Kazakhstan to hold national referendum on new constitution in March SEOUL, February 20 (AJP) - Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree on February 11 to hold a national referendum on March 15 to decide on the adoption of a new constitution for the Republic of Kazakhstan. If approved by voters, the document will trigger a comprehensive political transition beginning July 1, including the end of the current parliament’s mandate and a fundamental shift in the country’s governance model. The proposed reform marks a t February 20, 2026

Gang Gam-chan sails with global fleet as Korea rises on Indo-Pacific Seas VISAKHAPATNAM, INDIA, February 20 (AJP) - From the deck line to the distant horizon, the waters off Visakhapatnam shimmered with steel, color and motion on Wednesday as one of the world’s largest multinational naval formations assembled for the 2026 International Fleet Review. Flying the South Korean flag Taegeukgi high against a stiff Bay of Bengal wind, the 4,400-ton destroyer ROKS Gang Gam-chan cruised in tight formation alongside 18 other flag-bearing warships, cutting a s February 20, 2026

EXCLUSIVE: Brazil looks beyond 'traditional trade' from K-beauty to AI in state visit SEOUL, February 20 (AJP) - Brazil is looking beyond "traditional trade" through the Feb. 22–24 visit to South Korea, tapping fields from K-beauty to biosimilars, artificial intelligence and space cooperation in pursuit of "productive integration," its ambassador to Seoul said. "The main issue is reinvigorating a relationship that has evolved on just 'okay' in the past several years and is in need of a big jump," Ambassador Marcia Donner February 20, 2026

Iran and US reach preliminary agreement on negotiation principles in Geneva SEOUL, February 19 (AJP) - Iran and the United States have reached a comprehensive agreement on the basic principles for future negotiations following indirect talks held at the Omani Embassy in Geneva, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in South Korea said Thursday. Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, described this second round of discussions as more serious than previous sessions, noting they took place within a constructive and practical atmosphere. Th February 19, 2026

EU open to mediate if North Korean POWs in Ukraine seek defection SEOUL, February 19 (AJP) -The European Union expressed readiness to help facilitate the return of North Korean prisoners of war captured in Ukraine and called for closer cooperation with South Korea on security and sanctions, according to a senior EU diplomat Thursday. Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs at the European External Action Service, said the EU was willing to assist if requested on the issue of North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces whi February 19, 2026

Seollal in motion: More opt to travel, but tradition lives on  SEOUL, February 13 (AJP) - On a quiet winter morning, the scent of beef broth fills Korean homes. A carefully arranged table is set before elders. Children bow deeply, offering New Year’s greetings — “Saehae bok mani badeuseyo,” or “May you receive many blessings in the new year.” With a bowl of tteokguk, rice cake soup, another year of life officially begins. That is Seollal, Korea’s Lunar New Year. Observed on the first day of t February 13, 2026

Ukraine War in 5th Year: Seoul urged to take "pragmatic" postwar posture *Editor's Note: As Russia's invasion of Ukraine nears its fifth year, AJP reviews how the war began, how it has evolved, and where it is heading — and asks the most urgent question of all: will it end? The third installment examines a practical post-war strategy for Seoul. SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) - When Vladimir Putin recently spoke of "positive capital" in ties with Seoul while receiving the credentials of South Korea's new ambassador, Lee February 12, 2026

Uzbekistan and Türkiye align youth policies to boost technological and regional cooperation SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) - Bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Turkey have expanded significantly in recent years, with youth policy emerging as a primary focus of the diplomatic agenda. This cooperation, initiated by the leaders of both nations, has moved beyond domestic social measures to become a formal component of interstate relations involving trade, education, and innovation. The shift toward a systematic approach was highlighted during the fifth meeting of the Minis February 11, 2026

Thailand sells 'luxury healing' image as Korean travelers drift away SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) – Thailand is rebranding itself as a “luxury healing” destination as it struggles to win back South Korean travelers increasingly opting for Vietnam and other alternatives amid rising costs, currency pressure and lingering safety concerns linked to regional tensions. Under its global “Amazing Thailand” campaign, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will reposition its 2026 communications strategy around the tagline &ldquo February 11, 2026

Iranian envoy highlights longstanding friendship, shared future between Tehran and Seoul SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) - Iran's ambassador to South Korea emphasized the enduring friendship between Tehran and Seoul and expressed hopes for deeper cooperation as the two countries look ahead, speaking at a reception marking the 47th anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution in Seoul on Tuesday. The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in South Korea hosted the event at the Shilla Hotel in central Seoul, attended by about 300 guests from diplomatic, academic and busin February 11, 2026