Main opposition party takes lead over ruling party again in latest poll

SEOUL, January 24 (AJP) - The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) has slightly overtaken the ruling People Power Party (PPP) in support ratings, according to a poll released on Friday. Pollster Gallup Korea surveyed over 1,000 adults earlier this week and found that about 40 percent of respondents supported the DP, while some 38 percent preferred the PPP. The slightest reversal came amid a tight race between the two parties within the margin of error for several weeks, with the

January 24, 2025

Trump to 'reach out' to North Korean leader

SEOUL, January 24 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he would "reach out" to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. His comments come just a few days into his non-consecutive second term earlier this week, suggesting that he intends to re-engage in talks with Pyongyang. In an interview with Fox News, Trump said, "I'll reach out to him again," but gave no specific details. "I got along with him. He is not a religious zealot. He happens

January 24, 2025

Yoon rejects martial law allegations once again at hearing in impeachment trial

SEOUL, January 23 (AJP) - President Yoon Suk Yeol showed up for a hearing in his impeachment trial over his botched martial law debacle last month at the Constitutional Court of Korea in Seoul on Thursday. It was his second appearance after his previous attendance earlier this week. Yoon, who has been held in a solitary cell since his arrest last week on charges of insurrection and abuse of power over the debacle, met with former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who also appeared as

January 23, 2025

Chief of broadcasting watchdog reinstated after court rejects impeachment

SEOUL, January 23 (AJP) - Lee Jin-sook, chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), has been reinstated to her position following a court ruling overturning her impeachment over a controversial decision-making process at the broadcasting watchdog. The Constitutional Court of Korea on Thursday failed to reach a majority of six votes, with four of its eight judges voting for her impeachment and the other four voting against, clearing the way for Lee's return to work.

January 23, 2025

South Korean FM, new US Secretary of State reaffirm alliance in first phone conversation

SEOUL, January 23 (AJP) - Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul spoke with newly appointed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for the first time over the phone on Thursday. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here, the two discussed various issues including the bilateral alliance between South Korea and the U.S, as well as trilateral cooperation with Japan. Cho expressed hopes for the continued strong alliance with Washington under the new U.S. administration, following

January 23, 2025

Prosecutors take over investigation into Yoon's martial law debacle

SEOUL, January 23 (AJP) - Investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) have handed over the case involving President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law debacle last month to prosecutors. The CIO, which is not entitled to prosecute a suspect, said on Thursday that it decided to refer the case to prosecutors. After several failed attempts to question Yoon over charges of insurrection and abuse of power, due to his continued refusal to coopera

January 23, 2025

Subway fares to rise this spring

SEOUL, January 22 (AJP) - Subway fares in Seoul are expected to be hiked by 150 won this spring. Seoul Metro said on Tuesday that it has decided to raise the base fare from 1,400 won to 1,550 won in the first half of this year. The hike was much anticipated, as the Seoul Metropolitan Government tried to raise fares last year but postponed the move amid the prolonged economic downturn. The impending hike, which could take effect as early as March, comes about two years after 20

January 22, 2025

Investigators fail once again to question Yoon over martial law debacle

SEOUL, January 22 (AJP) - Investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) on Wednesday failed once again to question President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched martial law debacle last month. They visited a remand prison in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province, where Yoon is confined, in an attempt to either bring him to the CIO headquarters in Gwacheon in the same province or question him at a separate facility there, but to no avail. They were forced to

January 22, 2025

South Korea discusses defense industry collaboration with Saudi prince

SEOUL, January 22 (AJP) - South Korea discussed ways to strengthen defense ties with Saudi Arabia, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) here said on Wednesday. According to the arms procurement agency, Saudi Arabia's Prince Abdullah Bin Bandar Bin Abdulaziz, also the Minister of National Guard, met with DAPA chief Seok Jong-geon during Seok's three-day visit to the Middle Eastern country, which began on Jan. 19. He also talked with executives from top So

January 22, 2025

New US Secretary of State vows to prioritize American interests

SEOUL, January 22 (AJP) - With the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, Marco Rubio began his first day as Secretary of State on Tuesday, vowing to prioritize American interests in his diplomatic agenda. The Senate unanimously confirmed the former Florida senator the previous day as the first Cabinet member to join Trump's non-consecutive second term. Trump's primary promise "when it comes to foreign policy is that the priority of the United States Department

January 22, 2025