Policy
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Korean president hints at conscription overhaul in line with demographic changes
SEOUL, February 05 (AJP)-South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday hinted at enabling non-conscription options for science talent as part of an overhaul of South Korea's military service system, citing demographic decline and brain drain caused by two to three years of interruption in studies and research. Speaking at a dialogue with young scientists at the presidential office, Lee acknowledged that mandatory service creates unavoidable career gaps for young men and has b
February 5, 2026
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Korean conglomerates vow nearly $200 bn over 5 years for regional growth SEOUL, February 05 (AJP) -South Korea’s major business conglomerates have pledged to invest about 300 trillion won ($186 billion) across non-capital regions over the next five years, responding to President Lee Jae Myung’s call for more inclusive growth and balanced regional development. “As our companies work hard and the economy gradually begins to recover, I hope the fruits of growth will be shared more broadly,” Lee said at a meeting with February 5, 2026 -
Seoul, Washington likely to set 2028 target for wartime command handover SEOUL, February 04 (AJP) - South Korea and the U.S. are expected to set 2028 as the target year for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) at their annual Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) in Washington this October, reflecting growing confidence in Seoul’s ability to lead combined defense operations. According to government sources on Wednesday, the allies are considering 2028 as the most realistic timeline, aiming to complete the handover during the respective February 4, 2026