• 
  Cameras allowed for opening of Kim Keon Hee trial, but not for full proceedings SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) - A Seoul court has permitted media outlets to film the opening of the first trial for former First Lady Kim Keon Hee, who faces corruption charges. The Seoul Central District Court announced on Monday that it will open the courtroom for a media photo and video opportunity before the hearing begins at 2:10 p.m. on Wednesday. According to the court's decision, video and photography will be permitted from the beginning of the session until the presid September 22, 2025
• 
  Aju News chair named first head of Kazakhstan–Korea Friendship Association SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) - Kwak Young-kil, chairman of Aju News Corporation, has been appointed as the founding head of the Kazakhstan–Korea Friendship Association, marking a milestone in efforts to deepen ties between the two countries. The appointment ceremony was held Monday at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Seoul. Kwak underscored the strong presence of Korean companies in Kazakhstan, noting that the business community and other sectors have long sought opportunities to e September 22, 2025
• 
  Seoul seeks to document abuses amid claims of US detention mistreatment SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) - South Korea’s Foreign Ministry has begun surveying more than 300 of its citizens who were detained by U.S. immigration authorities in Georgia, after some former detainees alleged they were subjected to mistreatment while in custody. The survey, distributed this week to 316 South Koreans who have since returned home, asks respondents to describe the circumstances of their arrest and their experiences during detention. It will remain open for a we September 22, 2025
• 
  South Korean army blends fun and firepower in Ground Forces show SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Military bands struck up "Golden," the chart-topping theme from Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters, as tanks stood in long rows and children darted between armored corridors. Overhead, parachutists trailed colored smoke. South Korea, still technically at war with North Korea, is now among the world's leading defense exporter. Yet when the Army opened its annual Ground Forces Festival at Gyeryongdae airfield, it made sure the awe was mixed wi September 19, 2025
• 
  Lee to head to New York early next week to attend UN General Assembly SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung will embark on his trip to the U.S. next Monday to attend the UN General Assembly's annual high-level session in New York. In a press briefing on Friday, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Lee will begin his week-long itinerary by delivering a keynote speech at the assembly's 80th session on Sept. 23. He will then preside over an artificial intelligence (AI)-themed open debate the following day, making him the fi September 19, 2025
• 
  Resolving visa issues is critical for Korea to act out U.S. investment: FM Cho SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Resolving visa issues is critical for South Korean companies to press forward with their various multi-billion-dollar projects in the United States, Korean foreign minister emphasized Friday. Although visa issues are not a formal precondition for Korean investment in the U.S., foreign minister Cho said they are "an extremely important matter" that should be resolved before major projects move forward. "Protecting our nationals and invest September 19, 2025
• 
  Kyung Hee University hosts 44th Peace BAR Festival to mark UN International Day of Peace SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Kyung Hee University System is hosting its 44th Peace BAR Festival from Sept. 19 to 20, bringing together global leaders and intellectuals to address humanity's challenges under the theme "The Moment of Chaos: Planetary Consciousness and Future Politics." The festival, announced by the university system led by Chancellor Choue In-won, commemorates the United Nations' International Day of Peace, which was originally proposed by the univer September 19, 2025
• 
  Outgoing Japanese PM to 'hold talks with Lee' in Busan late this month SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Japan's outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishida is considering a visit to South Korea to meet with President Lee Jae Myung later this month, according to multiple Japanese media outlets. Ishiba is expected to visit the southern port city of Busan from Sept. 30 to Oct. 1 for talks with Lee. The Japanese leader announced his intention to step down earlier this month, after less than a year in office, as he succumbed to mounting pressure from the rulin September 19, 2025
• 
  Gov't launches task force to tackle US visa issues after Georgia immigration raid SEOUL, September 18 (AJP) - The government launched an interagency task force to address issues related to U.S. visas. The task force, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, aims to ensure that the concerns raised by South Korean businesses are reflected during negotiations with the U.S. The move follows the weeklong detention of hundreds of South Korean workers during a sweepi September 18, 2025
• 
  Son Heung-min nets hat trick for LAFC SEOUL, September 18 (AJP) - Son Heung-min, who made his Major League Soccer (MLS) debut with Los Angeles FC (LAFC) last month, scored his first hat trick, leading his team to a 4-1 victory in an away match against Real Salt Lake in Utah on Wednesday. His first goal came just 3 minutes into the game, followed by another goal in the 16th minute. Son then completed his hat trick in the 82nd minute, sliding in to finish a pass from fellow Denis Bouanga. Having done his part brillia September 18, 2025