Korea's security chief heads to US for talks on Lee-Trump summit

SEOUL, July 06 (AJP) - South Korea's National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac departed for Washington, D.C., on Sunday for high-stakes talks with U.S. officials as the two allies navigate a tense moment in trade and defense negotiations — and explore the possibility of a summit between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking to reporters at Incheon International Airport ahead of his departure, Wi said his three-day trip is aimed at “deepening

July 6, 2025

South Korea's ruling party axes Cambodia loan aid linked to former first lady

SEOUL, July 06 (AJP) - South Korea’s ruling Democratic Party has scrapped the entire budget for development loans to Cambodia, as special prosecutors are investigating whether a former official from the Unification Church lobbied former First Lady Kim Keon Hee to support church-backed projects in the Southeast Asian country. The 80 billion won ($58 million) in official development assistance (ODA) loans, originally allocated for civil cooperation in Cambodia, has been cut, t

July 6, 2025

Japan travel demand drops over fears of July earthquake

SEOUL, July 5 (AJP) - Travel demand from South Korea to Japan has dropped sharply amid growing fears over a rumored major earthquake expected to hit Japan in July, leading to widespread trip cancellations and a sharp decline in airfares and hotel bookings. Round-trip tickets to major Japanese cities like Osaka and Fukuoka are selling for just over 100,000 won ($70) on weekends in July and August, as demand remains weak despite the peak travel season. The sharp decline appe

July 5, 2025

Gov't set to distribute cash vouchers after passing $22.7 bln supplementary budget

SEOUL, July 5 (AJP) - South Korea on Saturday approved a 31.8 trillion won ($22.7 billion) supplementary budget aimed at reviving the economy and supporting livelihoods. The cabinet meeting, held at the presidential office in Yongsan, followed the budget’s parliamentary approval the night before. President Lee Jae-myung, who presided over the meeting, said the move was in response to the country’s “difficult economic conditions” and urged each ministry to

July 5, 2025

INTERVIEW: US strikes on Iranian nuke sites may spur North Korea's nuclear buildup, Iranian envoy warns

SEOUL, July 4 (AJP) - Last month's U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which came shortly after Israel's sudden attack on Tehran, have ignited a cycle of escalating military tensions and retaliatory attacks across the Middle East. These developments could have "perilous" global repercussions with far-reaching consequences for further hostilities, potentially emboldening nuclear-armed countries including North Korea to reassess their military capabilities a

July 4, 2025

President Lee Jae-myung says cutting off dialogue with N. Korea is 'truly foolish'

SEOUL, July 03 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung emphasized the importance of diplomacy and communication with North Korea during a press conference held Thursday at the Blue House guesthouse, marking 30 days since his inauguration. "Based on solid South Korea–United States cooperation and coordination, we must work to improve relations with North Korea," Lee said. "Completely cutting off dialogue is really a foolish thing to do." When asked to elaborate on

July 3, 2025

S. Korea enters final phase of minimum wage talks for next year

SEOUL, July 3 (AJP) - South Korea’s Minimum Wage Commission is holding its ninth plenary session at the government complex in Sejong on Thursday to finalize next year’s minimum wage. A final decision could come as early as Thursday night or early Friday morning. The labor side initially demanded a 14.7 percent increase from this year’s hourly wage of 10,030 won ($7.38), proposing 11,500 won. However, it revised its demand down to 11,260 won two days ago during th

July 3, 2025

Prosecution chief steps down citing concerns over prosecutorial reform

SEOUL, July 1 (AJP) - Prosecutor-General Shim Woo-jung tendered his resignation on Tuesday, citing concerns over prosecutorial reform, one of the major priorities expected to be pursued by the new administration. In a brief written statement, Shim said the reform, which would involve a major overhaul of the prosecution, should be implemented through thorough discussions among scholars, experts, and other professionals, as it is directly related to the "fundamental rights of all

July 1, 2025

S. Korea greenlights national consumption coupon plan amid heated budget review

SEOUL, July 01 (AJP) - As South Korea’s National Assembly continues to deliberate the government’s proposed 30.5 trillion won ($22.5 billion) supplementary budget, lawmakers on Tuesday approved one of its most contentious items, a 13.2 trillion won plan to distribute universal consumption coupons. The decision was made as part of a broad policy review session, where ruling and opposition parties clashed over fiscal responsibility and the effectiveness of key spending prop

July 1, 2025

Early heat wave brings record temperatures across country

SEOUL, July 1 (AJP) - As an early heat wave grips the country, several cities have recorded their highest average daily temperatures for this time of year, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said Tuesday. According to the KMA, the average temperature in the southern port city of Busan climbed to 26.2 degrees Celsius on the last day of June, the highest ever recorded for the month since weather observations began in 1904. The southwestern city of Mokpo also set a

July 1, 2025