National
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South Korea heightens travel advisory for Iran
SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) - South Koreans are advised to avoid travel to Iran as its conflict with Israel further escalates, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday. The ministry heightened its travel advisory for all of Iran with immediate effect, urging South Koreans currently in the country to "leave as soon as possible." It also advised those planning to travel to the Middle Eastern country to cancel or postpone their trips. Several areas there had already been u
June 17, 2025 -
Bilateral talks between Seoul and Washington canceled as Trump leaves G7 early
SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung, who is in Canada attending the Group of Seven (G7) summit, was unable to hold his planned talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday. According to the presidential office here, the two were scheduled to sit down for talks on the sidelines of the summit, but the meeting was canceled after Trump decided to cut his G7 trip short. In a press briefing in Calgary, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lak also said, "Trump is hurr
June 17, 2025 -
South Korea slides in global competitiveness ranking
SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) - South Korea fell seven notches to 27th place in global competitiveness rankings, according to a report released by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) on Tuesday. The annual report by the Swiss business school, which ranks some 69 countries around the world based on four key categories — economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure — placed South Korea at 27th, down from 20th last yea
June 17, 2025 -
Lee embarks on first overseas trip to Canada for G7 summit
SEOUL, June 16 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung on Monday left for Canada along with first lady Kim Hye-kyung to attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit. This marks his first overseas trip since taking office earlier this month, making him the fastest among South Korean presidents to do so, unlike his predecessors who usually spent two to three months settling in before traveling abroad. The G7 summit brings together leaders of the G7 countries — Canada, France, Germany, I
June 16, 2025 -
Chinese diplomat joins Seoul palace walk, highlights cultural connection
SEOUL, June 15 (AJP) - Fang Kun, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Seoul, said he believes walking tours like the one held Saturday offer a meaningful way to appreciate Korea's heritage and deepen ties between the peoples of China and South Korea. "I think this walking event gives everyone a chance to enjoy the beauty of Korea's historic palaces," Fang said during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Seoul Royal Palaces International Walk on Jun. 14.
June 15, 2025 -
Over 1,500 join palace walk event in Seoul to promote cultural exchange
SEOUL, June 15 (AJP) - With his son’s hand in his, Lee Bong-soo walked quietly through the grounds of Seoul’s royal palaces, taking in the scenes he had long wanted to share outside the pages of a textbook. "I always wanted to take my son to a palace, but the opportunity never really came up," said Lee, a resident of Goyang. "My workplace and home are far apart, which made it even harder. Palaces are full of historic sites and interesting things to see.
June 15, 2025 -
Lee calls emergency meeting in response to Israel's attack on Iran
SEOUL, June 13 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung convened an urgent meeting on Friday to discuss measures in response to Israel's attack on Iran earlier in the day. Lee said, "The most important thing is the lives and safety of South Koreans there," stressing the need to thoroughly assess the situation of South Koreans residing there. He ordered key officials to prepare appropriate safety measures for South Koreans residing in nearby areas while analyzing potential im
June 13, 2025 -
Lee's nominee for senior post bows out over allegations
SEOUL, June 13 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung on Friday accepted the resignation of a key nominee who had come under fire over several allegations. Oh Kwang-soo, Lee's pick for senior presidential secretary for civil affairs, stepped down less than a week after his nomination, becoming the first top-level government official to resign since Lee took office on June 4. Amid mounting controversy over hidden real estate dealings involving his wife along with a suspicious loan ta
June 13, 2025 -
S. Korea and Viet Nam agree to expand cooperation in rail and nuclear energy
SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung held his first phone conversation with Vietnamese President Lương Cường on Thursday, reaffirming the two countries’ commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation. The 25-minute call, which began at 9:30 a.m., opened with President Cường congratulating Lee and expressing hope for meaningful progress during his term. "I hope President Lee achieves many accomplishments during his presidency," Cường said, according to
June 12, 2025 -
President vows to end stock manipulation, warns 'one-strike-out' under new rules
SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung has declared a crackdown on illegal stock trading, pledging to restore trust in South Korea's capital markets through stronger oversight and strict penalties. During a meeting held at the Korea Exchange on Wednesday, the president warned that illegal profits in the market would not be tolerated under his administration. "If you try to play games in the South Korean stock market, you will lose everything," Lee said, addin
June 12, 2025
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President Lee Jae-myung says cutting off dialogue with N. Korea is 'truly foolish'
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S. Korea enters final phase of minimum wage talks for next year
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N. Korea reaffirms nuclear status and blasts S. Korea and US for joint drills
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Jungkook sets new records on Spotify as Asia's top solo act
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KCC Group pivots to defense tech, semiconductors as construction falters
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K-pop band TXT gears up for July comeback with preview of fourth studio album
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Reunited BTS members gear up for new album ahead of return next spring
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Nokia promotes AI-powered networks as crucial to Korea's tech future
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Shilla Duty Free, Paradise City partner to attract foreign tourists
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Musinsa to sell fashion, beauty products targeting young consumers at GS25 stores