US offers condolences to South Korea over wildfires, pledges support

SEOUL, March 28 (AJP) - The U.S. extended its condolences to South Korea on Friday for the loss of life caused by weeklong massive wildfires here, pledging to offer any necessary support. "The United States offers our sincere condolences to the people of for the tragic loss of life and the extensive damage caused by ongoing wildfires in the southeastern region," said Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department in a statement. "The deadly

March 28, 2025

Firefighters battle worst-ever wildfires as death toll rises to 28

SEOUL, March 28 (AJP) - With massive wildfires ravaging the southeastern part of the country for a week, the death toll continues to rise, leaving at least 28 people dead and dozens more injured as of Friday. Nearly 40,000 residents have been forced to evacuate as around 48,000 hectares of land and forests have been burned, making it the worst wildfire ever. The fires also decimated around 3,500 houses and other buildings, turning them into ashes, while affecting villages and tow

March 28, 2025

Stars rush to donate money for wildfire victims

SEOUL, March 27 (AJP) - K-pop stars and other celebrities are extending their support to those affected by a spate of massive wildfires that have continued to devastate the southeastern part of the country since last Friday. Versatile star IU made a generous donation of 200 million won (US$140,000), while singer-turned-actress Suzy gave 100 million won ($69,000). Actresses Han Ji-min and Park Bo-young donated 50 million won ($37,000) each. Other fellow stars like Go Min-si, Go Yo

March 27, 2025

Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung acquitted in election law violation appeal

SEOUL, March 26 (AJP) - Lee Jae-myung, the leader of South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party and a leading presidential contender, cleared a major legal obstacle on Wednesday after being acquitted in an appeals trial for violating the Public Official Election Act. The Seoul High Court overturned a lower court ruling that had sentenced Lee to one year in prison with a two-year suspension for allegedly spreading false information during the 2021 presidential primary. L

March 26, 2025

US intelligence chief raises alarms over North Korea's nuclear weapons ambitions

SEOUL, March 26 (AJP) - North Korea is "probably prepared to conduct another nuclear test on short notice," as the reclusive country has no intention of giving up its nuclear weapons program, a top U.S. intelligence official suggests. The comment came from U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard as she testified before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on Tuesday. "North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is pursuing stronger strategic and conventiona

March 26, 2025

At least 24 dead as wildfires devastate southern South Korea

SEOUL, March 26 (AJP) - Massive wildfires in the southeastern part of the country have killed at least 24 people and injured more than two dozen as of Tuesday, with the death toll expected to rise further as firefighters continue to struggle to contain the blazes that began last week. The fires first broke out in Sancheong, South Gyeongsang Province last Friday, leaving four dead, and have since rapidly spread to nearby areas including Andong, Cheongsong, Uiseong, Yeongyang, and Yeo

March 26, 2025

Asia-Pacific Financial Forum explores financial strategies amid rising global polarization

SEOUL, March 26 (AJP) - The 2025 Asia-Pacific Financial Forum, hosted by Aju News Corporation, took place on Mar. 26 at the Westin Josun Hotel in Seoul, under the theme of "Second Presidency of Trump: Financial crises and opportunities in an era of global polarization." The forum brought together government officials, financial regulators, corporate leaders, and scholars to examine the shifting global economic landscape and its implications for South Korea.

March 26, 2025

Massive wildfires continue to ravage southeastern areas

SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) - A spate of wildfires gripping the southeastern part of the country since last week has burned about 15,000 hectares of land and forest, displacing more than 3,300 people, with four dead and several injured as of Tuesday. Firefighters and other rescue officials are still battling wildfires in parts of Sancheong, South Gyeongsang Province, Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province, which have been raging since last Friday. Fanned by strong gusts and dry weather, wi

March 25, 2025

Reinstated PM vows to devote himself to state affairs

SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - Prime Minister Han Duck-soo returned to his post as acting president on Monday, about three months after being suspended. His return came after the Constitutional Court dismissed his impeachment earlier in the day over several accusations related to President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law debacle late last year. In a televised address from the government complex in Seoul, Han expressed his gratitude for the court's ruling and said he would &q

March 24, 2025

Constitutional Court rejects impeachment of Prime Minister Han

SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - The Constitutional Court on Monday rejected the impeachment motion against Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, ruling that although the motion was procedurally valid, the alleged violations did not justify his removal from office. In its ruling, the court stated that Han's actions could not be considered a grave breach of the law serious enough to deprive him of public trust. With the decision, Han returns to office 87 days after the National Assembly passed t

March 24, 2025