President Yoon declares emergency martial law

SEOUL, December 3 (AJP) - In a late-night televised address on Tuesday, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law, citing the need to eradicate "pro-North Korean forces and their anti-government activities" to protect South Korea's constitutional order. “This measure was unavoidable to ensure the safety and freedom of the people and to protect the country,” Yoon said from the presidential office. He emphasized that his administration would fo

December 3, 2024

Yoon declares martial law

SEOUL, December 03 (AJP) - South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday, citing the need to "eliminate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional order." He made the announcement during an emergency address at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul. The Defense Ministry has ordered heightened military readiness and convened an emergency meeting of key military commanders.

December 3, 2024

Diplomats, leaders celebrate launch of AJP news agency

SEOUL, December 3 (AJP) - AJP, a new English-language news agency, set sail on its journey with a launch ceremony in Yeouido, Seoul on Tuesday. Hundreds of global luminaries, including a score of ambassadors from foreign missions and embassies, as well as lawmakers and political leaders, influential figures, experts from various fields, journalists, and other distinguished guests, gathered to celebrate its inaugural step toward becoming Asia's leading news hub.

December 3, 2024

Russian defense minister arrives in Pyongyang amid deepening military ties

SEOUL, November 29 (AJP) - Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in Pyongyang, Russian news media reported on Friday. Belousov "has arrived in North Korea for an official visit," Moscow's state-run news agency Sputnik said, quoting the country's defense ministry. It added that he is expected to hold "a number of bilateral meetings with representatives of the military" and other political heavyweights in Pyongyang. The visit comes after No

November 29, 2024

South Korea unveils new homegrown interceptor missile system

SEOUL, November 29 (AJP) - South Korea's latest homegrown long-range surface-to-air missile (L-SAM) system was unveiled at an event in Daejeon on Friday. Hosted by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), the event celebrated the completion of the interceptor missile system, which is capable of shooting down incoming enemy ballistic missiles at higher altitudes. Starting development in 2015 with a cost of 1.2 trillion won (US$910 million), the L-SAM is a key component of Sou

November 29, 2024

Cold snap grips nation after heavy snowfall

SEOUL, November 29 (AJP) - Temperatures plummeted nationwide on Friday morning, falling below zero in most areas. The mercury dropped sharply after the season's first snow hit the country earlier this week, bringing the heaviest November snowfall in about a century. According to the Korean Meteorological Administration (KMA), the morning lows dipped more than five to ten degrees lower than the previous day, with -3.4 degrees Celsius in Seoul, -2.8 degrees in Incheon, -5.2 deg

November 29, 2024

Japanese PM mulls visit to Seoul in January

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba plans to visit Seoul in January next year for talks with President Yoon Suk Yeol, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported on Thursday. "The most likely time for the meeting is early January, before the ordinary Diet session convenes," the daily said, citing government sources. "As next year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of relations between Japan and South Korea, Ishiba aims to strengthen coop

November 28, 2024

AJP launches Dec. 3, aims to be Asia's premier news hub

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - AJP, a new English-language news agency focused on Asia, will officially launch in Seoul on Dec. 3. AJP seeks to serve as a powerful platform that amplifies Asia's voice on the global stage while delivering the region's authentic values to audiences worldwide. Through partnerships with key news organizations across the region, AJP will provide innovative news content spanning diverse fields, including politics, economics, society and culture.

November 28, 2024

Trump expected to pursue 'direct talks' with North Korean leader

SEOUL, November 27 (AJP) - Speculation is growing that incoming U.S. President Donald Trump is likely to engage in direct talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Trump's transition team is "discussing pursuing direct talks" with Kim, "hoping a fresh diplomatic push can lower the risks of armed conflict," Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing anonymous sources. "Several in Trump's team now see a direct approach from Trump, to build on a relations

November 27, 2024

Weeklong film festival featuring Indian movies underway in Seoul

SEOUL, November 27 (AJP) - A weeklong film festival featuring Indian films kicked off in western Seoul on Tuesday, featuring six acclaimed Hindi movies until this Saturday. The festival opened with "Lapataa Ladies," also known as "Lost Ladies," which has been selected for the country's official entry for the upcoming Academy Awards early next year. Directed by filmmaker Kiran Rao, the comedy revolves around two young newly-wed brides who are accidentally s

November 27, 2024