South Korea on Saturday (Jan 20) charged Seoul's chief of police with contributing through negligence to the deadly Halloween crowd crush in Seoul in 2022​ that claimed the lives of over 160 people, according to the prosecutors.

Seoul Western District Prosecutors Office released a statement saying that Kim Kwang-ho, chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, was charged with professional negligence resulting in injury or death.

As the head of the SMPA, he "did not take necessary measures, such as deploying sufficient police forces and ensuring proper command and supervision" on the day of the incident, said the statement.

Kim is the highest-ranking police official to go on trial over the tragic incident and was charged without detention.

Last year in the month of January, a special police investigation team had forwarded rescue and district offices to the prosecution over their alleged involvement in the government's mishandling of the incident.

The heads of the police station in Seoul's Yongsan district, which includes Itaewon, and the Yongsan Ward office were charged by the prosecutors but for over a year, they had not come to a decision over charging Kim.

Friday's statement said Kim, "along with the chief of the Yongsan Police Station and the head of the Yongsan Ward office who are currently on trial, collectively caused the deaths of 158 individuals and injuries to 312 individuals as a result of professional negligence".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-north-korea-in-a-public-trial-puts-2-teens-under-12-years-of-hard-labour-for-watching-k-pop-681813">North Korea teens, in a public trial, put under 12 years of hard labour for watching K-pop</a>

The victims' families expressed their dismay at the prosecution's prolonged decision-making process prior to filing charges against Kim.

"Chief Kim must immediately step down from his position and face trial," the families said in a statement.

"President Yoon Suk Yeol must dismiss Kim immediately."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Explained | How is a crowd crush different from a stampede?

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<h2>South Korea Halloween crush</h2>

Celebrations turned into chaos on Oct 29, 2022, as at least 151 people were killed and more than 100 were injured in South Korea when a gathering of primarily young people celebrating Halloween festivities in Seoul became trapped and crushed.&nbsp;

The Seoul police chief, Seoul mayor and the country's interior minister issued public apologies after the incident, admitting to the collective failure. The South Korean media reported that the Police did not respond to 7 of the 11 calls made by members of the public to report the overcrowding of the entertainment district, a revelation that stoked anger against the authorities all across South Korea.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korea on Saturday (Jan 20) charged Seoul's chief of police with contributing through negligence to the deadly Halloween crowd crush in Seoul in 2022 that claimed the lives of over 160 people, according to the prosecutors.

South Korea on Saturday (Jan 20) charged Seoul's chief of police with contributing through negligence to the deadly Halloween crowd crush in Seoul in 2022 that claimed the lives of over 160 people, according to the prosecutors. Seoul Western District Prosecutors Office released a statement saying that Kim Kwang-ho, chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, was charged with professional negligence resulting in injury or death. As the head of the SMPA, he "did not take necessary measures, such as deploying sufficient police forces and ensuring proper command and supervision" on the day of the incident, said the statement. Kim is the highest-ranking police official to go on trial over the tragic incident and was charged without detention. Last year in the month of January, a special police investigation team had forwarded rescue and district offices to the prosecution over their alleged involvement in the government's mishandling of the incident. The heads of the police station in Seoul's Yongsan district, which includes Itaewon, and the Yongsan Ward office were charged by the prosecutors but for over a year, they had not come to a decision over charging Kim. Friday's statement said Kim, "along with the chief of the Yongsan Police Station and the head of the Yongsan Ward office who are currently on trial, collectively caused the deaths of 158 individuals and injuries to 312 individuals as a result of professional negligence". Also read: North Korea teens, in a public trial, put under 12 years of hard labour for watching K-pop The victims' families expressed their dismay at the prosecution's prolonged decision-making process prior to filing charges against Kim. "Chief Kim must immediately step down from his position and face trial," the families said in a statement. "President Yoon Suk Yeol must dismiss Kim immediately." WATCH | Explained | How is a crowd crush different from a stampede? × South Korea Halloween crush Celebrations turned into chaos on Oct 29, 2022, as at least 151 people were killed and more than 100 were injured in South Korea when a gathering of primarily young people celebrating Halloween festivities in Seoul became trapped and crushed. The Seoul police chief, Seoul mayor and the country's interior minister issued public apologies after the incident, admitting to the collective failure. The South Korean media reported that the Police did not respond to 7 of the 11 calls made by members of the public to report the overcrowding of the entertainment district, a revelation that stoked anger against the authorities all across South Korea. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea Halloween crush: Seoul police chief charged over deadly incident

South Korea's main opposition party leader, Lee Jae-myung, said on Wednesday he hoped a stabbing attack he suffered could mark the end of the "politics of hate" in the country.

He was speaking to reporters and supporters after he was discharged from a hospital in Seoul, where he has been recovering since last week's attack in the southern city of Busan.

"I hope this case which shocked everyone can serve as a milestone to end the politics of hate and confrontation and restore proper politics," said Lee, who thanked medical staff at the hospital and vowed to serve his country.

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The attack was widely condemned as an "act of terror" and a challenge to democracy by President Yoon Suk Yeol and politicians from both the ruling and opposition parties.

Police are due to announce the outcome of an investigation into the attack later on Wednesday.

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Earlier, the alleged assailant told reporters he was sorry over the fallout from the attack as he was leaving a police station.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwans-defence-ministry-issues-air-raid-alert-ahead-of-polls-678441">Taiwan's Defence Ministry issues air raid alert ahead of polls</a>

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Three members of the main opposition Democratic Party announced they would leave the party citing disagreements over Lee's leadership while wishing him a swift recovery.

Though the Democratic Party and Yoon's conservative People Power Party account for the majority of lawmakers in parliament, a number of politicians on both sides of the aisle have indicated they plan to break away to form new parties to run in general elections due in April.

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

South Korea's main opposition party leader, Lee Jae-myung, said on Wednesday he hoped a stabbing attack he suffered could mark the end of the "politics of hate" in the country.

South Korea's main opposition party leader, Lee Jae-myung, said on Wednesday he hoped a stabbing attack he suffered could mark the end of the "politics of hate" in the country. He was speaking to reporters and supporters after he was discharged from a hospital in Seoul, where he has been recovering since last week's attack in the southern city of Busan. "I hope this case which shocked everyone can serve as a milestone to end the politics of hate and confrontation and restore proper politics," said Lee, who thanked medical staff at the hospital and vowed to serve his country. Also Read | Twitch, Amazon's live streaming platform, to trim workforce by 35pc with 500 job cuts The attack was widely condemned as an "act of terror" and a challenge to democracy by President Yoon Suk Yeol and politicians from both the ruling and opposition parties. Police are due to announce the outcome of an investigation into the attack later on Wednesday. Also Read | AI's double-edged sword: Technology making hacking easy for non tech savvy people, warn US officials Earlier, the alleged assailant told reporters he was sorry over the fallout from the attack as he was leaving a police station. Watch | Taiwan's Defence Ministry issues air raid alert ahead of polls × Three members of the main opposition Democratic Party announced they would leave the party citing disagreements over Lee's leadership while wishing him a swift recovery. Though the Democratic Party and Yoon's conservative People Power Party account for the majority of lawmakers in parliament, a number of politicians on both sides of the aisle have indicated they plan to break away to form new parties to run in general elections due in April.

South Korea opposition leader hopes for end to 'politics of hate' after attack

In an audacious attempt to go to Seoul, three 13-year-old Tamil Nadu students sought to meet their favorite members of the BTS. The Korean pop group Bangtan Boys, or BTS, has a sizable fan base among young people. Three teenage ladies from Tamil Nadu considered traveling to Seoul, the capital of South Korea, as a result of their popularity. They eventually gave up on their quest and were found in Vellore, a city in their home state, despite having meticulous plans to travel without a passport and with little money.

Gravitas: With only Rs14k in hand, 3 Tamil Nadu girls left home for Seoul to meet BTS stars

North Korea on Sunday (Jan 7) conducted live-fire exercises on its western coast, Seoul's military said in a statement.

This was the third consecutive day of military drills conducted by Pyongyang near its disputed maritime border with the South.

Seoul's army said that North Korea had "conducted artillery fire with over 90 rounds north of Yeonpyeong island from 1600 to 1710 (0400 to 0510 GMT) today".&nbsp;

"We issue a stern warning that North Korea's repeated artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone poses a threat to the peace on the Korean Peninsula and escalates tensions and strongly urge that it be stopped immediately."

South Korea had warned the residents on the border island of Yeonpyeong to stay indoors.

"North Korean gunfire is currently being heard," stated a text message that was sent to all residents on Sunday afternoon, as per news agency AFP.

"Troops on Yeonpyeong Island are currently responding, but residents are advised to be careful of outdoor activities," the message said.

North Korea fired artillery rounds in the same vicinity on Friday and Saturday, close to the thinly populated islands of Yeonpyeong and Baengnyeong, which are located just south of the de facto sea boundary between the two sides.

"North Korean forces conducted artillery fire with over 60 rounds" northwest of Yeonpyeong Island on Saturday afternoon, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

North Korea's shells, on Friday as well as on Saturday, landed in a buffer zone that was created under a 2018 deal aimed at reducing tensions between the two sides.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-uns-sister-claims-s-korea-misjudged-sound-of-explosives-as-artillery-fire-677432">Kim Jong Un’s sister claims S Korea 'misjudged' sound of explosives as artillery fire</a>

The military accord fell apart in November last year after Pyongyang launched a spy satellite.

Seoul's military said Saturday that "the repeated artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone by North Korea poses a threat to the peace on the Korean Peninsula and escalates tensions".

"North Korea, following its claim of the complete nullification of the 'September 19 Military Agreement', continues to threaten our citizens with ongoing artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone," the JCS said, referring to the 2018 deal.&nbsp;

"In response, our military will take appropriate measures," it said.

<h2>Live-fire drills 'natural response' to South Korea threats, says North&nbsp;</h2>

Pyongyang after firing more than 200 artillery shots on Friday (Jan 5) said that the live-fire exercises were a "natural response and countermeasure" to South Korean drills, condemning Seoul's claim that it had threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea released a statement saying that its drills did "not even have any indirect impact on Baengnyeong Island and Yeonpyeong Island", where residents were told to evacuate by local authorities, according to KCNA's report.

South Korean defence ministry, condemned the fire drills calling it a "provocative act" and urged North to stop, warning Seoul would take "appropriate measures" in response.

"We gravely warn that the entire responsibility of such crisis-escalating situations lies with North Korea and strongly urge for its immediate halt," Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun said in a press conference.

"Under close coordination between South Korea and the United States, our military is tracking and monitoring related activity, and will conduct corresponding measures to North Korea's provocations."

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea on Sunday (Jan 7) conducted live-fire exercises on its western coast, Seoul's military said in a statement. This was the third consecutive day of military drills conducted by Pyongyang near its disputed maritime border with the South.

North Korea on Sunday (Jan 7) conducted live-fire exercises on its western coast, Seoul's military said in a statement. This was the third consecutive day of military drills conducted by Pyongyang near its disputed maritime border with the South. Seoul's army said that North Korea had "conducted artillery fire with over 90 rounds north of Yeonpyeong island from 1600 to 1710 (0400 to 0510 GMT) today". "We issue a stern warning that North Korea's repeated artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone poses a threat to the peace on the Korean Peninsula and escalates tensions and strongly urge that it be stopped immediately." South Korea had warned the residents on the border island of Yeonpyeong to stay indoors. "North Korean gunfire is currently being heard," stated a text message that was sent to all residents on Sunday afternoon, as per news agency AFP. "Troops on Yeonpyeong Island are currently responding, but residents are advised to be careful of outdoor activities," the message said. North Korea fired artillery rounds in the same vicinity on Friday and Saturday, close to the thinly populated islands of Yeonpyeong and Baengnyeong, which are located just south of the de facto sea boundary between the two sides. "North Korean forces conducted artillery fire with over 60 rounds" northwest of Yeonpyeong Island on Saturday afternoon, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. North Korea's shells, on Friday as well as on Saturday, landed in a buffer zone that was created under a 2018 deal aimed at reducing tensions between the two sides. Also read: Kim Jong Un’s sister claims S Korea 'misjudged' sound of explosives as artillery fire The military accord fell apart in November last year after Pyongyang launched a spy satellite. Seoul's military said Saturday that "the repeated artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone by North Korea poses a threat to the peace on the Korean Peninsula and escalates tensions". "North Korea, following its claim of the complete nullification of the 'September 19 Military Agreement', continues to threaten our citizens with ongoing artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone," the JCS said, referring to the 2018 deal. "In response, our military will take appropriate measures," it said. Live-fire drills 'natural response' to South Korea threats, says North Pyongyang after firing more than 200 artillery shots on Friday (Jan 5) said that the live-fire exercises were a "natural response and countermeasure" to South Korean drills, condemning Seoul's claim that it had threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea released a statement saying that its drills did "not even have any indirect impact on Baengnyeong Island and Yeonpyeong Island", where residents were told to evacuate by local authorities, according to KCNA's report. South Korean defence ministry, condemned the fire drills calling it a "provocative act" and urged North to stop, warning Seoul would take "appropriate measures" in response. "We gravely warn that the entire responsibility of such crisis-escalating situations lies with North Korea and strongly urge for its immediate halt," Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun said in a press conference. "Under close coordination between South Korea and the United States, our military is tracking and monitoring related activity, and will conduct corresponding measures to North Korea's provocations." (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea conducts live-fire drills near maritime border on third consecutive day

North Korea fired over 60 artillery rounds on Saturday (Jan 6) near Yeonpyeong Island, said Seoul's army, a day after both the sides, North and South, conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border.

"North Korean forces conducted artillery fire with over 60 rounds" northwest of Yeonpyeong Island on Saturday afternoon, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

North Korea's shells, on Friday as well as on Saturday, landed in a buffer zone that was created under a 2018 deal aimed at reducing tensions between the two sides.

The military accord fell apart in November last year after Pyongyang launched a spy satellite.

Seoul's military said Saturday that "the repeated artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone by North Korea poses a threat to the peace on the Korean Peninsula and escalates tensions".

"North Korea, following its claim of the complete nullification of the 'September 19 Military Agreement', continues to threaten our citizens with ongoing artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone," the JCS said, referring to the 2018 deal.&nbsp;

"In response, our military will take appropriate measures," it said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-200-artillery-shells-south-korea-forced-to-evacuate-island-town-676765">North Korea says live-fire drills 'natural response' to South Korea threats</a>

<h2>Live-fire drills 'natural response' to South Korea threats, says North&nbsp;</h2>

Pyongyang after firing more than 200 artillery shots on Friday (Jan 5) said that the live-fire exercises were a "natural response and countermeasure" to South Korean drills, condemning Seoul's claim that it had threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea released a statement saying that its drills did "not even have any indirect impact on Baengnyeong Island and Yeonpyeong Island", where residents were told to evacuate by local authorities, according to KCNA's report.

Seoul had on Friday told civilians on Yeonpyeong Island, located about 115km east of Seoul in terms of aerial distance, to evacuate after the North fired artillery shells off its west coast.

"About 200 shots were fired by North Korea (near) Yeonpyeong Island," a defence ministry official said at a briefing.

South Korean defence ministry, condemned the fire drills calling it a "provocative act" and urged North to stop, warning Seoul would take "appropriate measures" in response.

"We gravely warn that the entire responsibility of such crisis-escalating situations lies with North Korea and strongly urge for its immediate halt," Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun said in a press conference.

"Under close coordination between South Korea and the United States, our military is tracking and monitoring related activity, and will conduct corresponding measures to North Korea's provocations."

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea fired over 60 artillery rounds on Saturday (Jan 6) near Yeonpyeong Island, said Seoul's army, a day after both the sides, North and South, conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border.

North Korea fired over 60 artillery rounds on Saturday (Jan 6) near Yeonpyeong Island, said Seoul's army, a day after both the sides, North and South, conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border. "North Korean forces conducted artillery fire with over 60 rounds" northwest of Yeonpyeong Island on Saturday afternoon, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. North Korea's shells, on Friday as well as on Saturday, landed in a buffer zone that was created under a 2018 deal aimed at reducing tensions between the two sides. The military accord fell apart in November last year after Pyongyang launched a spy satellite. Seoul's military said Saturday that "the repeated artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone by North Korea poses a threat to the peace on the Korean Peninsula and escalates tensions". "North Korea, following its claim of the complete nullification of the 'September 19 Military Agreement', continues to threaten our citizens with ongoing artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone," the JCS said, referring to the 2018 deal. "In response, our military will take appropriate measures," it said. Also read: North Korea says live-fire drills 'natural response' to South Korea threats Live-fire drills 'natural response' to South Korea threats, says North Pyongyang after firing more than 200 artillery shots on Friday (Jan 5) said that the live-fire exercises were a "natural response and countermeasure" to South Korean drills, condemning Seoul's claim that it had threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea released a statement saying that its drills did "not even have any indirect impact on Baengnyeong Island and Yeonpyeong Island", where residents were told to evacuate by local authorities, according to KCNA's report. Seoul had on Friday told civilians on Yeonpyeong Island, located about 115km east of Seoul in terms of aerial distance, to evacuate after the North fired artillery shells off its west coast. "About 200 shots were fired by North Korea (near) Yeonpyeong Island," a defence ministry official said at a briefing. South Korean defence ministry, condemned the fire drills calling it a "provocative act" and urged North to stop, warning Seoul would take "appropriate measures" in response. "We gravely warn that the entire responsibility of such crisis-escalating situations lies with North Korea and strongly urge for its immediate halt," Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun said in a press conference. "Under close coordination between South Korea and the United States, our military is tracking and monitoring related activity, and will conduct corresponding measures to North Korea's provocations." (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea fires over 60 artillery rounds near South’s Yeonpyeong Island

South Korean and U.S. troops have conducted joint combat firing drills near the border with North Korea involving heavy weapons, as Pyongyang lambasted the allies for dangerous moves pushing the region to the brink of "an inferno of nuclear war."

The exercise by a South Korean Army mechanised infantry brigade and U.S. Army armoured Stryker brigade was to test and enhance combat readiness simulating enemy aggression, South Korea said in a statement on Thursday.

The drills took place over a week starting on Dec. 29 and ended on Thursday, the South Korean Army said.

The allies have dramatically increased the scale and intensity of joint drills in the past year amid escalating tension on the Korean peninsula as Pyongyang tested both long-range ballistic missiles and tactical weapons designed to strike targets in the South and the Pacific.

The U.S. has also deployed more military assets near the Korean peninsula including a nuclear missile submarine, aircraft carriers and large bombers.

Wrapping up a major ruling party meeting, leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday lashed out at Washington for deploying large weapons and vowed to increase the North's nuclear arsenal and grow attack capabilities to "pacify the South."

The North called the joint firing drills "reckless war manoeuvres" and mocked South Korea for backing Washington's hegemonic ambitions "when it has no chance of winning or survival."

"With the instinct of confrontation deep in their bones, the puppets again marked the new year by making the aggressive choice that stokes war," the North's official KCNA news agency said in a commentary.

"2024 is the year of the highest risk of conflict," it said.

The joint drills involved more than 110 large combat weapons including South Korean army tanks, anti-aircraft artillery and combat earthmovers supported by U.S. military attack aircraft and armoured fighting vehicles, the Army said.

South Korea's navy on Wednesday conducted live firing drills and anti-submarine manoeuvres in the waters in the east, west and the south involving destroyers, frigates and corvettes, the navy said.

South Korean and U.S. troops have conducted joint combat firing drills near the border with North Korea involving heavy weapons, as Pyongyang lambasted the allies for dangerous moves pushing the region to the brink of "an inferno of nuclear war.

South Korean and U.S. troops have conducted joint combat firing drills near the border with North Korea involving heavy weapons, as Pyongyang lambasted the allies for dangerous moves pushing the region to the brink of "an inferno of nuclear war." The exercise by a South Korean Army mechanised infantry brigade and U.S. Army armoured Stryker brigade was to test and enhance combat readiness simulating enemy aggression, South Korea said in a statement on Thursday. The drills took place over a week starting on Dec. 29 and ended on Thursday, the South Korean Army said. The allies have dramatically increased the scale and intensity of joint drills in the past year amid escalating tension on the Korean peninsula as Pyongyang tested both long-range ballistic missiles and tactical weapons designed to strike targets in the South and the Pacific. The U.S. has also deployed more military assets near the Korean peninsula including a nuclear missile submarine, aircraft carriers and large bombers. Wrapping up a major ruling party meeting, leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday lashed out at Washington for deploying large weapons and vowed to increase the North's nuclear arsenal and grow attack capabilities to "pacify the South." The North called the joint firing drills "reckless war manoeuvres" and mocked South Korea for backing Washington's hegemonic ambitions "when it has no chance of winning or survival." "With the instinct of confrontation deep in their bones, the puppets again marked the new year by making the aggressive choice that stokes war," the North's official KCNA news agency said in a commentary. "2024 is the year of the highest risk of conflict," it said. The joint drills involved more than 110 large combat weapons including South Korean army tanks, anti-aircraft artillery and combat earthmovers supported by U.S. military attack aircraft and armoured fighting vehicles, the Army said. South Korea's navy on Wednesday conducted live firing drills and anti-submarine manoeuvres in the waters in the east, west and the south involving destroyers, frigates and corvettes, the navy said.

South Korea, US conduct week-long wargames near North Korea border

South Korean actor Lee Sun-Kyun's family and friends mourn his demise and the public criticism of police and media conduct during the investigation of his alleged drug use is now on the rise. Lee who was best known for his performance in the Oscar-winning movie Parasite was found dead in a car earlier this week. While celebrities continue to mourn his demise the actor's reputation has suffered a blow.

Seoul: South Korean actor Lee Sun-Kyun found dead in a car amid drug case

South Korea and Japan engaged in high-level economic talks on Thursday, marking the resumption of discussions that had been stalled for eight years, Reuters reported.<o:p></o:p>

The talks, initiated in 1999, faced a hiatus since 2016 due to strained relations stemming from historical disputes related to Japan's occupation of Korea from 1910 to 1945. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, prioritising diplomatic mending, has taken significant steps to improve ties with Tokyo since assuming office in 2022.<o:p></o:p>

Kang Jae-kwon, South Korea's deputy foreign minister for economic affairs, met with his Japanese counterpart Keiichi Ono, senior deputy foreign minister, to assess bilateral economic cooperation and discuss economic security policy. Kang expressed optimism, stating, "I hope that today's meeting will be a constructive time to contribute to restoring and deepening economic relations between the two countries."<o:p></o:p>

The thaw in relations reflects a broader trend of increasing cooperation driven by shared geopolitical concerns. Earlier this year, South Korea announced plans for its companies to compensate individuals who were forced to work under Japan's occupation from 1910 to 1945, signalling efforts to resolve historical disputes. This move aimed to strengthen unity among US-led efforts against common challenges posed by China and North Korea.<o:p></o:p>

In a demonstration of enhanced trilateral collaboration, Japan, South Korea, and the United States recently launched a real-time missile data-sharing system to monitor Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs. <o:p></o:p>

Furthermore, Japan reinstated South Korea to its "white list" for exports, granting fast-track trade status, and lifted export curbs on high-tech materials in March. However, despite these positive steps, lingering friction remains in the ties between Japan and South Korea.<o:p></o:p>

Ongoing challenges include South Korea's decade-long ban on seafood from the vicinity of the Fukushima nuclear power plant and a recent South Korean court ruling in favour of "comfort women" – women forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels. <o:p></o:p>

Notably, South Korea's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld rulings ordering two Japanese companies to compensate South Koreans who were forced to work under Japan's colonial rule, prompting a swift protest from Tokyo.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

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South Korea and Japan engaged in high-level economic talks on Thursday, marking the resumption of discussions that had been stalled for eight years, Reuters reported.

South Korea and Japan engaged in high-level economic talks on Thursday, marking the resumption of discussions that had been stalled for eight years, Reuters reported. The talks, initiated in 1999, faced a hiatus since 2016 due to strained relations stemming from historical disputes related to Japan's occupation of Korea from 1910 to 1945. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, prioritising diplomatic mending, has taken significant steps to improve ties with Tokyo since assuming office in 2022. Kang Jae-kwon, South Korea's deputy foreign minister for economic affairs, met with his Japanese counterpart Keiichi Ono, senior deputy foreign minister, to assess bilateral economic cooperation and discuss economic security policy. Kang expressed optimism, stating, "I hope that today's meeting will be a constructive time to contribute to restoring and deepening economic relations between the two countries." The thaw in relations reflects a broader trend of increasing cooperation driven by shared geopolitical concerns. Earlier this year, South Korea announced plans for its companies to compensate individuals who were forced to work under Japan's occupation from 1910 to 1945, signalling efforts to resolve historical disputes. This move aimed to strengthen unity among US-led efforts against common challenges posed by China and North Korea. In a demonstration of enhanced trilateral collaboration, Japan, South Korea, and the United States recently launched a real-time missile data-sharing system to monitor Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs. Furthermore, Japan reinstated South Korea to its "white list" for exports, granting fast-track trade status, and lifted export curbs on high-tech materials in March. However, despite these positive steps, lingering friction remains in the ties between Japan and South Korea. Ongoing challenges include South Korea's decade-long ban on seafood from the vicinity of the Fukushima nuclear power plant and a recent South Korean court ruling in favour of "comfort women" – women forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels. Notably, South Korea's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld rulings ordering two Japanese companies to compensate South Koreans who were forced to work under Japan's colonial rule, prompting a swift protest from Tokyo. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Diplomatic Thaw: South Korea and Japan renew economic talks after eight-year hiatus

North Korea launched a ballistic projectile on Sunday (Dec 17), a statement by Seoul's army read, after the United States and South Korea warned any nuclear attack by Pyongyang would lead to the end of its regime.

"Our military detected a suspected short-range ballistic missile launched from the Pyongyang area towards the East Sea at around 22:38 today," Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said, referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan.

It further added that the military had amplified its alert stance and was "closely sharing information regarding North Korea's ballistic missile with the United States and Japan".

Japan's defence ministry also stated North Korea launched "what appears to be a ballistic missile", with its coastguard adding that it seemed to have already fallen.

Kyodo News, citing unnamed Japanese government sources, said it was a short-range missile and had fallen outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone.

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<h2>US, South Korea warn North Korea&nbsp;</h2>

The United States and South Korea issued a warning to North Korea that any kind of nuclear attack against Seoul and Washington "is unacceptable and will result in the end of the (Kim Jong) Un regime”.&nbsp;

"The US side reiterated that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the ROK will be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response," read the statement.

Both allies held their second session of the Nuclear Consultative Group in Washington on Friday (Dec 15), where they discussed nuclear deterrence in the event of conflict with the North.

Earlier on Sunday (Dec 17), a spokesperson for the North's defence ministry slammed the US and South Korea's plans to expand a key annual joint military drill next year to include a nuclear operation drill and warned of "a preemptive and deadly counteraction".

"This is an open declaration on nuclear confrontation to make the use of nuclear weapons against the DPRK a fait accompli," the statement carried by the KCNA news agency said, using the official acronym for North Korea.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea launched a ballistic projectile on Sunday (Dec 17), a statement by Seoul's army read, after the United States and South Korea warned any nuclear attack by Pyongyang would lead to the end of its regime.

North Korea launched a ballistic projectile on Sunday (Dec 17), a statement by Seoul's army read, after the United States and South Korea warned any nuclear attack by Pyongyang would lead to the end of its regime. "Our military detected a suspected short-range ballistic missile launched from the Pyongyang area towards the East Sea at around 22:38 today," Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said, referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan. It further added that the military had amplified its alert stance and was "closely sharing information regarding North Korea's ballistic missile with the United States and Japan". Japan's defence ministry also stated North Korea launched "what appears to be a ballistic missile", with its coastguard adding that it seemed to have already fallen. Kyodo News, citing unnamed Japanese government sources, said it was a short-range missile and had fallen outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone. Also read: US weighs options to retaliate against Houthi attacks in Red Sea: Report US, South Korea warn North Korea The United States and South Korea issued a warning to North Korea that any kind of nuclear attack against Seoul and Washington "is unacceptable and will result in the end of the (Kim Jong) Un regime”. "The US side reiterated that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the ROK will be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response," read the statement. Both allies held their second session of the Nuclear Consultative Group in Washington on Friday (Dec 15), where they discussed nuclear deterrence in the event of conflict with the North. Earlier on Sunday (Dec 17), a spokesperson for the North's defence ministry slammed the US and South Korea's plans to expand a key annual joint military drill next year to include a nuclear operation drill and warned of "a preemptive and deadly counteraction". "This is an open declaration on nuclear confrontation to make the use of nuclear weapons against the DPRK a fait accompli," the statement carried by the KCNA news agency said, using the official acronym for North Korea. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea has fired ballistic projectile, says South Korea

North Korea has warned that it would carry more spy satellite launches in the coming months in order to gather more information about the military activities of its enemies, a commentary carried by state news agency KCNA said on Saturday (Dec 9).

"If necessary, they will perfectly execute the job of guiding and leading us towards a super strong strike," the anonymous commentary said while defending space development as its right to defend itself.

The satellites will be sported after the Malligyong-1 satellite that Pyongyang launched in the month of November, the move which governments in the United States, South Korea and Japan condemned stating it violated UN&nbsp;Security Council resolutions.

<h2>US, S Korea and Japan security advisors set to discuss North Korea</h2>

The national security advisers of the United States, South Korea and Japan are scheduled to hold a trilateral meeting in Seoul on Saturday (Dec 9) after Pyongyang warned of launching more spy satellites.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-makes-rare-appearance-at-un-defends-spy-satellite-launch-663579">North Korea makes rare appearance at UN, defends spy satellite launch after Kim inspects White House images</a>

US Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell on Thursday said that Washington was to focus more on deterrence while also working with its allies.

"I am worried that North Korea, in the current environment, has decided that they are no longer interested in diplomacy with the United States," Campbell said.

<h2>Kim Jong Un inspects photos of ‘major target regions’</h2>

Earlier, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly examined the pictures of "major target regions" that were taken by his spy rocket satellite.

The regions included South Korea's capital Seoul and all the other cities that host US military bases.

Kim inspected the shots, along with other imagery captured of some areas within North Korea, during his visit to the control centre of the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) in Pyongyang on Friday (Nov 24), reported state news agency KCNA.

The pictures were taken as the satellite passed over the peninsula on Friday morning, said KCNA, which included captures of Seoul, and Mokpo, Kunsan, Pyeongtaek, Osan, where US and South Korean military bases are located.

"The NATA reported to Kim Jong Un on the plan for photographing the region of South Korean puppets and the additional fine-tuning process of the reconnaissance satellite," the report said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea has warned that it would carry more spy satellite launches in the coming months in order to gather more information about the military activities of its enemies, a commentary carried by state news agency KCNA said on Saturday (Dec 9).

North Korea has warned that it would carry more spy satellite launches in the coming months in order to gather more information about the military activities of its enemies, a commentary carried by state news agency KCNA said on Saturday (Dec 9). "If necessary, they will perfectly execute the job of guiding and leading us towards a super strong strike," the anonymous commentary said while defending space development as its right to defend itself. The satellites will be sported after the Malligyong-1 satellite that Pyongyang launched in the month of November, the move which governments in the United States, South Korea and Japan condemned stating it violated UN Security Council resolutions. US, S Korea and Japan security advisors set to discuss North Korea The national security advisers of the United States, South Korea and Japan are scheduled to hold a trilateral meeting in Seoul on Saturday (Dec 9) after Pyongyang warned of launching more spy satellites. Also read: North Korea makes rare appearance at UN, defends spy satellite launch after Kim inspects White House images US Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell on Thursday said that Washington was to focus more on deterrence while also working with its allies. "I am worried that North Korea, in the current environment, has decided that they are no longer interested in diplomacy with the United States," Campbell said. Kim Jong Un inspects photos of ‘major target regions’ Earlier, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly examined the pictures of "major target regions" that were taken by his spy rocket satellite. The regions included South Korea's capital Seoul and all the other cities that host US military bases. Kim inspected the shots, along with other imagery captured of some areas within North Korea, during his visit to the control centre of the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) in Pyongyang on Friday (Nov 24), reported state news agency KCNA. The pictures were taken as the satellite passed over the peninsula on Friday morning, said KCNA, which included captures of Seoul, and Mokpo, Kunsan, Pyeongtaek, Osan, where US and South Korean military bases are located. "The NATA reported to Kim Jong Un on the plan for photographing the region of South Korean puppets and the additional fine-tuning process of the reconnaissance satellite," the report said. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea boasts of satellite capability, warns to launch more soon

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has identified Seoul, Dubai, and Santa Monica as the leading cities in the growing metaverse sector, as per a report by technology intelligence firm ABI Research. <o:p></o:p>

The report anticipates that nearly 700 cities worldwide will embrace metaverse infrastructure by 2030. WEF highlighted the advantages of cities exploring the metaverse, citing potential cost savings in urban infrastructure design and operation. The metaverse also offers a pathway for cities to gain 'political capital' by fostering tech-friendly communities.<o:p></o:p>

In Santa Monica, the metaverse has manifested through FlickPlay, a social media app enabling users to navigate the city virtually. FlickPlay encourages users to explore less-traveled areas, creating economic activity and reducing crime. <o:p></o:p>

In Dubai, the metaverse plays a pivotal role in the city's economic growth campaign, aiming to become one of the world's top cities in terms of GDP. Dubai plans to attract 1,000 firms in blockchain and metaverse sectors and host over 40,000 Web3 professionals in the next seven years. The WEF report noted that over 50 per cent of Dubai consumers are eager to create and monetise metaverse content.<o:p></o:p>

Seoul's metaverse expansion is government-backed, with South Korea committing $180 million to develop a national metaverse ecosystem. Metaverse Seoul, in its initial phase, offers an urban metaverse app for residents to play games, explore attractions, and complete tasks. Seoul's future metaverse plans include connecting local industries with foreign investors and integrating virtual and augmented reality into the city's infrastructure. The WEF report emphasises the Korean government's dedication to fostering metaverse growth.<o:p></o:p>

Despite challenges faced by the metaverse sector, including consecutive losses in Meta's metaverse-dedicated unit, industry leaders like Mark Zuckerberg remain optimistic. 

The global metaverse market, estimated at $65.5 billion in 2022, is expected to reach $82 billion in 2023 and surge to an impressive $936.6 billion by 2030, according to Statista. As cities worldwide invest in metaverse infrastructure, the sector's projected growth aligns with the continued enthusiasm and commitment from influential figures like Zuckerberg.<o:p></o:p>

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The World Economic Forum (WEF) has identified Seoul, Dubai, and Santa Monica as the leading cities in the growing metaverse sector, as per a report by technology intelligence firm ABI Research.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has identified Seoul, Dubai, and Santa Monica as the leading cities in the growing metaverse sector, as per a report by technology intelligence firm ABI Research. The report anticipates that nearly 700 cities worldwide will embrace metaverse infrastructure by 2030. WEF highlighted the advantages of cities exploring the metaverse, citing potential cost savings in urban infrastructure design and operation. The metaverse also offers a pathway for cities to gain 'political capital' by fostering tech-friendly communities. In Santa Monica, the metaverse has manifested through FlickPlay, a social media app enabling users to navigate the city virtually. FlickPlay encourages users to explore less-traveled areas, creating economic activity and reducing crime. In Dubai, the metaverse plays a pivotal role in the city's economic growth campaign, aiming to become one of the world's top cities in terms of GDP. Dubai plans to attract 1,000 firms in blockchain and metaverse sectors and host over 40,000 Web3 professionals in the next seven years. The WEF report noted that over 50 per cent of Dubai consumers are eager to create and monetise metaverse content. Seoul's metaverse expansion is government-backed, with South Korea committing $180 million to develop a national metaverse ecosystem. Metaverse Seoul, in its initial phase, offers an urban metaverse app for residents to play games, explore attractions, and complete tasks. Seoul's future metaverse plans include connecting local industries with foreign investors and integrating virtual and augmented reality into the city's infrastructure. The WEF report emphasises the Korean government's dedication to fostering metaverse growth. Despite challenges faced by the metaverse sector, including consecutive losses in Meta's metaverse-dedicated unit, industry leaders like Mark Zuckerberg remain optimistic. The global metaverse market, estimated at $65.5 billion in 2022, is expected to reach $82 billion in 2023 and surge to an impressive $936.6 billion by 2030, according to Statista. As cities worldwide invest in metaverse infrastructure, the sector's projected growth aligns with the continued enthusiasm and commitment from influential figures like Zuckerberg. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Global Metaverse Leaders Emerge: Seoul, Dubai, and Santa Monica spearhead WEF report's list

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un examined the pictures of "major target regions" that were taken by his new spy rocket satellite, state media reported on Saturday (Nov 25).

These regions included South Korea's capital Seoul and all the other cities that host US military bases.

Kim inspected the shots, along with other imagery captured of some areas within North Korea, during his visit to the control centre of the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) in Pyongyang on Friday (Nov 24), reported state news agency KCNA.

The pictures were taken as the satellite passed over the peninsula on Friday morning, said KCNA, which included captures of Seoul, and Mokpo, Kunsan, Pyeongtaek, Osan, where US and South Korean military bases are located.

"The NATA reported to Kim Jong Un on the plan for photographing the region of South Korean puppets and the additional fine-tuning process of the reconnaissance satellite," the report said. That process would continue on Saturday, it said.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Kim reviewed photographs of major US military bases in Guam.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-rocket-stage-explodes-after-separation-during-launch-video-suggests-662135">North Korea rocket stage exploded after separation during launch, video suggests</a>

State-run news agency KCNA said that Kim "watched the aerospace photos of Anderson Air Force Base, Apra Harbor and other major military bases of the US forces taken in the sky above Guam in the Pacific, which were received at 9:21 am on Nov 22".&nbsp;

<h2>Top diplomats of US, Japan, South Korea discuss Pyongyang's satellite launch</h2>

The top diplomats of the United States, South Korea and Japan discussed Pyongyang's launch of the satellite over telephone conversation and condemned the move, the US State Department said on Friday.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin and Japan Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko "strongly condemned the (Nov. 21) launch for its destabilizing effect on the region," the State Department said in a statement.

North Korea invited global condemnation, after releasing a statement saying that it placed its first spy satellite in orbit, for breaching UN resolutions that bar its use of technology applicable to ballistic projectile programmes.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un examined the pictures of "major target regions" that were taken by his new spy rocket satellite, state media reported on Saturday (Nov 25).

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un examined the pictures of "major target regions" that were taken by his new spy rocket satellite, state media reported on Saturday (Nov 25). These regions included South Korea's capital Seoul and all the other cities that host US military bases. Kim inspected the shots, along with other imagery captured of some areas within North Korea, during his visit to the control centre of the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) in Pyongyang on Friday (Nov 24), reported state news agency KCNA. The pictures were taken as the satellite passed over the peninsula on Friday morning, said KCNA, which included captures of Seoul, and Mokpo, Kunsan, Pyeongtaek, Osan, where US and South Korean military bases are located. "The NATA reported to Kim Jong Un on the plan for photographing the region of South Korean puppets and the additional fine-tuning process of the reconnaissance satellite," the report said. That process would continue on Saturday, it said. On Tuesday, Kim reviewed photographs of major US military bases in Guam. Also read: North Korea rocket stage exploded after separation during launch, video suggests State-run news agency KCNA said that Kim "watched the aerospace photos of Anderson Air Force Base, Apra Harbor and other major military bases of the US forces taken in the sky above Guam in the Pacific, which were received at 9:21 am on Nov 22". Top diplomats of US, Japan, South Korea discuss Pyongyang's satellite launch The top diplomats of the United States, South Korea and Japan discussed Pyongyang's launch of the satellite over telephone conversation and condemned the move, the US State Department said on Friday. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin and Japan Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko "strongly condemned the (Nov. 21) launch for its destabilizing effect on the region," the State Department said in a statement. North Korea invited global condemnation, after releasing a statement saying that it placed its first spy satellite in orbit, for breaching UN resolutions that bar its use of technology applicable to ballistic projectile programmes. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects photos of ‘major target regions’ taken by spy satellite

North Korea on Thursday (Nov 23) said that it was suspending a military accord that it had reached with South Korea, under which measures were agreed upon to ease military tensions between the two countries, news agency Yonhap reported.

"From now on, our army will never be bound by the September 19 North-South Military Agreement," the statement said.

"We will withdraw military measures taken to prevent military tensions and clashes in all areas such as land, sea and air, and will place strong armed forces and advanced military equipment in border areas," the nuclear-armed North's defence ministry said, according to the South's Yonhap news agency.

The ministry said it "will not be restrained" by the 2018 agreement any longer.

This move by Pyongyang comes after Seoul on Wednesday announced that it would resume its surveillance operations along the border and would also partially suspend the 2018 deal in retaliation to North's successful launch of a spy rocket satellite.

The Comprehensive Military Agreement was signed in Pyongyang on September 19, 2018, by Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.&nbsp;

Under the pact, both countries agreed to "completely cease all hostile acts against each other", by implementing military confidence-building measures in the air, land, and sea domains.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-gaza-hostage-release-before-friday-say-israeli-officials-661729">No Gaza hostage release before Friday, say Israeli officials</a>

<h2>US condemns launch</h2>

The United States and its allies condemned the launch of the "Malligyong-1" spy satellite calling it a "brazen violation" of UN sanctions.

South Korea's military said that the satellite had entered orbit, further cautioning that it was too early to tell if it was functioning.

Pyongyang's defence ministry, on Thursday, reiterated that the satellite launch was part of its "right to self-defence", and disregarded the "extremely hysterical" response from the South in particular.&nbsp;

It condemned the South for placing the deal under strain through its "military provocations", stating that the agreement had "long been reduced to a mere scrap of paper".

The South "must pay dearly for their irresponsible and grave political and military provocations that have pushed the present situation to an uncontrollable phase," the ministry said.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea on Thursday (Nov 23) said that it was suspending a military accord that it had reached with South Korea, under which measures were agreed upon to ease military tensions between the two countries, news agency Yonhap reported.

North Korea on Thursday (Nov 23) said that it was suspending a military accord that it had reached with South Korea, under which measures were agreed upon to ease military tensions between the two countries, news agency Yonhap reported. "From now on, our army will never be bound by the September 19 North-South Military Agreement," the statement said. "We will withdraw military measures taken to prevent military tensions and clashes in all areas such as land, sea and air, and will place strong armed forces and advanced military equipment in border areas," the nuclear-armed North's defence ministry said, according to the South's Yonhap news agency. The ministry said it "will not be restrained" by the 2018 agreement any longer. This move by Pyongyang comes after Seoul on Wednesday announced that it would resume its surveillance operations along the border and would also partially suspend the 2018 deal in retaliation to North's successful launch of a spy rocket satellite. The Comprehensive Military Agreement was signed in Pyongyang on September 19, 2018, by Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Under the pact, both countries agreed to "completely cease all hostile acts against each other", by implementing military confidence-building measures in the air, land, and sea domains. Also read: No Gaza hostage release before Friday, say Israeli officials US condemns launch The United States and its allies condemned the launch of the "Malligyong-1" spy satellite calling it a "brazen violation" of UN sanctions. South Korea's military said that the satellite had entered orbit, further cautioning that it was too early to tell if it was functioning. Pyongyang's defence ministry, on Thursday, reiterated that the satellite launch was part of its "right to self-defence", and disregarded the "extremely hysterical" response from the South in particular. It condemned the South for placing the deal under strain through its "military provocations", stating that the agreement had "long been reduced to a mere scrap of paper". The South "must pay dearly for their irresponsible and grave political and military provocations that have pushed the present situation to an uncontrollable phase," the ministry said. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea suspends military deal with South after spy satellite launch

More than half a million South Korean students on Thursday (Nov 16) sat for the annual nationwide college entrance exam while&nbsp;officials took extraordinary measures, including halting flights and keeping police on standby, with even the stock market opening later than usual. This was also the first time since the Covid pandemic that the students were allowed to take the exam without masks.

The restrictions only give a sense of how important the&nbsp;test is, as it is often considered life-defining in the highly competitive South Korean society.&nbsp;

<h2>What is this ‘life-defining’ exam?</h2>

This year, nearly 505,000 high school students, graduates and others signed up to take the nine-hour, single-day, and five-session College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) held at 1,279 test sites across the country, according to the education ministry.&nbsp;

The test is considered crucial for securing spots in top universities and also key for elevated social status, lucrative careers, and in some cases even marriage prospects.&nbsp;

Therefore, enormous pressure is placed on students in South Korea. The country&nbsp;is already known for being highly competitive, which&nbsp;has been blamed for contributing to teenage depression and suicide rates which are among the highest in the world.

<h2>‘I’m nervous’</h2>

“I’m nervous and trembling because what I’ve been studying for three years ends with this exam today,” Lee Min-yup told AFP before going to take the test at Kyungbock High School in central Seoul.

Outside schools in South Korea, parents cheered for their children, hugging them and wiping away tears. While others were seen chanting phrases including “Success in Suneung,” which is the local name for the exam.&nbsp;

“I feel so nervous. Maybe I’m more nervous (than my daughter),” said Kim Mi-jae, mother of an 18-year-old student in Seoul, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Extraordinary measures’</h2>

Every year, South Korean officials take extraordinary measures to prevent any disturbances during the test.&nbsp;

This time around, the country’s transportation ministry imposed a nationwide 35-minute ban on all aircraft takeoffs and landings, aside from emergency situations, so that students are not disturbed during the listening comprehension portion of the English test.

More than 90 flights had to be rescheduled because of the exam, on Thursday, as per AFP.&nbsp;

Public offices and major businesses were requested to adjust their opening hours to 10:00 am (local time) or later to avoid traffic congestion and ensure students arrived at their venues for the exam on time which began at 8:40 am (local time).

The stock market also opened an hour later than usual to help ease the traffic. This year was also different as the test-takers were not required to wear face masks, unlike the previous three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

The police and regional government officials were on standby to help students running late for the exam reach their test sites on&nbsp;time.

The difficulty of this year’s exam has yet to be confirmed, but South Korean officials have said it would not include the so-called “killer questions” which are said to typically be drawn from material not covered in public school curriculum.

The so-called “killer questions” are so controversial that even President Yoon Suk Yeol has criticised them, saying&nbsp;they are causing people to spend billions on private education, one of the factors behind the country’s declining fertility rate.

According to government data, South Koreans spent nearly $20 billion on private education last year.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

More than half a million South Korean students on Thursday (Nov 16) sat for the annual nationwide college entrance exam while officials took extraordinary measures, including halting flights and keeping police on standby, with even the stock market opening later than usual.

More than half a million South Korean students on Thursday (Nov 16) sat for the annual nationwide college entrance exam while officials took extraordinary measures, including halting flights and keeping police on standby, with even the stock market opening later than usual. This was also the first time since the Covid pandemic that the students were allowed to take the exam without masks. The restrictions only give a sense of how important the test is, as it is often considered life-defining in the highly competitive South Korean society. What is this ‘life-defining’ exam? This year, nearly 505,000 high school students, graduates and others signed up to take the nine-hour, single-day, and five-session College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) held at 1,279 test sites across the country, according to the education ministry. The test is considered crucial for securing spots in top universities and also key for elevated social status, lucrative careers, and in some cases even marriage prospects. Therefore, enormous pressure is placed on students in South Korea. The country is already known for being highly competitive, which has been blamed for contributing to teenage depression and suicide rates which are among the highest in the world. ‘I’m nervous’ “I’m nervous and trembling because what I’ve been studying for three years ends with this exam today,” Lee Min-yup told AFP before going to take the test at Kyungbock High School in central Seoul. Outside schools in South Korea, parents cheered for their children, hugging them and wiping away tears. While others were seen chanting phrases including “Success in Suneung,” which is the local name for the exam. “I feel so nervous. Maybe I’m more nervous (than my daughter),” said Kim Mi-jae, mother of an 18-year-old student in Seoul, as quoted by Reuters. ‘Extraordinary measures’ Every year, South Korean officials take extraordinary measures to prevent any disturbances during the test. This time around, the country’s transportation ministry imposed a nationwide 35-minute ban on all aircraft takeoffs and landings, aside from emergency situations, so that students are not disturbed during the listening comprehension portion of the English test. More than 90 flights had to be rescheduled because of the exam, on Thursday, as per AFP. Public offices and major businesses were requested to adjust their opening hours to 10:00 am (local time) or later to avoid traffic congestion and ensure students arrived at their venues for the exam on time which began at 8:40 am (local time). The stock market also opened an hour later than usual to help ease the traffic. This year was also different as the test-takers were not required to wear face masks, unlike the previous three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The police and regional government officials were on standby to help students running late for the exam reach their test sites on time. The difficulty of this year’s exam has yet to be confirmed, but South Korean officials have said it would not include the so-called “killer questions” which are said to typically be drawn from material not covered in public school curriculum. The so-called “killer questions” are so controversial that even President Yoon Suk Yeol has criticised them, saying they are causing people to spend billions on private education, one of the factors behind the country’s declining fertility rate. According to government data, South Koreans spent nearly $20 billion on private education last year. (With inputs from agencies)

Flights halted, offices and stock market open late, police on standby as South Koreans sit for key exam

A year after a massive stampede and crowd crush killed 159 Halloween revellers in the South Korean capital Seoul, the night-life district of Itaewon wore a quiet look on Saturday (October 28). The usual festivities of the area was replaced by mourning for the dead. Each year around Halloween, the alleys are decorated in the district that has city's hottest nightclubs and bars. But this time, posters and flowers remembering the dead were seen. The youngsters celebrated elsewhere.

AFP quoted Lee Sung-min, who lives and works in the district, saying that he didn't even realise that it was the Halloween weekend till Saturday.

"It used to be filled with visitors dressed in costumes and blood makeup by this time. But if you look at the age range of the people walking around, it's mostly just relatively old local residents," Lee said.

Watch | South Korea: G-Dragon booked under alleged drug charges

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A crush in a narrow alley after crowd surge led to last year's tragedy. Many in Seoul blame the horrific incident on lack of preparation and poor crowd control measures. Early calls for help went unanswered. Most of the dead were people in their 20s and 30s.

"I've left a note telling (the victims) not to lose courage and rest in peace," said Lee Jung-hyeop, who visited Itaewon to mark the anniversary.

Police and authorities have been conducting crowd-control drills this year and gatherings haven't been banned in Itaewon. The police are taking help of an AI-backed network of nearly 1000 CCTV cameras.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/south-korean-man-dies-from-heart-attack-after-choking-on-live-octopus-dish-651622">South Korean man dies from heart attack after choking on 'live octopus' dish</a>

Many revellers are looking at other places to celebrate the festival, such Hongdae, which is another popular spot among the youth.

"I thought Hongdae would be better than Itaewon to celebrate Halloween with my boyfriend," said Cheon Ye-ji, a 19-year-old student as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;

"It looks like the crowd is better controlled after last year's incident."

The tragedy last year led to a police investigation which eventually acknowledged of negligence and poor response from the authorities. The probe referred 23 official for prosecution. However, it has not resulted in resignation or sacking of any senior government official.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A year after a massive stampede and crowd crush killed 159 Halloween revellers in the South Korean capital Seoul, the night-life district of Itaewon wore a quiet look on Saturday (October 28).

A year after a massive stampede and crowd crush killed 159 Halloween revellers in the South Korean capital Seoul, the night-life district of Itaewon wore a quiet look on Saturday (October 28). The usual festivities of the area was replaced by mourning for the dead. Each year around Halloween, the alleys are decorated in the district that has city's hottest nightclubs and bars. But this time, posters and flowers remembering the dead were seen. The youngsters celebrated elsewhere. AFP quoted Lee Sung-min, who lives and works in the district, saying that he didn't even realise that it was the Halloween weekend till Saturday. "It used to be filled with visitors dressed in costumes and blood makeup by this time. But if you look at the age range of the people walking around, it's mostly just relatively old local residents," Lee said. Watch | South Korea: G-Dragon booked under alleged drug charges × A crush in a narrow alley after crowd surge led to last year's tragedy. Many in Seoul blame the horrific incident on lack of preparation and poor crowd control measures. Early calls for help went unanswered. Most of the dead were people in their 20s and 30s. "I've left a note telling (the victims) not to lose courage and rest in peace," said Lee Jung-hyeop, who visited Itaewon to mark the anniversary. Police and authorities have been conducting crowd-control drills this year and gatherings haven't been banned in Itaewon. The police are taking help of an AI-backed network of nearly 1000 CCTV cameras. Also Read | South Korean man dies from heart attack after choking on 'live octopus' dish Many revellers are looking at other places to celebrate the festival, such Hongdae, which is another popular spot among the youth. "I thought Hongdae would be better than Itaewon to celebrate Halloween with my boyfriend," said Cheon Ye-ji, a 19-year-old student as quoted by AFP. "It looks like the crowd is better controlled after last year's incident." The tragedy last year led to a police investigation which eventually acknowledged of negligence and poor response from the authorities. The probe referred 23 official for prosecution. However, it has not resulted in resignation or sacking of any senior government official. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

South Korea: Seoul night-life hotspot marks one year of deadly Halloween crush

In pics | South Korea holds rare, first large-scale military parade warns Pyongyang over nuclear threat

South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asian Games, on Saturday (September 23), in the city of Hangzhou, as per Yonhap news agency reports.

The meeting between the two leaders lasted for about 22 minutes and was held before the opening ceremony of the event, said the South Korean PM's office.

Xi after his meeting with Han said that he will seriously consider visiting South Korea, as a part of efforts to back peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.

"This means that President Xi knows it is his turn to visit South Korea," the official said on condition of anonymity, adding that Xi's visit has "long been delayed," according to Yonhap news agency.

Xi, also told South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo that China is willing to work in order to promote a strategic partnership between the two countries.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2023-opening-ceremony-gets-underway-in-hangzhou-as-harmanpreet-lovlina-lead-as-flagbearers-638949">Asian Games 2023: Glittering show marks inauguration of continental spectacle</a>

The commitment to cooperation between the two countries came ahead of trilateral talks scheduled in Seoul on Tuesday (September 26) involving senior officials from China, Japan and South Korea. The talks are aimed at paving the way for the first summit between the three countries in four years.

The meeting will bring South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Byung-won; Takehiro Funakoshi, Japan's senior deputy foreign minister; and Nong Rong, China's assistant minister of foreign affairs all together.

"We will make efforts to ensure that the summit can be held promptly, starting with the high-level meeting next week and proceeding through the foreign ministerial conference," Han was quoted by First Vice Foreign Minister Chang Ho-jin as saying.

The South Korean prime minister asked the Chinese president for his country's backing in hosting the 2030 World Expo in the city of Busan, and reportedly Xi said that Beijing would "seriously consider" Seoul's request.

This meeting by both countries also took place against the backdrop of a recent summit between North Korean leader Kim Jon Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Han explained our side's bold ideas and recent developments related to the Korean Peninsula situation, and urged China to continue playing a constructive role," Chang said.

This also marks the very first visit by a South Korean Prime Minister to China in over 4 years.

"I hope to cultivate a healthy and mature relationship between South Korea and China, grounded in mutual respect, mutual benefit and common interests," Han was quoted by the Prime Minister's Office as saying.

He further said that the talks between Seoul and Beijing indicated towards their commitment to advancing their relations to the next level amidst the threats by North Korea.

"Both countries are not only grappling with heightened regional tensions due to North Korea's persistent provocations but also facing global challenges, such as economic uncertainty and disruptions in supply chains," Han said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asian Games, on Saturday (September 23), in the city of Hangzhou, as per Yonhap news agency reports.

South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asian Games, on Saturday (September 23), in the city of Hangzhou, as per Yonhap news agency reports. The meeting between the two leaders lasted for about 22 minutes and was held before the opening ceremony of the event, said the South Korean PM's office. Xi after his meeting with Han said that he will seriously consider visiting South Korea, as a part of efforts to back peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. "This means that President Xi knows it is his turn to visit South Korea," the official said on condition of anonymity, adding that Xi's visit has "long been delayed," according to Yonhap news agency. Xi, also told South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo that China is willing to work in order to promote a strategic partnership between the two countries. Also read: Asian Games 2023: Glittering show marks inauguration of continental spectacle The commitment to cooperation between the two countries came ahead of trilateral talks scheduled in Seoul on Tuesday (September 26) involving senior officials from China, Japan and South Korea. The talks are aimed at paving the way for the first summit between the three countries in four years. The meeting will bring South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Byung-won; Takehiro Funakoshi, Japan's senior deputy foreign minister; and Nong Rong, China's assistant minister of foreign affairs all together. "We will make efforts to ensure that the summit can be held promptly, starting with the high-level meeting next week and proceeding through the foreign ministerial conference," Han was quoted by First Vice Foreign Minister Chang Ho-jin as saying. The South Korean prime minister asked the Chinese president for his country's backing in hosting the 2030 World Expo in the city of Busan, and reportedly Xi said that Beijing would "seriously consider" Seoul's request. This meeting by both countries also took place against the backdrop of a recent summit between North Korean leader Kim Jon Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Han explained our side's bold ideas and recent developments related to the Korean Peninsula situation, and urged China to continue playing a constructive role," Chang said. This also marks the very first visit by a South Korean Prime Minister to China in over 4 years. "I hope to cultivate a healthy and mature relationship between South Korea and China, grounded in mutual respect, mutual benefit and common interests," Han was quoted by the Prime Minister's Office as saying. He further said that the talks between Seoul and Beijing indicated towards their commitment to advancing their relations to the next level amidst the threats by North Korea. "Both countries are not only grappling with heightened regional tensions due to North Korea's persistent provocations but also facing global challenges, such as economic uncertainty and disruptions in supply chains," Han said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Xi says he will 'seriously consider' visiting South Korea as he meets PM Han on sidelines of Asian Games

About 50,000 South Korean teachers gathered in Seoul to protest against the worsening work conditions for the teachers in South Korea. The protests came after weeks of mourning the death of the elementary teacher who died by suicide in the month of July.

South Korea | Seoul: 50,000 teachers gather in protest demanding protection of teachers' rights

Iran on Saturday announced that over $6 billion of its frozen funds in South Korea had been unlocked after the&nbsp;release of five Americans from prison to house arrest in Tehran. The country's central bank chief&nbsp;Mohammad Reza Farzin said the funds will be used to buy&nbsp;“non-sanctioned goods”.

“Congratulations to the foreign exchange diplomacy team for successfully releasing seized foreign currency resources,” Farzin wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Farzin said the funds would be transferred to six Iranian banks in Qatar. He added that&nbsp;the costs of converting the funds from South Korea’s won currency to euros would be accepted by the “third country” where the money would be deposited to buy the goods.&nbsp;

Farzin's post seemingly confirmed the statement made by Washington a day earlier that there will be restrictions on what Tehran could do with the unfrozen funds.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-talk-with-mutual-understanding-to-cool-tensions-605322">Also read |&nbsp;US, Iran talk with mutual 'understanding' to cool tensions</a>

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the money already belonged to Iran but "it&nbsp;will not be receiving any sanctions relief."

"Iran's own funds would be used and transferred to restricted accounts such that the monies can only be used for humanitarian purposes," he said.&nbsp;

Iran had earned the money by selling oil to South Korea but Seoul blocked the funds to comply with the sanctions imposed by former US president Donald Trump to squeeze out Tehran's economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch | Iran, Cuba vow to confront US 'aggressive imperial policy'

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<h2>Iran releases&nbsp;prisoners&nbsp;</h2>

On Friday (August 11), Iran moved the five American prisoners to house arrest, in an effort to have some of the assets unfrozen.&nbsp;If all goes as planned, the American prisoners could leave&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;sometime in September.&nbsp;

Four of the prisoners - Siamak Namazi, Emad Sharqi, Morad Tahbaz and another who preferred to remain anonymous -- were taken&nbsp;out of Tehran's notorious Evin prison as the Biden administration informed their families about the deal.&nbsp;

"While this is a positive change, we will not rest until Siamak and others are back home; we continue to count the days until this can happen," Babak Namazi, Siamak's brother told news agency AFP.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Iran on Saturday announced that over $6 billion of its frozen funds in South Korea had been unlocked after the release of five Americans from prison to house arrest in Tehran.

Iran on Saturday announced that over $6 billion of its frozen funds in South Korea had been unlocked after the release of five Americans from prison to house arrest in Tehran. The country's central bank chief Mohammad Reza Farzin said the funds will be used to buy “non-sanctioned goods”. “Congratulations to the foreign exchange diplomacy team for successfully releasing seized foreign currency resources,” Farzin wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Farzin said the funds would be transferred to six Iranian banks in Qatar. He added that the costs of converting the funds from South Korea’s won currency to euros would be accepted by the “third country” where the money would be deposited to buy the goods. Farzin's post seemingly confirmed the statement made by Washington a day earlier that there will be restrictions on what Tehran could do with the unfrozen funds. Also read | US, Iran talk with mutual 'understanding' to cool tensions US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the money already belonged to Iran but "it will not be receiving any sanctions relief." "Iran's own funds would be used and transferred to restricted accounts such that the monies can only be used for humanitarian purposes," he said. Iran had earned the money by selling oil to South Korea but Seoul blocked the funds to comply with the sanctions imposed by former US president Donald Trump to squeeze out Tehran's economy. Watch | Iran, Cuba vow to confront US 'aggressive imperial policy' Iran releases prisoners On Friday (August 11), Iran moved the five American prisoners to house arrest, in an effort to have some of the assets unfrozen. If all goes as planned, the American prisoners could leave Iran sometime in September. Four of the prisoners - Siamak Namazi, Emad Sharqi, Morad Tahbaz and another who preferred to remain anonymous -- were taken out of Tehran's notorious Evin prison as the Biden administration informed their families about the deal. "While this is a positive change, we will not rest until Siamak and others are back home; we continue to count the days until this can happen," Babak Namazi, Siamak's brother told news agency AFP. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Iran to buy 'non-sanctioned' goods after having S Korean funds 'unblocked'

One person was killed and three were injured in a "stabbing rampage" near a subway station in the South Korean capital Seoul on Friday (July 21), news agencies reported citing local police.&nbsp;

Police said that the attack took place near the Sillim subway station in southwest Seoul. The authorities added that the suspect had been detained by officers at the scene.&nbsp;

"The suspect is a man in his 30s and he did not look intoxicated. We are questioning him as to the motive of his crime," they said.&nbsp;

Local broadcaster YTN reported that the man was arrested at the scene. So far, the motive behind the attack was not immediately clear.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-to-spread-poland-to-move-soldiers-to-east-due-to-wagner-risks-618116">Will this expand Ukraine war to other regions? Poland moving troops over Wagner risk from Belarus</a>&nbsp;

A witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told YTN, "When the police came, he said something along the lines of he didn't want to live, that things weren't going as he wished."&nbsp;

Yonhap news agency said that one of the injured victims in hospital was in critical condition.&nbsp;

YTN reported that the "man shouted he didn't want to live any more as he was being apprehended by the police".&nbsp;

The video shown on the YTN appeared to show police apprehending the suspect, who had sat down on steps and seemed to sit passively as armed police approached him and placed him under arrest.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-russian-missiles-strike-odesa-grain-warehouses-618072">Ukraine says Russian missiles strike Odesa grain warehouses</a>&nbsp;

According to a store owner in the area, "People ran into my store, telling me a man with a big knife was stabbing people. We locked the door."&nbsp;

The Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported eyewitnesses as saying&nbsp;that the suspect stabbed a man who was talking on the phone in the back multiple times before running off and attacking more people.&nbsp;

"All four victims are reportedly men," it added.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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One person was killed and three were injured in a "stabbing rampage" near a subway station in the South Korean capital Seoul on Friday (July 21), news agencies reported citing local police.

One person was killed and three were injured in a "stabbing rampage" near a subway station in the South Korean capital Seoul on Friday (July 21), news agencies reported citing local police. Police said that the attack took place near the Sillim subway station in southwest Seoul. The authorities added that the suspect had been detained by officers at the scene. "The suspect is a man in his 30s and he did not look intoxicated. We are questioning him as to the motive of his crime," they said. Local broadcaster YTN reported that the man was arrested at the scene. So far, the motive behind the attack was not immediately clear. Also read: Will this expand Ukraine war to other regions? Poland moving troops over Wagner risk from Belarus A witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told YTN, "When the police came, he said something along the lines of he didn't want to live, that things weren't going as he wished." Yonhap news agency said that one of the injured victims in hospital was in critical condition. YTN reported that the "man shouted he didn't want to live any more as he was being apprehended by the police". The video shown on the YTN appeared to show police apprehending the suspect, who had sat down on steps and seemed to sit passively as armed police approached him and placed him under arrest. Also read: Ukraine says Russian missiles strike Odesa grain warehouses According to a store owner in the area, "People ran into my store, telling me a man with a big knife was stabbing people. We locked the door." The Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported eyewitnesses as saying that the suspect stabbed a man who was talking on the phone in the back multiple times before running off and attacking more people. "All four victims are reportedly men," it added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Seoul: At least one dead, three injured as man goes on stabbing rampage, arrested

South Korea has stated that it believes that the plan of Japan to release water treated from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant will be able to meet international standards, a few days after a United Nations atomic agency, in its review of the controversial proposal, found it to be safe as China imposed a ban on import of food products from 10 Japanese prefectures, citing safety reasons.&nbsp;

Seoul stated that its own assessments, which are based on the plant's inspection in late May, the data collected, review of the UN nuclear watchdog IAEA’s suggested that there is no danger in releasing more than 1.3 million tonnes of radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean if it is carried out according to the proposal.

“We have confirmed the concentration of radioactive material meets standards for ocean discharge … and therefore, the plan meets international standards including those of the IAEA,” said Bang Moon-kyu, Minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, in a briefing on Friday.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fukushima-nuclear-plant-water-release-is-safe-says-iaea-chief-612362">Fukushima nuclear plant water release is safe, says IAEA chief</a>

<h2>IAEA chief says ‘completely safe' to release treated wastewater</h2>

Assuring the safety of the water to be released, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said even though fears over the proposed plan reflect a “very logical sense of uncertainty” that should be considered seriously, he is “completely convinced of the sound basis of our conclusions.”

“We have been looking at this basic policy for more than two years. We have been assessing it against … the most stringent standards that exist,” Grossi said while speaking to CNN on Friday.

“And we are quite certain of what we are saying, and the scheme we have proposed," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>China imposes ban on Japanese food&nbsp;</h2>

China’s customs department on Friday announced a ban on the import of food products, coming from 10 Japanese prefectures, citing safety reasons and said that it would increase testing for radioactive substances.

In a statement, the department said that it will enhance monitoring of products which include seafood and continue to place curbs on produce coming from one-fifth of Japan's prefectures due to safety reasons.

WATCH |&nbsp;Japan set to release water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific

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China will "strengthen supervision" and "rigorously examine" certificates for food imports, which will especially include aquatic products coming from the other non-banned prefectures, said the administration, emphasising restrictions on the 10 prefectures that are in place.

"The Japanese side still has many problems in the legitimacy of sea discharge, the reliability of purification equipment and the perfection of monitoring programmes," said Chinese customs.&nbsp;

It stated that the report prepared by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) fails to fully reflect the views of all experts who are involved in the assessment process, and they did not endorse the conclusions unanimously.

The UN nuclear watchdog approved Japan's plan on Tuesday, as it faced opposition at home and abroad. Japan insists that the water released will be safe and will meet global standards.

(With inputs from agencies)

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WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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South Korea has stated that it believes that the plan of Japan to release water treated from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant will be able to meet international standards, a few days after a United Nations atomic agency, in its review of the controversial proposal, found it to be safe as China imposed a ban on import of food products from 10 Japanese prefectures, citing safety reasons.

South Korea has stated that it believes that the plan of Japan to release water treated from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant will be able to meet international standards, a few days after a United Nations atomic agency, in its review of the controversial proposal, found it to be safe as China imposed a ban on import of food products from 10 Japanese prefectures, citing safety reasons. Seoul stated that its own assessments, which are based on the plant's inspection in late May, the data collected, review of the UN nuclear watchdog IAEA’s suggested that there is no danger in releasing more than 1.3 million tonnes of radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean if it is carried out according to the proposal. “We have confirmed the concentration of radioactive material meets standards for ocean discharge … and therefore, the plan meets international standards including those of the IAEA,” said Bang Moon-kyu, Minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, in a briefing on Friday. ALSO READ | Fukushima nuclear plant water release is safe, says IAEA chief IAEA chief says ‘completely safe' to release treated wastewater Assuring the safety of the water to be released, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said even though fears over the proposed plan reflect a “very logical sense of uncertainty” that should be considered seriously, he is “completely convinced of the sound basis of our conclusions.” “We have been looking at this basic policy for more than two years. We have been assessing it against … the most stringent standards that exist,” Grossi said while speaking to CNN on Friday. “And we are quite certain of what we are saying, and the scheme we have proposed," he added. China imposes ban on Japanese food China’s customs department on Friday announced a ban on the import of food products, coming from 10 Japanese prefectures, citing safety reasons and said that it would increase testing for radioactive substances. In a statement, the department said that it will enhance monitoring of products which include seafood and continue to place curbs on produce coming from one-fifth of Japan's prefectures due to safety reasons. WATCH | Japan set to release water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific China will "strengthen supervision" and "rigorously examine" certificates for food imports, which will especially include aquatic products coming from the other non-banned prefectures, said the administration, emphasising restrictions on the 10 prefectures that are in place. "The Japanese side still has many problems in the legitimacy of sea discharge, the reliability of purification equipment and the perfection of monitoring programmes," said Chinese customs. It stated that the report prepared by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) fails to fully reflect the views of all experts who are involved in the assessment process, and they did not endorse the conclusions unanimously. The UN nuclear watchdog approved Japan's plan on Tuesday, as it faced opposition at home and abroad. Japan insists that the water released will be safe and will meet global standards. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Seoul supports Fukushima water plan as China imposes ban on Japanese food

South Korea is undergoing a unique crisis. There is a huge shortage of paediatricians, with the majority leaving their practice thinking the field has no future.

South Korea is undergoing a unique crisis. There is a huge shortage of paediatricians, with the majority leaving their practice thinking the field has no future. The hospitals are unable to fill the positions, sparking a major health concern for the children of the country. In the capital city of Seoul, the number of paediatric clinics and hospitals has fallen to just 456, down 12.5 per cent over the last five years. In the first half of 2022, the hospitals were able to secure the services of only 16.3 per cent of the paediatricians they sought, compared to 97.4 per cent in 2013. Why are doctors giving up paediatrics? The root cause of the problem, according to paediatricians, is the decline in the birth rate which fell to 0.78 in 2022. Combined with the failure of the insurance system to adapt, it has left the doctors with no way but to shun the field they believe has hit a dead-end. Notably, when the birth rate was healthy in the Asian country, paediatricians could manage with the low-price, high-volume model. However, since the dip in birth rates, the low fee has become a severe problem and insurance services have not revised their prices to keep up with the changing times. Also read | This country has the world's lowest fertility rate, breaks its own record "In foreign countries, the government pays enough to maintain the hospital even if you see 20 patients a day. But it's about $10 per treatment in Korea, so clinics have to see about 80 patients a day," said Dr Lim Hyun-taek, president of the Korean Pediatric Association. Paediatricians are South Korea’s lowest-paid doctors, making 57 per cent less than the average doctor's salary, according to data accessed from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. Also read | Population collapse? Number of Japanese households with kids falls to historic low Long waiting queues The shortage of doctors for children means that parents are having to endure long waiting periods for the treatment of sick children. "Patients dying while bouncing around multiple emergency rooms, dying when it's not a serious disease, it's a travesty," Dr Choi Yong-jae, vice president of the Korea Children's Hospital Association, was quoted as saying by The Guardian. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has acknowledged the problem and said measures were being put in place to address them. Experts, however, warn that there is no quick fix to the problem. WATCH | WION Fineprint: Japan's PM Kishida vows to raise birth rate While the doctors giving up on child healthcare is a massive problem on its own, the elephant in the room is the dwindling birth rate. According to reports, S Korea needs a fertility rate of 2.1 to maintain a stable population. Seoul's population reportedly shrank for the first time in 2021. The decline could have direct repercussions on its economy which is one of the biggest in the world. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Doctors in South Korea are giving up on paediatrics, sparking major health concern. Know why

Tens of thousands of South Koreans brought rainbow pride to the streets of Seoul on Saturday for an annual celebration of LGBTQ rights, while demonstrators against them snagged a prime site marchers had used since 2015.

Seoul celebrates pride despite LGBTQ backlash

South Korea went into a panic of evacuation after North Korea launched its first spy satellite. This satellite is called "CHOLLIMA-1" and it malfunctioned in its second stage of launch. USA, Japan & South Korea have strongly condemned this launch. Why? What's the story here?

Gravitas: Evacuation warnings in Seoul

Seoul is lighting up for its Bangtan&nbsp;boys. As BTS celebrates its 10th anniversary on June 13, several landmarks in Seoul will turn purple to mark the special occasion. According to reports, Hype, the K-pop powerhouse behind the group, and the Seoul metropolitan government are currently having a joint discussion on holding various events to commemorate the anniversary.&nbsp; 
 
What more! The celebration will also give a hat-tip to the ARMY, the loyal fans of the band. The special event place will be called ARMY road, as a tribute to the band's fandom.&nbsp; 
 
City officials expect the events will help boost Seoul's tourism industry, which the COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic has battered. 
 
BTS will also be organising commemorative events and festivals ahead of its debut day anniversary.&nbsp; 
 
In the past two years, the band had organized online events due to the pandemic. The events were primarily large-scale online meet-and-greet events for fans.&nbsp;Similar online events are also expected this year even though some band members are on their mandatory military duties. 
 
"We're going to announce when our plans for the events are decided," a Hype official said. 
 
The seven-member band will also release a memoir titled,&nbsp;Beyond&nbsp;the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS, &nbsp;to mark the special day. A commemorative stamp will also be released in South Korea.&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile, BTS member V, also known as Kim Taehyung, was seen in Paris recently with BLACKPINK vocalist Jennie. Rumours about Jennie and Taehyung dating have been swirling for a while, and a video of them walking together in Paris went viral on the internet recently.&nbsp;

Seoul is lighting up for its Bangtan boys. As BTS celebrates its 10th anniversary on June 13, several landmarks in Seoul will turn purple to mark the special occasion.

Seoul is lighting up for its Bangtan boys. As BTS celebrates its 10th anniversary on June 13, several landmarks in Seoul will turn purple to mark the special occasion. According to reports, Hype, the K-pop powerhouse behind the group, and the Seoul metropolitan government are currently having a joint discussion on holding various events to commemorate the anniversary. What more! The celebration will also give a hat-tip to the ARMY, the loyal fans of the band. The special event place will be called ARMY road, as a tribute to the band's fandom. City officials expect the events will help boost Seoul's tourism industry, which the COVID-19 pandemic has battered. BTS will also be organising commemorative events and festivals ahead of its debut day anniversary. In the past two years, the band had organized online events due to the pandemic. The events were primarily large-scale online meet-and-greet events for fans. Similar online events are also expected this year even though some band members are on their mandatory military duties. "We're going to announce when our plans for the events are decided," a Hype official said. The seven-member band will also release a memoir titled, Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS, to mark the special day. A commemorative stamp will also be released in South Korea. Meanwhile, BTS member V, also known as Kim Taehyung, was seen in Paris recently with BLACKPINK vocalist Jennie. Rumours about Jennie and Taehyung dating have been swirling for a while, and a video of them walking together in Paris went viral on the internet recently.

Seoul to light up as BTS celebrates 10th anniversary in June 

The South Korean President and Canadian Prime Minister agreed to step up cooperation on critical minerals and other economic security issues. Hem Kaur Saroya brings you the report.

Ottawa, Seoul focus on critical minerals | WION Climate Tracker

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is in Seoul. He will be meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk You now the visit comes just a few weeks after both countries signed the Washington declaration pact the aim of the latest summit is to counter China's growing assertiveness and also to strengthen security cooperation amid nuclear threats from North Korea.

Kishida in Seoul to forge closer ties

Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. Your weekly recap of some of the biggest stories from capitals around the world.

In New Delhi and rest of India, Olympic athletes are often associated with one defining moment. When the country's flag goes up, the national anthem is heard and the world stands up in the honour of two. All this happens amid spontaneous welling up of eyes of the patriots, including the one standing on the podium.

<img alt="Sakshi Malik" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8efcfffc-e7e8-4363-8537-bf49ef2ff2df" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2866%29.png" />

Indian wrestler Sakshi Malik got emotional after winning Gold medal in Women's 62kg freestyle wrestling in Commonwealth Games, Birmingham in August 2022 | Twitter

This week, the capital of the world's most populous nation saw some of its top athletes welling up, for the second time in the last four months as they relaunched their protest against alleged sexual abuse within India's wrestling federation.

<img alt="Indian wrestlers" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="93494279-d08c-417c-bbb0-e9542e8f3b70" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2867%29_2.png" />

Indian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat (L) and Sakshi Malik (R) break down while speaking to the reporters in New Delhi earlier this week | PTI

Read this, and more, in The Capitals this week.

<h2>Khartoum, Sudan</h2>

<img alt="Sudan conflict" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aae3f924-6521-4c96-800c-6211a05503d6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2859%29_0.png" />

An aerial view of black smoke rising over Khartoum | AFP

The fighting between Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) entered third week, as the two warring sides failed to honour the 72-hour truce that was agreed upon earlier this week. Reports of prison break amid the conflict have gripped the country, stoking speculations related to the revival of Sudan's political Islamic movement.&nbsp;

So far, neither side has gained the control of capital Khartoum.

Meanwhile, thousands of foreign nationals, including nearly 3000 Indians, have been evacuated from conflict-ridden Sudan so far.&nbsp;

<h2>Washington D.C., United States of America</h2>

<img alt="Joe Biden and Yoon Suk-Yeol" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8ee30318-7408-46aa-bbe2-33d4157851e1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2860%29_0.png" />

US President Joe Biden hosted South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol in the White House this week | Twitter/@JoeBiden

US President Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. aka Joe Biden, 80, announced his presidential bid for 2024.&nbsp;

But Biden's ageing profile and a prospective presidential contest against former US President Donald Trump was not the biggest story from the US capital this week.&nbsp;

Instead, the state visit of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol became the geopolitical event with most consequential optics in the power corridors of the United States.

Yoon and Biden signed a landmark deal to deter nuclear belligerence in the Korean peninsula.&nbsp;

With that the two leaders, for now, have managed to limit the nuclear proliferation as South Korea reiterated its commitment to the Nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

Dubbed 'Washington declaration', the deal assured Seoul that the United States will regularly deploy its strategic assets in the region. The declaration also called for the advancement of achieving the 'complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.'

South Korean president's visit's high was a state dinner hosted by Biden. President Yoon Suk Yeol belted out his own <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-i-had-no-damn-idea-you-could-biden-stunned-as-s-korean-prez-sings-american-pie-at-white-house-586628">rendition</a> of Don McClean’s classic song, 'American Pie'. The impromptu performance went viral, and became a diplomatic highlight of Seoul-Washington ties on social media.&nbsp;

<h2>Asunción, Paraguay</h2>

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A municipal worker removes a political advertising in Asunción on April 29, 2023 | AFP

Paraguay went to polls this Sunday as 4.8 million eligible voters in the South American nation geographically triangulated between Brazil, Bolivia and Argentina began stamping their ballets.&nbsp;

But a new president in Asunción may mean geopolitical consequences two oceans away in the Taiwanese capital of Taipei, the self-ruled island which China claims as its own.

Paraguay is one of the only 13 countries that recognises Taipei over Beijing.

Lawyer Efrain Alegre, 60, of the Concertacion center-left coalition is leading narrowly in opinion polls against the ruling Colorado Party's Santiago Pena.&nbsp;

Alegre has vowed to reconsider country's diplomatic positioning of choosing Taipei over Beijing. &nbsp;

"Relations with Taiwan mean the loss of one of the largest markets, which is China," Alegre told news agency AFP.&nbsp;

"Paraguay makes a very big effort, a very big sacrifice to have relations with Taiwan, but we are not seeing from Taiwan the same effort."

<h2>Baku, Azerbaijan-Yerevan, Armenia</h2>

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French foreign minister Catherine Colonna and Armenian foreign minister Ararat Mirzoyan hold a press conference following their talks in Yerevan on April 28, 2023 | AFP

French foreign minister Catherine Colonna visited the capitals of Azerbaijan and Armenia this week in an effort to cool down the reignited tensions between two West Asian rivals. Colonna's visit ensured that the two nations sit across each other in Washington on Sunday, when the Azeri and Armenian foreign ministers are scheduled to discuss the "agreement on normalisation of relations."

Both the countries went to war over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region in 2020 in which Baku emerged overwhelmingly victorious. The mountain region is now internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but populated mainly by ethnic Armenians.

The tensions reignited after Azerbaijan set up a new checkpoint last Sunday on the road to Karabakh, the Lachin corridor, in a move that Armenia that called a gross violation of a 2020 ceasefire.

<h2>Tokyo, Japan</h2>

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Employees of 'ispace'&nbsp;bow their heads after the company announced they lost signal from the lander in HAKUTO-R lunar exploration program | Reuters

World's first private moon landing failed this week. Japan's commercial space startup ispace lost contact with its Hakuto-R Mission 1 (M1), and said that it probably crashed on the lunar surface. &nbsp;

The M1 lander was launched on December 11, 2023 from Cape Canaveral, Florida on a SpaceX rocket.

Soon after ispace lost contact with its L1 lander, its employees at a venue in Tokyo bowed their heads in respect of the lost lander.&nbsp;

The Japanese government expressed disappointment at the failure of ispace mission. But said that the country wants ispace to "keep trying" as its efforts were significant to the development of a domestic space industry.

<h2>New Delhi, India</h2>

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Indian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, left, Bajrang Punia, centre, and Sakshi Malik take part in a sit-in New Delhi demanding the arrest of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief | Reuters

In New Delhi, thirty Indian wrestlers, including country's Olympic medalists, relaunched their sit-in protest against Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, also a lawmaker of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Led by Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Anshu Malik and Bajrang Punia, the protesting athletes have accused Singh of sexual abuse of vulnerable female wrestlers for years.&nbsp;

After the grapplers approached India's Supreme Court this week, the police in New Delhi filed two First Information Reports (FIRs) against the wrestling federation boss. One of the incidence reports have been filed under the charges related to India's Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, meaning the supposed victim was less than 18 when the sexual abuse allegedly took place.&nbsp;

The wrestlers had first launched their protest earlier this year on January 18. Back then, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government quickly sprung into action, formed an investigation body led by some of India's most decorated athletes, and sought a report in four weeks.&nbsp;

While the findings of the investigation into sexual assault accusations have not been made public, soon after wrestlers relaunched their protest this week, the government released its "major findings". One of them point to the absence of a duly constituted Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in the federation mandated within India's sexual harassment prevention law.

Amid the second round of protest in over three months, Singh continues to be the chief of India's Wrestling federation.

The wrestlers have vowed they will continue to protest until Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is arrested and a host of reforms are brought within the wrestling federation.

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Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. Your weekly recap of some of the biggest stories from capitals around the world. In New Delhi and rest of India, Olympic athletes are often associated with one defining moment.

Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. Your weekly recap of some of the biggest stories from capitals around the world. In New Delhi and rest of India, Olympic athletes are often associated with one defining moment. When the country's flag goes up, the national anthem is heard and the world stands up in the honour of two. All this happens amid spontaneous welling up of eyes of the patriots, including the one standing on the podium. Indian wrestler Sakshi Malik got emotional after winning Gold medal in Women's 62kg freestyle wrestling in Commonwealth Games, Birmingham in August 2022 | Twitter This week, the capital of the world's most populous nation saw some of its top athletes welling up, for the second time in the last four months as they relaunched their protest against alleged sexual abuse within India's wrestling federation. Indian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat (L) and Sakshi Malik (R) break down while speaking to the reporters in New Delhi earlier this week | PTI Read this, and more, in The Capitals this week. Khartoum, Sudan An aerial view of black smoke rising over Khartoum | AFP The fighting between Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) entered third week, as the two warring sides failed to honour the 72-hour truce that was agreed upon earlier this week. Reports of prison break amid the conflict have gripped the country, stoking speculations related to the revival of Sudan's political Islamic movement. So far, neither side has gained the control of capital Khartoum. Meanwhile, thousands of foreign nationals, including nearly 3000 Indians, have been evacuated from conflict-ridden Sudan so far. Washington D.C., United States of America US President Joe Biden hosted South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol in the White House this week | Twitter/@JoeBiden US President Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. aka Joe Biden, 80, announced his presidential bid for 2024. But Biden's ageing profile and a prospective presidential contest against former US President Donald Trump was not the biggest story from the US capital this week. Instead, the state visit of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol became the geopolitical event with most consequential optics in the power corridors of the United States. Yoon and Biden signed a landmark deal to deter nuclear belligerence in the Korean peninsula. With that the two leaders, for now, have managed to limit the nuclear proliferation as South Korea reiterated its commitment to the Nuclear non-proliferation treaty. Dubbed 'Washington declaration', the deal assured Seoul that the United States will regularly deploy its strategic assets in the region. The declaration also called for the advancement of achieving the 'complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.' South Korean president's visit's high was a state dinner hosted by Biden. President Yoon Suk Yeol belted out his own rendition of Don McClean’s classic song, 'American Pie'. The impromptu performance went viral, and became a diplomatic highlight of Seoul-Washington ties on social media. Asunción, Paraguay A municipal worker removes a political advertising in Asunción on April 29, 2023 | AFP Paraguay went to polls this Sunday as 4.8 million eligible voters in the South American nation geographically triangulated between Brazil, Bolivia and Argentina began stamping their ballets. But a new president in Asunción may mean geopolitical consequences two oceans away in the Taiwanese capital of Taipei, the self-ruled island which China claims as its own. Paraguay is one of the only 13 countries that recognises Taipei over Beijing. Lawyer Efrain Alegre, 60, of the Concertacion center-left coalition is leading narrowly in opinion polls against the ruling Colorado Party's Santiago Pena. Alegre has vowed to reconsider country's diplomatic positioning of choosing Taipei over Beijing. "Relations with Taiwan mean the loss of one of the largest markets, which is China," Alegre told news agency AFP. "Paraguay makes a very big effort, a very big sacrifice to have relations with Taiwan, but we are not seeing from Taiwan the same effort." Baku, Azerbaijan-Yerevan, Armenia French foreign minister Catherine Colonna and Armenian foreign minister Ararat Mirzoyan hold a press conference following their talks in Yerevan on April 28, 2023 | AFP French foreign minister Catherine Colonna visited the capitals of Azerbaijan and Armenia this week in an effort to cool down the reignited tensions between two West Asian rivals. Colonna's visit ensured that the two nations sit across each other in Washington on Sunday, when the Azeri and Armenian foreign ministers are scheduled to discuss the "agreement on normalisation of relations." Both the countries went to war over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region in 2020 in which Baku emerged overwhelmingly victorious. The mountain region is now internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but populated mainly by ethnic Armenians. The tensions reignited after Azerbaijan set up a new checkpoint last Sunday on the road to Karabakh, the Lachin corridor, in a move that Armenia that called a gross violation of a 2020 ceasefire. Tokyo, Japan Employees of 'ispace' bow their heads after the company announced they lost signal from the lander in HAKUTO-R lunar exploration program | Reuters World's first private moon landing failed this week. Japan's commercial space startup ispace lost contact with its Hakuto-R Mission 1 (M1), and said that it probably crashed on the lunar surface. The M1 lander was launched on December 11, 2023 from Cape Canaveral, Florida on a SpaceX rocket. Soon after ispace lost contact with its L1 lander, its employees at a venue in Tokyo bowed their heads in respect of the lost lander. The Japanese government expressed disappointment at the failure of ispace mission. But said that the country wants ispace to "keep trying" as its efforts were significant to the development of a domestic space industry. New Delhi, India Indian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, left, Bajrang Punia, centre, and Sakshi Malik take part in a sit-in New Delhi demanding the arrest of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief | Reuters In New Delhi, thirty Indian wrestlers, including country's Olympic medalists, relaunched their sit-in protest against Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, also a lawmaker of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Led by Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Anshu Malik and Bajrang Punia, the protesting athletes have accused Singh of sexual abuse of vulnerable female wrestlers for years. After the grapplers approached India's Supreme Court this week, the police in New Delhi filed two First Information Reports (FIRs) against the wrestling federation boss. One of the incidence reports have been filed under the charges related to India's Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, meaning the supposed victim was less than 18 when the sexual abuse allegedly took place. The wrestlers had first launched their protest earlier this year on January 18. Back then, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government quickly sprung into action, formed an investigation body led by some of India's most decorated athletes, and sought a report in four weeks. While the findings of the investigation into sexual assault accusations have not been made public, soon after wrestlers relaunched their protest this week, the government released its "major findings". One of them point to the absence of a duly constituted Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in the federation mandated within India's sexual harassment prevention law. Amid the second round of protest in over three months, Singh continues to be the chief of India's Wrestling federation. The wrestlers have vowed they will continue to protest until Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is arrested and a host of reforms are brought within the wrestling federation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

The Capitals: Sudan's capital on boil, Washington's 'American Pie' for Seoul, and more

The government of South Korea is urging reclusive kids to step out of their homes and experience the world outside.

The country's Ministry of Gender Equality and Family said that the cabinet approved a resolution on Tuesday to potentially spend thousands of dollars year on education, career counselling, and health support for those who are living as recluses and are between the ages of nine&nbsp;and 24, reported Bloomberg.&nbsp;

The programme, which expands on a November statement, is aimed at people who have significant social withdrawal, or "hikikomori," a term coined in Japan to describe the condition, which likely became worse by the pandemic.&nbsp;

Youth in South Korea who meet certain criteria can get funding in a number of categories, including a monthly living expense allowance of 650,000 won (US$490).&nbsp;

The ministry issued a statement stating that the government is "strengthening its support to enable reclusive youth to recover their daily lives and reintegrate into society."&nbsp;

ALSO&nbsp;READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-hikikomori-the-trend-keeping-almost-15-mn-japanese-living-in-isolation-579782">What is hikikomori? The trend keeping almost 1.5mn Japanese in isolation</a>

The primary objective of the policy is to assist underprivileged kids, but it is also a means by which the nation might address its declining working-age population in the face of frighteningly low birthrates and stringent immigration regulations.&nbsp;

By 2044, South Korea is expected to have an ageing population that will only be surpassed by Hong Kong in terms of the proportion of the population that is over 65.&nbsp;

Government officials have responded by making a number of emergency actions, such as providing childcare subsidies to raise the lowest fertility rate in the world. Attempts to raise the country’s population through births have cost more than $200 billion so far, but with limited success. &nbsp;

ALSO&nbsp;WATCH |&nbsp;Pentagon leak shows South Korea divided on sending Ukraine weapons | Trending on WION

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This action was taken right after President Yoon Suk Yeol urged officials to approach the matter with a "emergency mindset" and dubbed the birthrate and subsequent drop in productivity a "crucial national agenda".

“This policy is fundamentally a welfare measure,” said&nbsp;Shin Yul, a political science professor at Myongji University in Seoul, who spoke to Bloomberg.&nbsp;“While it’s good to try various approaches to boost working age population, it cannot be seen as a long-term solution to fix the population problem here.”

Despite the country's booming economy in recent years, South Korea continues to struggle with high youth unemployment, which is the highest among all age groups at 7.2 per cent.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
 
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The government of South Korea is urging reclusive kids to step out of their homes and experience the world outside. The country's Ministry of Gender Equality and Family said that the cabinet approved a resolution on Tuesday to potentially spend thousands of dollars year on education, career counselling, and health support for those who are living as recluses and are between the ages of nine and 24, reported Bloomberg.

The government of South Korea is urging reclusive kids to step out of their homes and experience the world outside. The country's Ministry of Gender Equality and Family said that the cabinet approved a resolution on Tuesday to potentially spend thousands of dollars year on education, career counselling, and health support for those who are living as recluses and are between the ages of nine and 24, reported Bloomberg. The programme, which expands on a November statement, is aimed at people who have significant social withdrawal, or "hikikomori," a term coined in Japan to describe the condition, which likely became worse by the pandemic. Youth in South Korea who meet certain criteria can get funding in a number of categories, including a monthly living expense allowance of 650,000 won (US$490). The ministry issued a statement stating that the government is "strengthening its support to enable reclusive youth to recover their daily lives and reintegrate into society." ALSO READ | What is hikikomori? The trend keeping almost 1.5mn Japanese in isolation The primary objective of the policy is to assist underprivileged kids, but it is also a means by which the nation might address its declining working-age population in the face of frighteningly low birthrates and stringent immigration regulations. By 2044, South Korea is expected to have an ageing population that will only be surpassed by Hong Kong in terms of the proportion of the population that is over 65. Government officials have responded by making a number of emergency actions, such as providing childcare subsidies to raise the lowest fertility rate in the world. Attempts to raise the country’s population through births have cost more than $200 billion so far, but with limited success. ALSO WATCH | Pentagon leak shows South Korea divided on sending Ukraine weapons | Trending on WION This action was taken right after President Yoon Suk Yeol urged officials to approach the matter with a "emergency mindset" and dubbed the birthrate and subsequent drop in productivity a "crucial national agenda". “This policy is fundamentally a welfare measure,” said Shin Yul, a political science professor at Myongji University in Seoul, who spoke to Bloomberg. “While it’s good to try various approaches to boost working age population, it cannot be seen as a long-term solution to fix the population problem here.” Despite the country's booming economy in recent years, South Korea continues to struggle with high youth unemployment, which is the highest among all age groups at 7.2 per cent. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

South Korea tries $500 incentive to encourage reclusive kids to venture out

Over 500 residents of South Korea’s eastern coastal city of Gangneung had to be evacuated, on Tuesday (April 11) after a wildfire fueled by strong winds and dry weather began on a mountain, said the officials. Dozens of homes have been destroyed, as per media reports, while the Korea Forest Service said firefighters have extinguished around 88 per cent of the fire, as of 3:30 pm (local time).&nbsp;

More than 1,410 firefighters, 200 vehicles and six helicopters were dispatched in a bid to put out the blaze, said&nbsp;officials, as per local media reports. There were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths. Meanwhile, around 70 homes and other buildings have reportedly been destroyed while nearly 300 residents were evacuated to facilities that included an ice-skating arena and a middle school gym.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClimateTracker?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClimateTracker</a> | Hundreds of South Koreans were forced to flee a wildfire fuelled by strong winds that burned parts of an eastern coastal city, destroying dozens of homes. <a href="https://twitter.com/eriknjoka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ErikNjoka</a> tells you more 
 
Watch more: <a href="https://t.co/AXC5qRugeb">https://t.co/AXC5qRugeb</a> <a href="https://t.co/wY5uvHNYLg">pic.twitter.com/wY5uvHNYLg</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1645710962245226500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The fire began early Monday, around 8:30 am (local time), the officials have also speculated that the wildfire may have been caused by a wind-damaged pine tree touching an electric wire before spreading to the nearby forest, reported the South Korean news agency, Yonhap. According to the Gangwon Provincial Governor&nbsp;Kim Jin-tae the fire has also seemingly slowed by rain that began in the afternoon.

So far, the fire has engulfed 103 hectares of woodland which is&nbsp;the equivalent of 144 football fields including at least 28 homes, 12 pension houses and four hotel buildings, as per Yonhap. Additionally, the officials have also evacuated some 700 tourists staying in nearby accommodations as a precautionary measure.&nbsp; 
 
Early Tuesday, the coastal city experienced typhoon-class strong winds which reportedly worsened the situation and also hampered efforts to bring the wildfire under control with water-bombing aircraft unable to take off due to the winds. As of Tuesday afternoon, The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said winds in the Gangneung area were blowing as strong&nbsp;as 103 kilometres per hour.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-south-korea-over-100-homes-evacuated-after-forest-fire-in-central-seoul-578316">South Korea: Over 100 homes evacuated after forest fire in central Seoul</a> 
 
The city which is home to over 200,000 people is around 170 kilometres away from the capital Seoul. The KMA has also issued a strong wind advisory in other regions across the country attributing the unusual weather conditions to the Korean Peninsula being located between high pressure to the south and low pressure to the north.&nbsp;

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has asked officials to mobilise all available resources “equipment and personnel” to control and extinguish the wildfire as soon as possible and quickly evacuate nearby residents to minimise casualties, said the presidential spokesperson Lee Do-woon.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Over 500 residents of South Korea’s eastern coastal city of Gangneung had to be evacuated, on Tuesday (April 11) after a wildfire fueled by strong winds and dry weather began on a mountain, said the officials.

Over 500 residents of South Korea’s eastern coastal city of Gangneung had to be evacuated, on Tuesday (April 11) after a wildfire fueled by strong winds and dry weather began on a mountain, said the officials. Dozens of homes have been destroyed, as per media reports, while the Korea Forest Service said firefighters have extinguished around 88 per cent of the fire, as of 3:30 pm (local time). More than 1,410 firefighters, 200 vehicles and six helicopters were dispatched in a bid to put out the blaze, said officials, as per local media reports. There were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths. Meanwhile, around 70 homes and other buildings have reportedly been destroyed while nearly 300 residents were evacuated to facilities that included an ice-skating arena and a middle school gym. #ClimateTracker | Hundreds of South Koreans were forced to flee a wildfire fuelled by strong winds that burned parts of an eastern coastal city, destroying dozens of homes. @ErikNjoka tells you more Watch more: https://t.co/AXC5qRugeb pic.twitter.com/wY5uvHNYLg — WION (@WIONews) April 11, 2023 × The fire began early Monday, around 8:30 am (local time), the officials have also speculated that the wildfire may have been caused by a wind-damaged pine tree touching an electric wire before spreading to the nearby forest, reported the South Korean news agency, Yonhap. According to the Gangwon Provincial Governor Kim Jin-tae the fire has also seemingly slowed by rain that began in the afternoon. So far, the fire has engulfed 103 hectares of woodland which is the equivalent of 144 football fields including at least 28 homes, 12 pension houses and four hotel buildings, as per Yonhap. Additionally, the officials have also evacuated some 700 tourists staying in nearby accommodations as a precautionary measure. Early Tuesday, the coastal city experienced typhoon-class strong winds which reportedly worsened the situation and also hampered efforts to bring the wildfire under control with water-bombing aircraft unable to take off due to the winds. As of Tuesday afternoon, The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said winds in the Gangneung area were blowing as strong as 103 kilometres per hour. ALSO WATCH | South Korea: Over 100 homes evacuated after forest fire in central Seoul The city which is home to over 200,000 people is around 170 kilometres away from the capital Seoul. The KMA has also issued a strong wind advisory in other regions across the country attributing the unusual weather conditions to the Korean Peninsula being located between high pressure to the south and low pressure to the north. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has asked officials to mobilise all available resources “equipment and personnel” to control and extinguish the wildfire as soon as possible and quickly evacuate nearby residents to minimise casualties, said the presidential spokesperson Lee Do-woon. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

South Korea: Hundreds forced to evacuate after wildfire in a seaside city

A forest fire raged in the central region of the South Korean capital Seoul, on Sunday (April 2), prompting the evacuation of at least 120 homes in the densely populated city, said officials, as per Reuters. Meanwhile, President Yoon Suk Yeol has asked relevant authorities to make all-out efforts to put out and prevent spring wildfires, said his office, as per local media reports.&nbsp;

The statement was issued following the wildfire on Sunday on Mount Inwang, near the previous location of Korea’s presidential office, and a mountain in Hongseong which is some 114 km south of the South Korean capital. The fire began on the mountain in the middle of Seoul at around 11:53 am (local time) and burned forests the size of some 30 soccer fields, said officials.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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The wildfire was nearly extinguished around 5:00 pm (local time). No casualties or injuries were reported due to the fire. Images and visuals of the incident show smoke billowing from forests on the mountain, which was reportedly seen across the city as firefighters battled to put out the fire with water-bombing aircraft.

According to local media reports, as of 2:30 pm (local time), some 580 officials and nine helicopters were deployed in Mount Inwang in a bid to extinguish the blaze. After the fire broke out shortly before noon, officials had also banned entry to the mountain while residents living nearby were evacuated.&nbsp;

A Reuters eyewitness also saw multiple helicopters flying over Han River in an apparent effort to supply water to extinguish the fire. President spokesperson Lee Do-woon, in a statement, also said that Yoon ordered the National Fire Agency and the National Forest Service to use all possible resources to extinguish the fires and called on interior and defence ministries to support the efforts, as per local media reports.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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A forest fire raged in the central region of the South Korean capital Seoul, on Sunday (April 2), prompting the evacuation of at least 120 homes in the densely populated city, said officials, as per Reuters.

A forest fire raged in the central region of the South Korean capital Seoul, on Sunday (April 2), prompting the evacuation of at least 120 homes in the densely populated city, said officials, as per Reuters. Meanwhile, President Yoon Suk Yeol has asked relevant authorities to make all-out efforts to put out and prevent spring wildfires, said his office, as per local media reports. The statement was issued following the wildfire on Sunday on Mount Inwang, near the previous location of Korea’s presidential office, and a mountain in Hongseong which is some 114 km south of the South Korean capital. The fire began on the mountain in the middle of Seoul at around 11:53 am (local time) and burned forests the size of some 30 soccer fields, said officials. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shane Park (@lucky_shane_park) × The wildfire was nearly extinguished around 5:00 pm (local time). No casualties or injuries were reported due to the fire. Images and visuals of the incident show smoke billowing from forests on the mountain, which was reportedly seen across the city as firefighters battled to put out the fire with water-bombing aircraft. According to local media reports, as of 2:30 pm (local time), some 580 officials and nine helicopters were deployed in Mount Inwang in a bid to extinguish the blaze. After the fire broke out shortly before noon, officials had also banned entry to the mountain while residents living nearby were evacuated. A Reuters eyewitness also saw multiple helicopters flying over Han River in an apparent effort to supply water to extinguish the fire. President spokesperson Lee Do-woon, in a statement, also said that Yoon ordered the National Fire Agency and the National Forest Service to use all possible resources to extinguish the fires and called on interior and defence ministries to support the efforts, as per local media reports. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH | South Korea: Over 100 homes evacuated after forest fire in central Seoul

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