OECD warns South Korea's population could 'halve in six decades'

SEOUL, March 6 (AJP) - With one of the world's lowest birth rates, South Korea's population could shrink by half within the next six decades, according to a forecast by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In report titled "Korea's Unborn Future" released on Wednesday, the Paris-based organization said the country "where fertility has imploded to unprecedented lows" is expected to see its population "halve ov

March 6, 2025

15 injured as fighter jets accidentally drop bombs on village during live-fire drill

SEOUL, March 6 (AJP) - Bombs from two Air Force fighter jets fell during a live-fire drill in Pocheon, north of Seoul on Thursday, leaving at least 15 people injured. According to military authorities, the accident occurred at around 10 a.m. when the KF-16 fighter jets taking part in the drill accidentally dropped eight bombs outside a training range in Pochoen, Gyeonggi Province, injuring 15 villagers and destroying several buildings in the surrounding area. The explosion caused

March 6, 2025

North Korea deploys additional troops to Russia, US defense official confirms

SEOUL, March 6 (AJP) - North Korea has deployed additional troops to Russia to assist its war in Ukraine, Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported on Thursday, citing an anonymous U.S. defense official. According to the U.S. government-funded nonprofit news outlet, the newly deployed North Korean forces look to be a "replenishment of battlefield losses" to replace those killed or wounded, with an assessment of the exact number in the latest deployment underway. Last month, South

March 6, 2025

Instant noodle-themed store in Seoul becomes pilgrimage site for tourists

SEOUL, March 5 (AJP) - An instant noodle-themed store in Seoul has become something of a pilgrimage site for foreign tourists and other visitors. Drawn by the global popularity of K-pop and South Korean dramas, many who have seen their favorite idols enjoying instant noodles on screen flock to the store for an authentic taste. Run by convenience store chain CU, the store called "Ramyun Library," solely dedicated to instant noodles, has its shelves filled with a massive col

March 5, 2025

Pentagon deputy nominee urges US allies to share greater burden, stresses strengthening alliance with Seoul

SEOUL, March 5 (AJP) - A nominee for a high-ranking post at the Pentagon stressed the need for U.S. allies to take greater responsibility for regional and global stability, arguing that the U.S. has long shouldered an unfair burden. In a written statement submitted to the Senate Committee on Armed Services ahead of his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Elbridge Colby, the nominee for U.S. undersecretary of defense for policy, said, "I believe alliances are key. But, as President

March 5, 2025

Korea's opposition party gains ground as ruling party support declines, poll finds

SEOUL, March 03 (AJP) - Support for South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party (DP) has risen to 44.2 percent, surpassing the ruling People Power Party (PPP) by a margin greater than the survey’s margin of error, according to a new poll released on Monday. The survey, conducted by Realmeter among 1,506 adults aged 18 and older last week, found that the DP’s approval rating climbed 3.1 percentage points from the previous week. Meanwhile, support for the PPP

March 3, 2025

Nearly 30 percent of new hires at major firms have work experiences: Survey

SEOUL, March 02 (AJP) - Nearly three in ten newly hired university graduates at major South Korean companies last year had prior work experience, reflecting a growing preference for experienced candidates. According to a survey by the Korea Economic Research Institute (KERI) on major companies' hiring plans for the first half of 2025, released on Sunday, 28.9 percent of newly hired university graduates in 2024 had prior work experience. This marks a 3.2 percentage point increa

March 2, 2025

Russian Embassy in Seoul celebrates Maslenitsa with traditional performances

SEOUL, March 02 (AJP) - The Russian Embassy in the Republic of Korea hosted a Maslenitsa celebration on February 28, bringing together students, diplomats, and guests for a day of cultural festivities. The event was attended by about 100 guests, including Russian embassy officials and their families, as well as representatives from other foreign embassies. Students from the Russian school at the embassy performed traditional songs and dances, showcasing

March 2, 2025

North Jeolla province edges out Seoul in bid to host 2036 Summer Olympics

SEOUL, March 1 (AJP) - North Jeolla province secured the right to represent South Korea in the bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics, delivering a stunning upset over the capital Seoul in a national vote that showcased growing support for regional development. The southwestern province garnered 49 votes to Seoul's 11 in Friday's secret ballot held by the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC), shattering expectations and positioning a regional contender to potentially host S

March 1, 2025

Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul to implement nighttime curfew for tourists amid overtourism concerns

Tourists take a photo at Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul on Jan. 9, 2025. Yonhap SEOUL, February 28 (AJP) - Tourists will be banned from sightseeing in Bukchon, a district known for its characteristic alleys filled with traditional Korean homes in central Seoul, during certain hours. With the tourist curfew starting from Saturday, visiting hours for Bukchon Hanok Village will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and violators will face a fine of 100,000 Korean won (US$75). The village attracts

February 28, 2025