Overpass collapse in Seoul disrupts over 120 KTX trains SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - More than 120 KTX bullet trains have been suspended or had their routes adjusted after a collapse at a demolition site in Seosomun, western Seoul, according to the state-run rail operator. The disruptions, affecting multiple lines from the first trains on Wednesday, came after an overpass under demolition collapsed the previous day, killing three workers and injuring three others. KORAIL said a power outage on overhead railway lines between Seoul Station and May 27, 2026

Korea holds off on IEA oil release, eyeing August crunch SEOUL, May 26 (AJP) - South Korea is holding back on releasing its share of the International Energy Agency's record emergency oil stockpile, opting to preserve the buffer for a potentially graver supply crunch in August as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut. With the June 9 deadline for Seoul's pledged contribution just two weeks away, Yang Ki-wook, director general for industrial resources security at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, told reporters May 26, 2026

At least 3 dead as old overpass in Seoul partially collapses during demolition SEOUL, May 26 (AJP) - An old overpass in Seoul partially collapsed on Tuesday while workers were demolishing it, as part of the city's broader effort to remove aging infrastructure and spruce up the capital. The accident occurred at around 2:30 p.m. on the overpass in Seosomun, western Seoul, which has been gradually removed since last Summer and is scheduled to be fully demolished by early next month. At least three were dead, several were injured, and rescuers are still sea May 26, 2026

AJP Watch: Shinsegae vows to make amends "regardless of cost" over Starbucks Korea blunder SEOUL, May 26 (AJP) - Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin on Tuesday delivered a second public apology within a week over Starbucks Korea’s controversial “Tank Day” promotion, bowing repeatedly in a televised appearance and pledging to restore public trust through action rather than words after what the group described as a “serious” failure in historical awareness. Speaking at the Josun Palace hotel in Seoul, Chung bowed deeply three times during May 26, 2026

Shinsegae chief's apology over Starbucks controversy - text SEOUL, May 26 (AJP) -Below is the full statement of Shinsegae Group chairman Chung Yong-jin's apology over Starbucks Korea's "Tank Day" controversy. To the people of the nation, I stand before you today with a heavy and apologetic heart. First, as chairman of Shinsegae Group, I sincerely bow my head in apology and ask for forgiveness from the bereaved families of the victims of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, the bereaved family of the late activist Park Jong- May 26, 2026

Police locate missing foreign national hiker in Korea after safe return home SEOUL, May 24 (AJP) -A woman believed to be a foreign national who was feared missing on Mount Cheolma after reporting that she had lost her way while hiking had safely returned home, authorities said Sunday, ending a two-day intensive search operation. According to the Gyeonggi Northern Fire and Disaster Headquarters, police located the woman at her residence in Seoul’s Gangbuk district at 10:51 a.m. Sunday. Officials said she was found in stable condition with no apparent in May 24, 2026

Starbucks Korea under fire as marketing blunder spills into politics ahead of local elections SEOUL, May 24 (AJP) - Starbucks Korea has found itself at the center of a growing political and social controversy just about a week ahead of local elections slated for June 3. The American coffee chain has already thrown in the towel, pulling its marketing campaign and posting an apology on its website. Shinsegae Group, the retail conglomerate that manages Starbucks in South Korea, also sacked its chief executive Sohn Jeong-hyun for "inappropriate marketing." Shinsegae May 24, 2026

Lee calls for national unity on Buddha's Birthday SEOUL, May 24 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung pledged to build a government that "saves people's lives" in remarks at a Buddha's Birthday ceremony at Jogyesa Temple in central Seoul on Sunday. Lee said he would "do my utmost to build a government that saves people's lives" and put into practice Buddha's teaching that "everyone is noble and equal." "The government will take Buddha's precious words as a lamp," he added May 24, 2026

NPT talks collapse again over nuclear disputes involving N. Korea, Iran SEOUL, May 23 (AJP) - The 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) ended Friday without adopting a consensus document, as member states failed to narrow differences over North Korea, Iran and nuclear disarmament. The four-week conference, held at the U.N. headquarters in New York, had been expected to produce a final document on strengthening the NPT regime. But negotiations broke down over regional nuclear threats and how to implement d May 23, 2026

Govt boycott widens vs Starbucks Korea over "Tank Day" backlash SEOUL, May 22 (AJP) - More Korean ministries and public agencies are moving to distance themselves from Starbucks Korea after the top coffee franchise under Shinsegae Group came under fire for its “Tank Day” promotion over its association with the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising. South Korea’s Defense Ministry has temporarily suspended welfare partnership projects with Starbucks Korea as criticism intensifies over what many viewed as historically insensitive mar May 22, 2026