year, was asked to appear for questioning on alleged election-related meddling but failed to show up, prompting prosecutors to summon hi July 29, 2025

Veterans minister reaffirms strength of US-South Korea alliance on armistice anniversary SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - Veterans Minister Kwon Oh-eul emphasized the strength of the United States-South Korea alliance during a visit to Washington, D.C. on Sunday, marking the 72nd anniversary of the Korean War armistice. According to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Kwon met with U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Douglas Collins ahead of a ceremony commemorating the anniversary. During the meeting, Kwon expressed gratitude for the sacrifices made by American so July 28, 2025

South Korean and Chinese foreign ministers hold first phone call, discuss APEC and regional issues SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - Newly appointed Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held his first phone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday, marking his second call with a foreign counterpart since taking office July 21. In their phone call, which lasted about 30 minutes, the two foreign ministers discussed ways to improve bilateral ties and strengthen cooperation on key regional and international issues, according to South Korea’s Foreign Ministry. "Minister Cho July 28, 2025

Heat wave claims over 1 million livestock, elevates human casualties SEOUL, July 27 (AJP) - A relentless heat wave gripping South Korea has led to a surge in heat-related deaths, claiming over a million livestock and a growing number of human lives. Heatwave warnings were in effect across the nation on Sunday. According to the Ministry of Interior and Safety, a total of 1,011,243 livestock animals have perished this year as of July 25. The ministry noted a sharp escalation in these numbers recently, directly attributing it to the sweltering temp July 27, 2025

Foreign residents in South Korea rise to all-time high, exceeding 2.7 million SEOUL, July 27 (AJP) - The number of foreign nationals residing in South Korea has surged to an all-time high, surpassing 2.73 million, driven by a post-pandemic rebound in entries for academic, employment, and tourism purposes. As of the end of June this year, the total foreign resident population in the country reached 2,732,797, according to data released by the Ministry of Justice's Korea Immigration Service, Sunday. This figure represents a 1.5 percent increase, or 40,068 July 27, 2025

Heat wave warning issued again in Seoul as unbearable heat persists SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - A heat wave warning was issued in Seoul on Thursday, after this summer's brief monsoon season came to an end last week. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the warning was issued around 10 a.m. for the capital as well as surrounding Gyeonggi Province, as scorching heat continues nationwide with daytime highs soaring up to 36 degrees Celsius. The highest-level warning, first issued this season earlier this month before being tempo July 24, 2025

Prosecutors raid former PM's residence in martial law probe SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - Independent prosecutors on Thursday raided the residence of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as part of their investigation into disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law debacle late last year. Searches were conducted at Han's private home and his former official residence as prime minister in central Seoul. The raid came just about three weeks after Han was questioned for about 14 hours earlier this month. Prosecutors all July 24, 2025

Gender equality and family minister nominee resigns amid growing criticism SEOUL, July 23 (AJP) - Kang Sun-woo, a ministerial nominee for the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, decided to step down on Wednesday amid mounting criticism, with one controversy following another. In a message posted on Facebook, Kang said, "I sincerely apologize to those who were hurt because of me," expressing regret to the ruling Democratic Party for having caused a "heavy burden." She also wrote that she feels deeply sorry for President Lee Jae-my July 23, 2025