A South Korean bill seeks to shield domestic abuse victims' addresses SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) - A bill to require courts to shield domestic violence victims’ addresses and other contact details has been introduced in South Korea following the killing of a woman who went into hiding from her violent husband. People Power Party Rep. Kim Gunn, a member of the National Assembly’s Gender Equality and Family Committee, said Tuesday he had introduced an amendment to the Family Litigation Act to prevent victims’ new addresses or contact September 22, 2026

Korea to launch smaller prosecution service SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) -South Korea will launch a new prosecution service next month with around 80 to 85 percent of the country’s statutory prosecutor quota, in line with its diminished role. The Justice Ministry said Tuesday that the Cabinet approved revised decrees governing the organization and staffing of the new Prosecution Service, which will replace the current prosecution system on Oct. 2. The statutory quota currently stands at 2,292 prosecutors. The new September 22, 2026

BOK in dilemma as rate hikes ease imbalances, raise default risks SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) – Back-to-back rate hikes are expected to accelerate deleveraging and ease financial imbalances but risk pushing delinquency rates higher, a Bank of Korea financial stability report said Tuesday, underscoring the central bank’s dilemma with two rate-setting meetings left this year. Monetary Policy Board member Jang Yong-sung said further rate increases would be calibrated against inflation, economic conditions and financial stability. The BOK ra September 22, 2026

Lee arrives in New York ahead of UN General Assembly address SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung arrived in New York on Monday, kicking off his weeklong trip, which includes an address at the United Nations' General Assembly before a state visit to Mexico. Lee and first lady Kim Hea Kyung landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport, where they were welcomed by Cha Ji-hoon, who serves as South Korea's permanent representative to the United Nations, Kang Kyung-wha, South Korea's envoy to the U.S., and Kim San September 22, 2026

Korea, U.S., Japan reaffirm N.K. denuclearization, economic-security ties SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) -South Korea, the United States and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to North Korea's complete denuclearization while keeping the door open to dialogue, as the three countries broadened coordination on supply chains, energy security and critical technologies during talks in New York. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi met Monday on the sidelines of the 81st Unite September 22, 2026

Lee is without two key aides at Cheong Wa Dae SEOUL, September 21 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is facing mounting speculation over replacements for two of his most senior aides after presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik offered his resignation Monday, less than three weeks after the departure of his policy chief. Kang tendered his resignation to Lee on Monday morning, according to Cheong Wa Dae. A presidential official said the move was intended to take “comprehensive responsibility” for assis September 21, 2026

South Korea's exports jump in 1st 20 days of September as chip boom continues SEOUL, September 21 (AJP) — South Korea's exports surged 78.3 percent from a year earlier to a record US$71.4 billion in the first 20 days of September, according to preliminary data released by Korea Customs Service on Monday. Imports climbed 26.7 percent from the same period last year to $48.4 billion, leaving a trade surplus of nearly $23.0 billion. Average daily exports rose 89.8 percent from a year earlier to $4.61 billion despite 15.5 working days during the perio September 21, 2026

Korea's Lee eyes youth policy body amid weak young support SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Saturday that his administration is considering creating a dedicated body for youth policy, as his approval rating among South Koreans aged 18 to 29 has fallen to 18.6 percent. “We are considering whether we should create an organization dedicated to youth issues,” Lee said at a Youth Day ceremony at Cheong Wa Dae's State Guest House in Seoul. Lee said difficulties facing younger generations w September 19, 2026

South Korea justice minister nominee Kim Seung-won resigns SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) -South Korean Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won withdrew Saturday, a day after President Lee Jae Myung said at a news conference that he had not reached a final decision on Kim’s appointment and would take public expectations into account. The move came as Lee’s approval rating fell to 37 percent, its lowest level since he took office. Kim, a second-term lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Party and a former judge, announced his withdrawa September 19, 2026

BOJ rate increase fails to aid FX but sets a common path for BOK SEOUL, Sept. 18 (AJP) — The renewed tightening in Tokyo that places the base rate at its 31-year high came short in weakening the greenback's value against Asian currencies but set a common rate path for the Korean central bank. The Bank of Japan (BOJ) raised its policy rate by 25 basis points to 1.25 percent Friday, its highest in 31 years, in a 7-2 vote. The yen weakened to around 157 per dollar after the widely expected move as investors focused on the two dissenting vo September 18, 2026