Gov't seeks talks to bring home South Koreans held in North Korea SEOUL, December 4 (AJP) - South Korea is seeking talks with North Korea to bring back six South Koreans being held there, the presidential office said on Thursday. It comes just a day after the revelation was made during President Lee Jae-myung's press conference with foreign media, marking the first anniversary of disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law debacle. When asked by a reporter from NK News about the South Korean detainees in North Korea and a December 4, 2025

December sees spike in traffic accidents SEOUL, December 4 (AJP) - Traffic accidents caused by slippery roads are most frequent in December, according to a study released by insurance company Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance on Thursday. The analysis of some 2,120 accidents from November 2021 to February 2024 found that 53.9 percent occurred in December, compared to 36.6 percent in January. Despite having fewer snowy or rainy days in December, the average number of accidents per day was 82.5, higher than January December 4, 2025

Season's first snow expected in Seoul SEOUL, December 4 (AJP) - The season's first snow is expected in Seoul and nearby metropolitan areas on Thursday, with sub-zero temperatures lingering, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration. "A heavy snowfall is expected later in the day over a few hours, which may disrupt the evening rush hour," the KMA said, advising people to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts. The capital region may see 1 to 5 centimeters of snow, while northeastern December 4, 2025

National team coach Hong Myung-bo arrives in Washington for World Cup draw SEOUL, December 4 (AJP) - National team coach Hong Myung-bo arrived in Washington, D.C., just days before this week's group draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking to reporters at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on Wednesday, Hong said, "Just qualifying for the World Cup is a great honor." When asked which countries would be ideal opponents for South Korea in the upcoming quadrennial sporting event next summer, which will be the first to fea December 4, 2025

Gov't ramps up safety inspections for high-rise buildings after Hong Kong's deadly fire SEOUL, December 3 (AJP) - Following a massive fire at a high-rise apartment complex in Hong Kong, government authorities here are conducting emergency safety inspections of buildings over 30 floors. Despite current regulations mandating the use of non-combustible materials and the installation of safety-related equipment, some buildings constructed before these regulations took effect still use flammable materials. Of some 140 skyscrapers over 50 floors or 200 meters, 18 are affec December 3, 2025

Korean authorities up penalties and tax probe to fight online scalpers SEOUL, December 03 (AJP) - Scalping of concert and sports tickets has exploded across Korea—surging 41-fold over the past five years—despite tougher penalties and enforcement, prompting regulators and tax authorities to intensify punitive measures. Ticketbay, the country's largest resale platform, is now capping all resale prices at 1 million won ($681) in an attempt to rein in runaway premiums and speculative behavior. The platform said Monday that listings wit December 3, 2025

Chief Justice calls for thorough discussion on judicial reform SEOUL, December 3 (AJP) - The Supreme Court's Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae emphasized the need for thorough public discussion on ongoing talks for judicial reform, citing the importance of protecting citizens' rights and maintaining social order. Speaking at a luncheon with President Lee Jae Myung at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, Cho said, "While not everyone may agree with judicial decisions, these verdicts gain legitimacy and trust through the constitution December 3, 2025

Former PPP leader apologizes for martial law debacle, calls for unity to move forward SEOUL, December 3 (AJP) - Han Dong-hoon, former leader of the conservative People Power Party (PPP), apologized for failing to prevent martial law a year ago, urging South Korea to focus on the future. Speaking at a press conference in Yeouido, Seoul, Han said, "We cannot abandon hope for the future because of past mistakes." Recalling how he rushed to the National Assembly to lift martial law shortly after disgraced former President Yoon Seok Yeol declared it, &quo December 3, 2025

Korea must devise fundamental youth joblessness approach as AI worsens job market SEOUL, December 03 (AJP) - South Korea must map out a comprehensive youth career program and introduce structural flexibility in working conditions to address the deepening mismatch in its labor market, with AI poised to further worsen job prospects for highly educated young adults – nearly half of whom already unemployed, scholars at home and abroad warn. The share of university graduates among the unemployed reached 49.6 percent in September, up from 47.8 percent in 2024 and December 3, 2025

Man arrested for making hundreds of prank calls SEOUL, December 3 (AJP) - A man in his 50s has been arrested for making more than hundreds of false reports with the police over several months. According to police authorities, the man allegedly made 750 false reports and prank calls to emergency hotlines from March until last month, claiming incidents such as finding a weapon linked to an unsolved case and a bus driver operating under the influence. He also reportedly committed theft at local businesses and threatened store owne December 3, 2025