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  Busan-sized metropolitan hubs envisioned in central and southern western Korea SEOUL, January 20 (AJP) - As Seoul grows ever more crowded, much of the rest of South Korea is quietly emptying out. The imbalance has become one of the country’s defining challenges, straining housing, jobs and infrastructure in the capital while leaving regional cities with shrinking populations, weaker local economies and eroding public services. More than 51 percent of South Korea’s 51.6 million people live in and around Seoul, an area that covers just 12 percent of na January 20, 2026
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  Former PM to face verdict over martial law involvement SEOUL, January 20 (AJP) - Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is set to face his first verdict this week over his involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law debacle in December 2024. In a nationwide televised trial scheduled for 2 p.m. on Wednesday, the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul is set to deliver its ruling on him. Prosecutors sought 15 years in prison at Han's final hearing in November last year, accusing Han of aiding Yoo January 20, 2026
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  Former DP lawmaker appears for questioning over alleged bribery SEOUL, January 20 (AJP) - Kang Sun-woo, a former lawmaker of the Democratic Party (DP), appeared for questioning in western Seoul on Tuesday. She is accused of receiving 100 million Korean won (US$68,500) from Seoul city official Kim Kyung in return for the DP's candidate nominations for the 2022 local elections. The money was allegedly delivered to Kang's former aide, identified only by his surname Nam. Her questioning comes nearly a month after an audio recording was ab January 20, 2026
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  In a weak home market, K-food finds future in overseas SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - Beneath the global rise of K-ramyeon lies a harsher reality at home: much of Korea’s food industry is shrinking, squeezed by a prolonged domestic consumption slump, rising input costs and a weak currency that has inflated import prices. On the surface, K-food appears unstoppable. Samyang Foods’ Buldak Spicy Chicken Noodles dominate convenience-store shelves worldwide, while Nongshim’s Shin Ramyun has become a staple at major U.S. retai January 19, 2026
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  US, South Korean officials meet for working-level talks on nuclear energy cooperation SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - South Korean officials visited Washington last week to prepare for working-level talks on nuclear energy cooperation with the U.S., the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday. During his two-day trip last Thursday and Friday, Rim Kap-soo, who leads a task force for the talks, met with senior U.S. officials at the State Department and the Energy Department, including Christopher Yeaw, a State Department assistant secretary, and Matthew Napoli, a deputy January 19, 2026
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  No South Korean casualties reported in high-speed train collision in Spain SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - No South Korean casualties have been reported in a high-speed train collision in Spain, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here said on Monday. The South Korean diplomatic mission in Spain continues to monitor the situation and is verifying whether any South Korean nationals were affected. So far, there have been no reports or confirmed cases of South Korean casualties," an official there said. At least 21 people have been killed after two high-speed t January 19, 2026
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  Korean legislature passes bipartisan resolution condemning deadly crackdown in Iran SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - South Korea’s National Assembly has joined an international chorus condemning Iran’s deadly crackdown on anti-government protests, amid widely varying estimates of civilian casualties. A rare bipartisan resolution denouncing the Iranian government’s “indiscriminate and harsh suppression” and calling for “responsible action by the international community” to protect civilian lives was passed Friday. The motion, intro January 19, 2026
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  Cold wave advisory issued for Seoul SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - A cold wave advisory was issued for Seoul and most other parts of the country on Monday. The advisory, issued at 10 a.m. by the Korea Meteorological Administration, takes effect at 9 p.m. as freezing temperatures are forecast overnight. After an unusually warm spell over the weekend, Seoul is expected to see morning lows plunge to -13 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, with daily highs remaining below freezing throughout this week. Such an advisory is issued January 19, 2026
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  Injury-stricken Kim Ha-seong to sit out start of season again SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - Atlanta Braves' shortstop Kim Ha-seong is likely to miss the start of the Major League Baseball season this spring after undergoing finger surgery. Kim "sustained a hand injury while in Korea and underwent surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger" in Atlanta, Braves said on X, formerly known as Twitter on Sunday, adding that his recovery is expected to take four to five months. According to MLB.com, Kim will &quo January 19, 2026
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  South Korea begins deployment of 'monster' Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missiles SEOUL, January 18 (AJP) - South Korea has begun deploying the Hyunmoo-5, a high-power ballistic missile capable of penetrating deep underground bunkers, to operational units, military sources said Sunday. The weapon, dubbed the "monster missile" for its massive eight-ton warhead, is a centerpiece of Seoul's strategy to neutralize the North Korean leadership in the event of a conflict. According to sources, the rollout to field units began late last year and is sche January 18, 2026