Subway workers in Seoul go on partial strike

SEOUL, December 1 (AJP) - Commuters may have to brace for some delays as unionized workers in Seoul launched a partial strike, Seoul Metro said on its website on Monday. Seoul Metro, which operates subway lines 1 through 8, apologized for any inconvenience. It would involve operational slowdowns such as delayed door closures and reduced train speeds, likely causing disruptions for commuters during the morning and evening rush hours. The move came after Seoul Metro's labo

December 1, 2025

Super-aged South Korea sees record share of one-person households

SEOUL, November 30 (AJP) - South Korea's population structure is shifting faster than expected as the share of one-person households climbed to a new high last year and the number of older adults passed the 10 million mark for the first time. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's annual social security statistics released on November 30, the number of people living alone reached 8.045 million in 2024, accounting for 36.1 percent of all households. The steady ri

November 30, 2025

Kookmin University posts top growth rate among Seoul universities in 2025 Joongang rankings

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - Kookmin University marked a decisive milestone this year, as President Jung Seung-ryul noted that the institution is now recognized for its sustained rise in academic competitiveness. In the 2025 Joongang Ilbo University Rankings released on Nov. 28, Kookmin placed 14th overall and recorded the highest 10-year growth rate among universities in Seoul, securing second place nationwide in the new long-term growth index. Jung said the results reflect a decade o

November 28, 2025

Ex-President Yoon rated worst among former leaders, poll shows

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - The late President Roh Moo-hyun remains the most favored among South Korea's former leaders, according to a poll released on Friday. Pollster Gallup Korea surveyed 1,000 adults earlier this week and found that 77 percent of respondents evaluated disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol as the worst, with his shortcomings outweighing his accomplishments more than any other past South Korean president. Yoon is currently on trial over his Dec. 3 declar

November 28, 2025

US envoy urges allies to address 'common challenges' in Indo-Pacific

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - Acting U.S. Ambassador to Seoul Kevin Kim on Friday stressed the importance of addressing shared challenges on the Korean Peninsula as well as in the Indo-Pacific region. "First and foremost, addressing the common challenges on the Korean Peninsula, as well as the Indo-Pacific region, first starts with having a shared assessment of the threats that we face," Kim said at a forum in Seoul. "Ultimately what matters is that we strengthen

November 28, 2025

Asian Culture Calendar

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - South Korea Dec. 11 – 14 Busan International Children’s Book Fair Dec. 12 – Jan. 4 Seoul Lantern Festival Japan Dec. 6 – 7 Tokyo Whisky Festival Dec. 13 – 14 Ishigaki Island Pottery Festival Dec. 11 – 21 Tokyo Art Book Fair Dec. 1 - 25 Shibuya Christmas Market Dec. 12 - 25 Nagano Christmas Market Dec. 20 - Jan. 31 Okinawa Zoo & Museum Christmas Fantasy Thailand Dec. 1 – 7 Chiang Mai S

November 28, 2025

Ex-police chief tapped as envoy to Cambodia to combat crimes against South Koreans

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - A former police chief has been named ambassador to Cambodia to address the rising crimes against South Koreans there, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday. A graduate of the Korean National Police University, Kim Chang-ryong has held key positions at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and has also served as a consul in São Paulo, Brazil, and in Washington, D.C., U.S. The appointment appears to be aimed at further bolstering cooperat

November 28, 2025

Lee offers condolences to victims of Hong Kong's deadliest fire

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung on Friday expressed his condolences to the victims of a fire at a high-rise apartment complex in Hong Kong and wished the injured a swift recovery. In a message posted on Facebook, Lee said, "I extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to those affected by the tragic incident involving our neighbors." The fire "resulted in numerous casualties, leaving South Korea and the world in deep sorrow," he added, off

November 28, 2025

Lawmaker Jang Kyung-tae accused of sexual assault

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - Lawmaker Jang Kyung-tae of the ruling Democratic Party has been embroiled in a sexual assault scandal after a complaint was filed with police. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, Jang allegedly sexually harassed a woman at a gathering in Seoul late last year. Jang immediately denied the allegations, posting a message on Facebook saying, "I will firmly respond including legal action against these false accusations." In response

November 28, 2025

Fresh cold snap grips nation

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - A cold snap swept across the country on Friday, with morning temperatures dropping below zero and strong winds making it feel even colder. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, cold air from the northwest caused temperatures to plunge below the seasonal average. In some central regions, temperatures fell 5 to 7 degrees Celsius, compared to the previous day. While temperatures are forecast to rise slightly in the afternoon, most regions

November 28, 2025