Experts have said a major disease outbreak in North Korea could cause a humanitarian disaster because of its fragile health care system.

North Korea: Kim Yo Jong slams Seoul over questioning zero-virus claim

Green activists Kim Yona and Lee Dong-I use the bottle caps to make a tube-squeezing device - something they hope consumers will find useful and be able to keep, rather than toss out after just one use.

South Korean "sparrows" try to cap surge of throwaway plastic

South Korea's Seoul Metropolitan Government released Halloween video and posters earlier this week to ensure residents stick to guidelines and avoid a resurgence in cases during the weekend.

'Don't end up a real ghost', warn S.Korea officials worried about virus resurgence

Like thousands of other Jehovah’s Witnesses who refused to join the military because of their religious beliefs, Lee Seung-ki will serve time in a South Korean prison.

But unlike those before him, Lee will not enter as a convicted criminal. He will be among the first conscientious objectors in South Korea allowed to perform alternative service — jobs like cook, ​janitor and clinic assistant​​ — behind prison walls.

For three years starting Monday, Lee and 63 others will work, eat and sleep in prisons, though they will live apart from the inmates and will be allowed several weeks of leave. And unlike Jehovah’s Witnesses who served prison terms for their beliefs, they will have no criminal record to trail them for the rest of their lives.

Alternative service is a seismic shift in a country that considers conscription crucial to its defense against North Korea, with which it is still technically at war. Military duty is seen as a revered rite of passage for able-bodied young men, who are required to spend 21 months in uniform, usually between the ages of 18 and 28.

South Korea has imprisoned more conscientious objectors than any other country. Its Military Service Act requires up to three years in prison for those who refuse the draft without “justifiable” reasons. For decades, hundreds of young men, almost all of them Jehovah’s Witnesses, were put behind bars each year, usually for 18 months. As inmates, they did much of the same work that Lee will be doing.

“The difference is that the old objectors did it for 18 months wearing a prisoner’s uniform, but we will do it for three years as legalized conscientious objectors,” Lee said. “I am grateful that I am finally given this chance to serve the country without ​violating my conscience.”

A historic 2018 ruling by the Constitutional Court found that imprisoning conscientious objectors was unconstitutional because there were no alternative forms of service, and it ordered the government to create some. In December, parliament passed legislation that allowed for civilian service in prisons “and other areas of public interest” — though for now, at least, prison work is the only option the government is offering.

Human rights groups were critical, saying that the three-year requirement made South Korea’s alternative service the longest in the world.

Conscientious objectors “are confronted with little more than an alternative punishment,” Arnold Fang, an East Asia researcher for Amnesty International, said in December. “Confining people to work in a prison — and for almost twice as long as the typical military service — does not respect their right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief.”

Still, for Jehovah’s Witnesses, alternative service is a hard-won victory.

In the decades after the Korean War, when South Korea was ruled by military dictators, male Jehovah’s Witnesses of draft age who refused to serve were dragged into military boot camps and stockades, where they were vilified as “traitors,” beaten and in some cases killed, according to reports from a presidential commission in 2008.

One member of the church, Kim Keun-hyeong, 27, said he knew from an early age that he would end up in prison unless he abandoned his beliefs. His older brother, also a Jehovah’s Witness, was imprisoned for refusing military service. When Kim disobeyed his enlistment order, he, too, was put on trial on charges of dodging the draft.

But his case was suspended in 2013, when he joined 27 others to mount the legal challenge that led to the Constitutional Court’s ruling.

“I respect ​the decision of ​those who join the military,” Kim said. “But I also wanted my decision not to join the military for my religious conviction to be respected, as well.”

After the court’s ruling, officials and lawmakers weighed various forms of civilian service, like working in nursing homes, fire stations or hospitals. Some argued that if alternative service was not long and rigorous enough, young men would try to evade the draft under the pretext of ethical principles, compromising the country’s ability to deter North Korea’s 1.1 million-strong military.

In their prison work, conscientious objectors will be exempt from guard and prisoner-escort duty, which involves carrying firearms. But like soldiers, they will live together in barrackslike facilities.

The question of who should be excused from military service has long been a sensitive topic in South Korea.

“It’s a sacred duty to defend our country, but that doesn’t mean that everyone has to ​carry a weapon,” Noh Woong-rae, a senior lawmaker in the governing party, said this month. He floated the idea that K-pop stars, like members of BTS, should be exempted from the draft.

For decades, top athletes have been excused from military service on the grounds that they enhanced national prestige. K-pop fans say it is unfair that world-class pop stars are denied that privilege.

In a report to parliament this month, the Military Manpower Administration, which oversees the draft, offered a compromise: It would let top K-pop stars postpone their service so that they could perform for a few more years at the peak of their careers.

Such a revision would be a godsend for the oldest member of BTS, Kim Seok-jin, who turns 28 in December and must enlist within the following year.

But South Korea cannot afford too many exemptions. After decades of low birthrates, it will soon lack enough young men to maintain its conscript military at 620,000 members, defense officials say. (The military accepts female volunteers — about 13,000 are now serving — but there has never been serious discussion of drafting women.)

There is still much hostility in South Korea toward men seen as draft dodgers. Yoo Seung-jun, 43, once one of the most popular K-pop singers, saw his career crash and burn in 2002, after he was accused of evading military service by becoming an American citizen. He has since been barred from entering South Korea.

Like thousands of other Jehovah’s Witnesses who refused to join the military because of their religious beliefs, Lee Seung-ki will serve time in a South Korean prison.

Like thousands of other Jehovah’s Witnesses who refused to join the military because of their religious beliefs, Lee Seung-ki will serve time in a South Korean prison. But unlike those before him, Lee will not enter as a convicted criminal. He will be among the first conscientious objectors in South Korea allowed to perform alternative service — jobs like cook, janitor and clinic assistant — behind prison walls. For three years starting Monday, Lee and 63 others will work, eat and sleep in prisons, though they will live apart from the inmates and will be allowed several weeks of leave. And unlike Jehovah’s Witnesses who served prison terms for their beliefs, they will have no criminal record to trail them for the rest of their lives. Alternative service is a seismic shift in a country that considers conscription crucial to its defense against North Korea, with which it is still technically at war. Military duty is seen as a revered rite of passage for able-bodied young men, who are required to spend 21 months in uniform, usually between the ages of 18 and 28. South Korea has imprisoned more conscientious objectors than any other country. Its Military Service Act requires up to three years in prison for those who refuse the draft without “justifiable” reasons. For decades, hundreds of young men, almost all of them Jehovah’s Witnesses, were put behind bars each year, usually for 18 months. As inmates, they did much of the same work that Lee will be doing. “The difference is that the old objectors did it for 18 months wearing a prisoner’s uniform, but we will do it for three years as legalized conscientious objectors,” Lee said. “I am grateful that I am finally given this chance to serve the country without violating my conscience.” A historic 2018 ruling by the Constitutional Court found that imprisoning conscientious objectors was unconstitutional because there were no alternative forms of service, and it ordered the government to create some. In December, parliament passed legislation that allowed for civilian service in prisons “and other areas of public interest” — though for now, at least, prison work is the only option the government is offering. Human rights groups were critical, saying that the three-year requirement made South Korea’s alternative service the longest in the world. Conscientious objectors “are confronted with little more than an alternative punishment,” Arnold Fang, an East Asia researcher for Amnesty International, said in December. “Confining people to work in a prison — and for almost twice as long as the typical military service — does not respect their right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief.” Still, for Jehovah’s Witnesses, alternative service is a hard-won victory. In the decades after the Korean War, when South Korea was ruled by military dictators, male Jehovah’s Witnesses of draft age who refused to serve were dragged into military boot camps and stockades, where they were vilified as “traitors,” beaten and in some cases killed, according to reports from a presidential commission in 2008. One member of the church, Kim Keun-hyeong, 27, said he knew from an early age that he would end up in prison unless he abandoned his beliefs. His older brother, also a Jehovah’s Witness, was imprisoned for refusing military service. When Kim disobeyed his enlistment order, he, too, was put on trial on charges of dodging the draft. But his case was suspended in 2013, when he joined 27 others to mount the legal challenge that led to the Constitutional Court’s ruling. “I respect the decision of those who join the military,” Kim said. “But I also wanted my decision not to join the military for my religious conviction to be respected, as well.” After the court’s ruling, officials and lawmakers weighed various forms of civilian service, like working in nursing homes, fire stations or hospitals. Some argued that if alternative service was not long and rigorous enough, young men would try to evade the draft under the pretext of ethical principles, compromising the country’s ability to deter North Korea’s 1.1 million-strong military. In their prison work, conscientious objectors will be exempt from guard and prisoner-escort duty, which involves carrying firearms. But like soldiers, they will live together in barrackslike facilities. The question of who should be excused from military service has long been a sensitive topic in South Korea. “It’s a sacred duty to defend our country, but that doesn’t mean that everyone has to carry a weapon,” Noh Woong-rae, a senior lawmaker in the governing party, said this month. He floated the idea that K-pop stars, like members of BTS, should be exempted from the draft. For decades, top athletes have been excused from military service on the grounds that they enhanced national prestige. K-pop fans say it is unfair that world-class pop stars are denied that privilege. In a report to parliament this month, the Military Manpower Administration, which oversees the draft, offered a compromise: It would let top K-pop stars postpone their service so that they could perform for a few more years at the peak of their careers. Such a revision would be a godsend for the oldest member of BTS, Kim Seok-jin, who turns 28 in December and must enlist within the following year. But South Korea cannot afford too many exemptions. After decades of low birthrates, it will soon lack enough young men to maintain its conscript military at 620,000 members, defense officials say. (The military accepts female volunteers — about 13,000 are now serving — but there has never been serious discussion of drafting women.) There is still much hostility in South Korea toward men seen as draft dodgers. Yoo Seung-jun, 43, once one of the most popular K-pop singers, saw his career crash and burn in 2002, after he was accused of evading military service by becoming an American citizen. He has since been barred from entering South Korea.

In South Korea, draft resisters still go to prison. But now it’s a job.

Kim Eun-hee, a South Korean fan who opened a BTS-themed café in Seoul, wants to complete her collection of memorabilia of the band by bidding more than $120,000 to buy shares in the group's music label Big Hit Entertainment in South Korea's hottest IPO, which could even shake money-markets.

Fans of boy band BTS join swarm of Ants chasing South Korea's hit IPO

An Italian-themed restaurant in Seoul is now promising the safe delivery of food to tables, keeping in line with coronavirus-proof social distancing measures, not done by humans, but by robots.

A.I. robot serves customers at Seoul restaurant amid coronavirus restrictions

Local authorities in South Korea's capital Seoul announced a ban on gatherings in the city due to surging cases of the novel coronavirus. Due to which government is facing accusations of curbing religious freedom. The new outbreak is turning into a battle.

South Korea: COVID-19 forces ban on gatherings in Seoul Churches

A spike in new coronavirus cases in South Korea has prompted authorities to reimpose tighter social distancing curbs in Seoul, but that didn`t stop thousands of demonstrators from protesting against President Moon Jae-in`s policies.

For the second day in a row in over four months, the country has reported a sudden jump in locally transmitted cases, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said.

The KCDC reported 166 new cases as of Friday, of which 155 were domestic, prompting authorities to re-introduce anti-virus measures as they worried about the spectre of a fresh wave of the disease.

The tougher rules come as thousands staged demonstrations in downtown Seoul, despite a ban on rallies in the capital city, with some conservative groups protesting against President Moon`s recent real estate market policy and a series of sex scandals involving leaders of his administration.

The protests, with some carrying placards reading "Expel Moon Jae-in", coincided with the National Liberation Day from Japan’s 1910-1945 colonisation of the peninsula.

South Korea used invasive tracing and widespread testing to contain its first outbreak of the novel coronavirus, but Asia’s fourth-largest economy has experienced persistent outbreaks in recent weeks, mostly in the densely populated capital area.

The new cases took South Korea’s tally to 15,039 with 305 deaths by Friday midnight. The recent spike in infections are emerging in multiple clusters, including church gatherings and restaurants.

Over 100 infections were linked to members of a Seoul church alone and those who came into contact with the churchgoers. The authorities are testing 4,000 members of the church, Health Minister Park Neung-hoo told a briefing.

The authorities decided to upgrade the social distancing guidelines to second stage for Seoul and nearby Gyeonggi province, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun told a meeting on Saturday.

"We are facing a desperately dangerous situation that could lead to another wave of epidemics if we cannot overcome this crisis," said Chung.

Health authorities had categorized social distancing rules in three stages - stage 1 being the least intense and stage 3 the toughest, where schools and businesses are urged to close.

Second stage limits indoor gatherings to below 50 and outdoor gatherings to below 100, and bans spectators in sports matches, disappointing fans who had just gone back into baseball and soccer stadiums after a five-week delay to the season.

A spike in new coronavirus cases in South Korea has prompted authorities to reimpose tighter social distancing curbs in Seoul, but that didn`t stop thousands of demonstrators from protesting against President Moon Jae-in`s policies.

A spike in new coronavirus cases in South Korea has prompted authorities to reimpose tighter social distancing curbs in Seoul, but that didn`t stop thousands of demonstrators from protesting against President Moon Jae-in`s policies. For the second day in a row in over four months, the country has reported a sudden jump in locally transmitted cases, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said. The KCDC reported 166 new cases as of Friday, of which 155 were domestic, prompting authorities to re-introduce anti-virus measures as they worried about the spectre of a fresh wave of the disease. The tougher rules come as thousands staged demonstrations in downtown Seoul, despite a ban on rallies in the capital city, with some conservative groups protesting against President Moon`s recent real estate market policy and a series of sex scandals involving leaders of his administration. The protests, with some carrying placards reading "Expel Moon Jae-in", coincided with the National Liberation Day from Japan’s 1910-1945 colonisation of the peninsula. South Korea used invasive tracing and widespread testing to contain its first outbreak of the novel coronavirus, but Asia’s fourth-largest economy has experienced persistent outbreaks in recent weeks, mostly in the densely populated capital area. The new cases took South Korea’s tally to 15,039 with 305 deaths by Friday midnight. The recent spike in infections are emerging in multiple clusters, including church gatherings and restaurants. Over 100 infections were linked to members of a Seoul church alone and those who came into contact with the churchgoers. The authorities are testing 4,000 members of the church, Health Minister Park Neung-hoo told a briefing. The authorities decided to upgrade the social distancing guidelines to second stage for Seoul and nearby Gyeonggi province, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun told a meeting on Saturday. "We are facing a desperately dangerous situation that could lead to another wave of epidemics if we cannot overcome this crisis," said Chung. Health authorities had categorized social distancing rules in three stages - stage 1 being the least intense and stage 3 the toughest, where schools and businesses are urged to close. Second stage limits indoor gatherings to below 50 and outdoor gatherings to below 100, and bans spectators in sports matches, disappointing fans who had just gone back into baseball and soccer stadiums after a five-week delay to the season.

Thousands protest against Moon Jae In as South Korea capital scrambles to curb virus resurgence

Many people in South Korea are reducing their income in a bit to realize the dream to buy a house. Even with unemployment spiking due to the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea, people are giving up their jobs so that they can make themselves eligible for a quota to buy a house. Watch report.

Your Story: Rising house prices hurt South Koreans, Housing prices in Seoul soar

North Korea’s report did not specify whether the person had tested positive for COVID-19, only that he had shown symptoms

North Korea points finger at Seoul for Coronavirus

South Korea has repealed the permission given to two defector groups for sending anti-North leaflets across the border in the aftermath of Pyongyang furiously denouncing their activities and blowing up a liaison office. Revoking the groups' operational permits does not render them illegal, but will make it harder for them to raise money and deny them access to benefits for registered organisations.

The leaflets -- usually attached to hot air balloons or floated in bottles -- criticise North Korean leader Kim Jong-un over human rights abuses and his nuclear ambitions.

But by sending them, the two groups "severely hindered" the government's "efforts for unification", Seoul's unification ministry said in a statement.

The ministry also raised tensions on the Korean peninsula.

Inter-Korean relations have been in deep freeze following the collapse of a summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump early last year over what the nuclear-armed North would be willing to give up in exchange for a loosening of sanctions.

Both Koreas used to regularly send leaflets to the other side, but agreed to stop such propaganda activities -- including loudspeaker broadcasts along the frontier -- in the Panmunjom Declaration signed by Kim and the South's President Moon Jae-in at their first summit in 2018.

Last month Pyongyang issued a series of vitriolic condemnations of South Korea over the leaflets. It also upped the pressure by blowing up an inter-Korean liaison office on its side of the border and threatening military measures.

Seoul officials previously banned leaflet activities in border areas and filed a police complaint against the groups.

South Korea has repealed the permission given to two defector groups for sending anti-North leaflets across the border in the aftermath of Pyongyang furiously denouncing their activities and blowing up a liaison office.

South Korea has repealed the permission given to two defector groups for sending anti-North leaflets across the border in the aftermath of Pyongyang furiously denouncing their activities and blowing up a liaison office. Revoking the groups' operational permits does not render them illegal, but will make it harder for them to raise money and deny them access to benefits for registered organisations. The leaflets -- usually attached to hot air balloons or floated in bottles -- criticise North Korean leader Kim Jong-un over human rights abuses and his nuclear ambitions. But by sending them, the two groups "severely hindered" the government's "efforts for unification", Seoul's unification ministry said in a statement. The ministry also raised tensions on the Korean peninsula. Inter-Korean relations have been in deep freeze following the collapse of a summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump early last year over what the nuclear-armed North would be willing to give up in exchange for a loosening of sanctions. Both Koreas used to regularly send leaflets to the other side, but agreed to stop such propaganda activities -- including loudspeaker broadcasts along the frontier -- in the Panmunjom Declaration signed by Kim and the South's President Moon Jae-in at their first summit in 2018. Last month Pyongyang issued a series of vitriolic condemnations of South Korea over the leaflets. It also upped the pressure by blowing up an inter-Korean liaison office on its side of the border and threatening military measures. Seoul officials previously banned leaflet activities in border areas and filed a police complaint against the groups.

Seoul revokes permits of North Korean defector groups

Park Won-soon, mayor of South Korea's capital Seoul, was found dead around midnight, hours after his daughter filed a missing report to police Thursday evening.

South Korea: Missing Seoul mayor found dead at MT Bugak

Seoul mayor Park Won-soon, who suddenly went missing, has been found dead, police said, early on Friday.

On Thursday, a&nbsp;massive search operation began in South Korea after the mayor of Seoul, Park Won-soon was reported missing.&nbsp;

The incident came to light when the mayor's daughter called the police and said her father left "a will-like" message before leaving their house 4-5 hours earlier.&nbsp;

Reportedly, the mayor was facing sexual misconduct allegations.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-court-rejects-child-porn-site-operators-us-extradition-311061">South Korea court rejects child porn site operator's US extradition</a>

The daughter did not inform the police about the content of the message, a police official at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-and-us-ask-north-korea-to-implement-pre-planned-denuclearisation-plans-308433">South Korea and US ask North Korea to implement pre-planned denuclearisation plans</a>

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said they were searching around Sungbuk-dong, a district in northern Seoul, where Park's phone signal was last detected, adding that the phone is currently switched off.&nbsp;

The police said nearly 150 officers were deployed along with a drone and a dog to search the mayor.&nbsp;

Kim Ji-hyeong, an official from the Seoul Metropolitan Government, confirmed Park did not come to the office on Thursday due to unspecified reasons and cancelled all his schedules.&nbsp;

Park has been the mayor of Seoul since 2011 and is seen as a potential liberal contender for the presidential elections in 2022.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Seoul mayor Park Won-soon, who suddenly went missing, has been found dead, police said, early on Friday. On Thursday, a massive search operation began in South Korea after the mayor of Seoul, Park Won-soon was reported missing.

Seoul mayor Park Won-soon, who suddenly went missing, has been found dead, police said, early on Friday. On Thursday, a massive search operation began in South Korea after the mayor of Seoul, Park Won-soon was reported missing. The incident came to light when the mayor's daughter called the police and said her father left "a will-like" message before leaving their house 4-5 hours earlier. Reportedly, the mayor was facing sexual misconduct allegations. Also read | South Korea court rejects child porn site operator's US extradition The daughter did not inform the police about the content of the message, a police official at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said. Also read | South Korea and US ask North Korea to implement pre-planned denuclearisation plans The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said they were searching around Sungbuk-dong, a district in northern Seoul, where Park's phone signal was last detected, adding that the phone is currently switched off. The police said nearly 150 officers were deployed along with a drone and a dog to search the mayor. Kim Ji-hyeong, an official from the Seoul Metropolitan Government, confirmed Park did not come to the office on Thursday due to unspecified reasons and cancelled all his schedules. Park has been the mayor of Seoul since 2011 and is seen as a potential liberal contender for the presidential elections in 2022.

South Korea: Missing Seoul mayor found dead

An augmented reality (AR) mirror at the new Seoul flagship boutique of cosmetics powerhouse Amorepacific makes easy work of seeing if that scarlet shade of lipstick or long-lash mascara suits you - without touching your face.

Through the looking glass: South Korean 'augmented reality' mirror allows touchless cosmetics shopping

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have been intensifying in recent weeks. Pyongyang said that it had prepared various methods including the use of 3,000 balloons to deliver the leaflets "deep inside South Korea." Seoul said it would respond depending on the delivery equipment used.

North Korea vows to send anti-Seoul leaflets:  North Korea South Korea tensions

The US embassy in Seoul tweeted a picture of its mission building draped with a huge Black Lives Matter banner to show support to the anti-racism campaigns across the world.&nbsp;

"The U.S. Embassy stands in solidarity with fellow Americans grieving and peacefully protesting to demand positive change. Our #BlackLivesMatter banner shows our support for the fight against racial injustice and police brutality as we strive to be a more inclusive &amp; just society," the embassy tweeted on Saturday, along with the picture of the banner in black and white.

The American Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris retweeted the message and wrote: "The USA is a free and diverse nation... from that diversity we gain our strength."

Last year, the embassy was seen displaying a rainbow banner in support of the LGBTQ community.

A sweeping global reassessment of history and racism triggered by the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while detaining him.

The US embassy in Seoul tweeted a picture of its mission building draped with a huge Black Lives Matter banner to show support to the anti-racism campaigns across the world.

The US embassy in Seoul tweeted a picture of its mission building draped with a huge Black Lives Matter banner to show support to the anti-racism campaigns across the world. "The U.S. Embassy stands in solidarity with fellow Americans grieving and peacefully protesting to demand positive change. Our #BlackLivesMatter banner shows our support for the fight against racial injustice and police brutality as we strive to be a more inclusive & just society," the embassy tweeted on Saturday, along with the picture of the banner in black and white. The American Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris retweeted the message and wrote: "The USA is a free and diverse nation... from that diversity we gain our strength." Last year, the embassy was seen displaying a rainbow banner in support of the LGBTQ community. A sweeping global reassessment of history and racism triggered by the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while detaining him.

US embassy in Seoul displays 'Black Lives Matter' banner in support of anti-racism protests

Today marks 31 years of the brutal crackdowns in modern history. China has raised the Tiananmen square massacre from its history books but there are many survivors to remember what happened on that fateful night in 1989. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: Vigil outside Chinese embassy in Seoul, Tiananmen Anniversary

An autonomous robot equipped with an LED screen greets visitors at the lobby of the headquarters of SK Telecom in downtown Seoul. It not only checks body temperatures, dispenses hand sanitisers and disinfects the floor, it also polices who is wearing and who's not wearing a face mask.

Move! South Korean robot provides total prevention solution to fight virus

A public electronic billboard in Seoul has been grabbing eyeballs for playing its spectacular 3D illusion of an aquarium inside a large glass tank. Watch report.

Digital simulation wave comes to Seoul: 3D art building in 4 months

People can go the extra mile, and in this case risk their health, to own a coveted Chanel product. The French luxury brand has reportedly increased prices of their products which prompted the people of Seoul to queue up in front the local stores as early as 5 am to buy bags before the hike hit Asian markets.

More than a hundred shoppers waited in line to enter a store of the French luxury brand in Seoul on Wednesday, shrugging off concern about a second wave of novel coronavirus infections to beat imminent price hikes. 
 
Lee Ji-yeon, 54, said she arrived at about 7:30 a.m. and that her future son-in-law was at another department store to buy a Chanel bag for her daughter as a present for their wedding, which the virus had pushed to next year from November. 
 
"We`ve been to the Chanel store several times before and agonising whether to buy it or not. But since the prices are going to increase, we decided to buy it now," Lee said. 
 
Many South Koreans gift luxury bags for weddings, including a man in the queue who also said his wedding had been postponed. 
 
A Chanel public relations representative in Seoul said the firm raised prices in its home market of France on Monday, and that prices would increase in all of its markets eventually. 
 
"In these challenging times for our manufacturers and suppliers, it is essential for Chanel to continue to support them in the best possible way," the Paris-based firm said in a statement. 
 
Lotte Department Store said luxury goods sales jumped 30% over May 1 to May 10 versus the same period a year earlier, outperforming overall sales. 
 
"Luxury goods posted unusually high growth in sales compared to other products," said spokesman Moon Ho-ik. "There are two or three times more people than normal waiting in line." 
 
Moon attributed the spike to pent-up demand from people staying at home to avoid the virus, as well as from those who would usually purchase luxury goods abroad where they can be cheaper, but who have been unable to travel during the pandemic. 
 
South Korea is the world`s eighth-biggest luxury goods market, showed data from researcher Euromonitor. The country has recorded almost 11,000 cases of COVID-19 - the respiratory disease caused by the virus - and over 250 deaths. 
 
People in the country have been flocking to shops since the government this month began easing social distancing guidelines aimed at containing the virus, indicating a release of pent-up demand from people who refrained from going outdoors. 
 
However, the Chanel queue formed just as more than 100 new COVID-19 cases linked to nightclubs in Seoul brought fear of another wave of infections in a country held up as a coronavirus mitigation success story.

(With inputs from Reuters)

People can go the extra mile, and in this case risk their health, to own a coveted Chanel product. The French luxury brand has reportedly increased prices of their products which prompted the people of Seoul to queue up in front the local stores as early as 5 am to buy bags before the hike hit Asian markets.

People can go the extra mile, and in this case risk their health, to own a coveted Chanel product. The French luxury brand has reportedly increased prices of their products which prompted the people of Seoul to queue up in front the local stores as early as 5 am to buy bags before the hike hit Asian markets. More than a hundred shoppers waited in line to enter a store of the French luxury brand in Seoul on Wednesday, shrugging off concern about a second wave of novel coronavirus infections to beat imminent price hikes. Lee Ji-yeon, 54, said she arrived at about 7:30 a.m. and that her future son-in-law was at another department store to buy a Chanel bag for her daughter as a present for their wedding, which the virus had pushed to next year from November. "We`ve been to the Chanel store several times before and agonising whether to buy it or not. But since the prices are going to increase, we decided to buy it now," Lee said. Many South Koreans gift luxury bags for weddings, including a man in the queue who also said his wedding had been postponed. A Chanel public relations representative in Seoul said the firm raised prices in its home market of France on Monday, and that prices would increase in all of its markets eventually. "In these challenging times for our manufacturers and suppliers, it is essential for Chanel to continue to support them in the best possible way," the Paris-based firm said in a statement. Lotte Department Store said luxury goods sales jumped 30% over May 1 to May 10 versus the same period a year earlier, outperforming overall sales. "Luxury goods posted unusually high growth in sales compared to other products," said spokesman Moon Ho-ik. "There are two or three times more people than normal waiting in line." Moon attributed the spike to pent-up demand from people staying at home to avoid the virus, as well as from those who would usually purchase luxury goods abroad where they can be cheaper, but who have been unable to travel during the pandemic. South Korea is the world`s eighth-biggest luxury goods market, showed data from researcher Euromonitor. The country has recorded almost 11,000 cases of COVID-19 - the respiratory disease caused by the virus - and over 250 deaths. People in the country have been flocking to shops since the government this month began easing social distancing guidelines aimed at containing the virus, indicating a release of pent-up demand from people who refrained from going outdoors. However, the Chanel queue formed just as more than 100 new COVID-19 cases linked to nightclubs in Seoul brought fear of another wave of infections in a country held up as a coronavirus mitigation success story. (With inputs from Reuters)

Chanel hikes price of handbags, South Koreans queue up before change hits local market

More than a hundred shoppers waited in line to enter a store of French luxury brand Chanel in Seoul on Wednesday, shrugging off concern about a second wave of novel coronavirus infections to beat imminent price hikes.

South Korea: Shoppers queue up at Chanel store after price hike rumour

US President Donald Trump has requested novel coronavirus test kits from South Korea, his counterpart Moon Jae-in said Wednesday, as Washington pushes for a quick reopening of the world's biggest economy.

The South was once the hardest-hit country outside China, where the virus first emerged, but appears to have brought its outbreak under control thanks to a huge testing and contact-tracing effort.

By midnight on Tuesday more than 367,000 people in the South had been tested -- processes that are free to anyone referred by doctors, those who have links to a confirmed case, and individuals who test positive.

The US has the third-highest number of confirmed cases globally with 55,000, behind China and Italy, and did little testing initially.

Trump's request for test kits came as he called for a quick end to social distancing and declared the beginning of the end of the health crisis in the US.

"President Trump of the United States... made a request to us for the urgent provision of quarantine items such as diagnostic kits," Moon said while visiting a test developer in Seoul.

During their phone call Moon told Trump the equipment could require US FDA approval, which Trump said he would seek "within the day", the South's presidential Blue House said earlier in a separate statement.

"If there is a domestic surplus, I will support as much as possible," Moon told Trump.No indication was given on quantities, or whether the supplies would be donated or provided on a commercial basis.

The White House confirmed that the two leaders spoke on Tuesday, but did not say whether Trump made any such request.

Trump, who is keen to get his reelection campaign back on track, on Tuesday said social distancing has caused too much pain to the US economy, adding "we lose thousands and thousands of people a year to the flu. We don't turn the country off."

Seoul and Washington are in a security alliance but their relations have recently been strained by the Trump administration's demands the South pay billions of dollars more towards the costs of 28,500 US troops stationed in the country to protect it from the nuclear-armed North.

US President Donald Trump has requested novel coronavirus test kits from South Korea, his counterpart Moon Jae-in said Wednesday, as Washington pushes for a quick reopening of the world's biggest economy.

US President Donald Trump has requested novel coronavirus test kits from South Korea, his counterpart Moon Jae-in said Wednesday, as Washington pushes for a quick reopening of the world's biggest economy. The South was once the hardest-hit country outside China, where the virus first emerged, but appears to have brought its outbreak under control thanks to a huge testing and contact-tracing effort. By midnight on Tuesday more than 367,000 people in the South had been tested -- processes that are free to anyone referred by doctors, those who have links to a confirmed case, and individuals who test positive. The US has the third-highest number of confirmed cases globally with 55,000, behind China and Italy, and did little testing initially. Trump's request for test kits came as he called for a quick end to social distancing and declared the beginning of the end of the health crisis in the US. "President Trump of the United States... made a request to us for the urgent provision of quarantine items such as diagnostic kits," Moon said while visiting a test developer in Seoul. During their phone call Moon told Trump the equipment could require US FDA approval, which Trump said he would seek "within the day", the South's presidential Blue House said earlier in a separate statement. "If there is a domestic surplus, I will support as much as possible," Moon told Trump.No indication was given on quantities, or whether the supplies would be donated or provided on a commercial basis. The White House confirmed that the two leaders spoke on Tuesday, but did not say whether Trump made any such request. Trump, who is keen to get his reelection campaign back on track, on Tuesday said social distancing has caused too much pain to the US economy, adding "we lose thousands and thousands of people a year to the flu. We don't turn the country off." Seoul and Washington are in a security alliance but their relations have recently been strained by the Trump administration's demands the South pay billions of dollars more towards the costs of 28,500 US troops stationed in the country to protect it from the nuclear-armed North.

Trump requests virus test kits from South Korea: Seoul

A church in South Korea has been making the headlines recently. 46 people going to the same church recently contracted coronavirus, including the pastor and his wife.

This new cluster of infections came to light after a church official sprayed saltwater into the mouths of people visiting the place of worship. However, as The Daily Mail reported, the bottle wasn't cleaned before being used.

The gathering took place on March 8 at the River of Grace Community Church in Seongnam near Seoul, following which the pastor tested positive for the infection.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-doctors-predict-how-long-it-would-take-for-a-patient-to-recover-from-covid-19-286972">Can doctors predict how long it would take for a patient to recover from COVID-19?</a>

After a probe was undertaken the city government, more than 40 people were found to be carrying the COVID-19.

As per media reports, the church has 135 followers, out of whom 90 were in attendance on March 8.

<img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3eee172f-14d6-43f2-b619-904493fbf560" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_87.jpg" />

<h6>Image courtesy: River of Grace Community Church 
&nbsp;</h6>

The authorities have tested all 135 followers.

The pastor of the church, Kim, has reportedly apologised for spreading the infection.

''I feel deeply sorry about what has happened. I will take all the blame and responsibility'', Kim told Yonhap News Agency.

The pastor also suggested that he intends to retire once the pandemic is over.

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This incident marks the second-largest infection cluster in the region surrounding Seoul. Earlier, an insurance call centre in the city had reported 129 infections.

Yesterday, South Korea reported 74 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total to 8,236. This marks the second consecutive day when cases lesser than 100 have been registered in the country.

As per the testimonies of the neighbours, around 100 people would visit 100 square metre chapel every Sunday, with 20-30 followers coming in on weekdays.

''All large-scale churches in Seongnam have suspended physical worship services, but the River of Grace Community Church had pushed ahead with its Sunday gathering for two weeks, despite protests from neighbours'', a Seongnam resident said.

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Area around the church being disinfected | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Based on the footage that was released by Seongnam province, church officials can be seen spraying saltwater into the mouths of church members during services on March 1 and 8.

Ironically, the goal of the spray was to disinfect the churchgoers. However, no attention was paid to the proximity of the spray nozzle to the mouths of the visitors, which helped accelerate the spread.

''If the spray was repeatedly used for different people without disinfection, it could have increased the number of infections'', a provincial official said.

As of Tuesday, the global infection numbers stand at 182,400, while over 7,100 have been killed, as per data provided by the Johns Hopkins University. For the first time, the number of deaths outside China has surpassed the number inside.

Millions continue to remain quarantined in Europe and Asia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twice-bitten-people-whove-recovered-from-coronavirus-are-likely-to-relapse-287011" hreflang="en">Twice bitten? People who've recovered from coronavirus are likely to relapse</a>

A church in South Korea has been making the headlines recently. 46 people going to the same church recently contracted coronavirus, including the pastor and his wife.

A church in South Korea has been making the headlines recently. 46 people going to the same church recently contracted coronavirus, including the pastor and his wife. This new cluster of infections came to light after a church official sprayed saltwater into the mouths of people visiting the place of worship. However, as The Daily Mail reported, the bottle wasn't cleaned before being used. The gathering took place on March 8 at the River of Grace Community Church in Seongnam near Seoul, following which the pastor tested positive for the infection. Also read: Can doctors predict how long it would take for a patient to recover from COVID-19? After a probe was undertaken the city government, more than 40 people were found to be carrying the COVID-19. As per media reports, the church has 135 followers, out of whom 90 were in attendance on March 8. Image courtesy: River of Grace Community Church The authorities have tested all 135 followers. The pastor of the church, Kim, has reportedly apologised for spreading the infection. ''I feel deeply sorry about what has happened. I will take all the blame and responsibility'', Kim told Yonhap News Agency. The pastor also suggested that he intends to retire once the pandemic is over. This incident marks the second-largest infection cluster in the region surrounding Seoul. Earlier, an insurance call centre in the city had reported 129 infections. Yesterday, South Korea reported 74 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total to 8,236. This marks the second consecutive day when cases lesser than 100 have been registered in the country. As per the testimonies of the neighbours, around 100 people would visit 100 square metre chapel every Sunday, with 20-30 followers coming in on weekdays. ''All large-scale churches in Seongnam have suspended physical worship services, but the River of Grace Community Church had pushed ahead with its Sunday gathering for two weeks, despite protests from neighbours'', a Seongnam resident said. Area around the church being disinfected | AFP Based on the footage that was released by Seongnam province, church officials can be seen spraying saltwater into the mouths of church members during services on March 1 and 8. Ironically, the goal of the spray was to disinfect the churchgoers. However, no attention was paid to the proximity of the spray nozzle to the mouths of the visitors, which helped accelerate the spread. ''If the spray was repeatedly used for different people without disinfection, it could have increased the number of infections'', a provincial official said. As of Tuesday, the global infection numbers stand at 182,400, while over 7,100 have been killed, as per data provided by the Johns Hopkins University. For the first time, the number of deaths outside China has surpassed the number inside. Millions continue to remain quarantined in Europe and Asia. Also read: Twice bitten? People who've recovered from coronavirus are likely to relapse

Attempting to disinfect, South Korean church officials mistakenly infect people with COVID-19

South Korea reported more recoveries from the coronavirus than new infections on Friday for the first time since its outbreak emerged in January, as a downward trend in daily cases raised hopes that Asia's biggest epidemic outside China may be slowing.

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) recorded 110 new coronavirus cases on Friday compared with 114 a day earlier, taking the national tally to 7,979. The death toll rose by five to 72 as of late Friday.

In contrast, 177 patients were released from hospitals where they had been isolated for treatment, the KCDC said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-must-work-together-to-combat-coronavirus-pandemic-imf-286112">Countries must work together to combat coronavirus pandemic: IMF</a>

This marks the first time that the daily number of recovered people exceeded that of new infections since South Korea's first patient was confirmed on Jan. 20.

The latest figures are in line with a downward trend in new cases which has raised hopes that the outbreak may be easing in Asia's fourth-largest economy.

The trend is expected to persist, with more self-quarantined patients being discharged in the coming days, KCDC chief Jeong Eun-kyeong said.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-reports-fewer-than-150-new-coronavirus-cases-285413">South Korea reports fewer than 150 new coronavirus cases</a>

But officials urged vigilance after new clusters of infections emerged at a call centre in a crowded part of the capital Seoul, and the fisheries ministry based in the administrative city of Sejong.

"We've managed to turn the corner, but there are concerns about overseas inflows, as well as possible infections at home around such facilities as call centres, computer cafes and karaoke rooms," Prime Minister Chung Sye-Kyun said at a meeting in Daegu.

Of the latest 110 cases, 61 were from the hard-hit southeastern city of Daegu where a fringe Christian church at the centre of the epidemic is located, while 17 and 13 were in Sejong and Seoul, respectively.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-pm-says-turning-point-near-in-coronavirus-fight-285173">South Korean PM says 'turning point' near in coronavirus fight</a>

At least 109 cases so far have been linked to the call centre, operated by an insurance company whose 800-strong workforce is being tested or in quarantine for monitoring. But the rate of increase in new infections has been slowing over the past couple of days.

Seoul city said it plans to carry out extensive checks on some 10,500 computer cafes and karaoke bars as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the virus in crowded workplaces.

"We assess that we've put out a big fire, but cannot lower our guard yet", Mayor Park Won-soon told a briefing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-total-number-of-coronavirus-jumps-to-over-5700-284425">South Korea's total number of coronavirus jumps to over 5,700</a>

Global alarm over the coronavirus intensified, with governments from Europe to the United States unveiling new measures aimed at slowing the spread of a disease that has infected almost 135,000 people worldwide.

South Korea said it will subject visitors from France, Germany, Britain, Spain and the Netherlands to reinforced border checks starting Sunday, after imposing similar rules for China, Italy and Iran suffering a major outbreak.

South Korea reported more recoveries from the coronavirus than new infections on Friday for the first time since its outbreak emerged in January, as a downward trend in daily cases raised hopes that Asia's biggest epidemic outside China may be slowing.

South Korea reported more recoveries from the coronavirus than new infections on Friday for the first time since its outbreak emerged in January, as a downward trend in daily cases raised hopes that Asia's biggest epidemic outside China may be slowing. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) recorded 110 new coronavirus cases on Friday compared with 114 a day earlier, taking the national tally to 7,979. The death toll rose by five to 72 as of late Friday. In contrast, 177 patients were released from hospitals where they had been isolated for treatment, the KCDC said. Also read: Countries must work together to combat coronavirus pandemic: IMF This marks the first time that the daily number of recovered people exceeded that of new infections since South Korea's first patient was confirmed on Jan. 20. The latest figures are in line with a downward trend in new cases which has raised hopes that the outbreak may be easing in Asia's fourth-largest economy. The trend is expected to persist, with more self-quarantined patients being discharged in the coming days, KCDC chief Jeong Eun-kyeong said. Also see: South Korea reports fewer than 150 new coronavirus cases But officials urged vigilance after new clusters of infections emerged at a call centre in a crowded part of the capital Seoul, and the fisheries ministry based in the administrative city of Sejong. "We've managed to turn the corner, but there are concerns about overseas inflows, as well as possible infections at home around such facilities as call centres, computer cafes and karaoke rooms," Prime Minister Chung Sye-Kyun said at a meeting in Daegu. Of the latest 110 cases, 61 were from the hard-hit southeastern city of Daegu where a fringe Christian church at the centre of the epidemic is located, while 17 and 13 were in Sejong and Seoul, respectively. Also read: South Korean PM says 'turning point' near in coronavirus fight At least 109 cases so far have been linked to the call centre, operated by an insurance company whose 800-strong workforce is being tested or in quarantine for monitoring. But the rate of increase in new infections has been slowing over the past couple of days. Seoul city said it plans to carry out extensive checks on some 10,500 computer cafes and karaoke bars as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the virus in crowded workplaces. "We assess that we've put out a big fire, but cannot lower our guard yet", Mayor Park Won-soon told a briefing. Also read: South Korea's total number of coronavirus jumps to over 5,700 Global alarm over the coronavirus intensified, with governments from Europe to the United States unveiling new measures aimed at slowing the spread of a disease that has infected almost 135,000 people worldwide. South Korea said it will subject visitors from France, Germany, Britain, Spain and the Netherlands to reinforced border checks starting Sunday, after imposing similar rules for China, Italy and Iran suffering a major outbreak.

South Korea reports more recoveries than coronavirus cases for the first time

With at least 3125 deaths worldwide, the coronavirus outbreak is only intensifying by the day. At a time like this more and more questions are arising over travel due to virus and likely transmission.

31 people die in China in last 24 hours

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson addresses media over Coivd-19, a global contagion. Reportedly, the United Kingdom has 39 cases of Coronavirus. Boris says 'We are fully prepared to tackle this disease'

UK PM Boris Johnson addresses media over Covid-19 outbreak

South Korea is now the biggest hotspot outside Mainland China. the country has now reported 476 new cases, bringing the total number to 4212 and has recorded 26 deaths. In the capital Seoul, the Mayor urged the cities 10 million residents to work from home and to avoid crowded places. Watch WION's ground report:

WION Ground Report: South Korea worst hit outside China, 2600 deaths, 4200+ cases

With at least 3125 deaths worldwide, the coronavirus outbreak is only intensifying by the day. At a time like this more and more questions are arising over travel due to virus and likely transmission. WION is answering some of your questions:

Covid-19 frequently asked questions, WION answers

South Korea has reported 256 new coronavirus cases with a total passing to 2000. Watch WION's ground report from Seoul.

South Korea reports 2,022 positive cases of Coronavirus

Good cinema not only entertains, inspires but also acts as an agent of social change. On February 9, South Korean film 'Parasite' created history at Oscars by becoming the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/92nd-academy-awards-showcases-diversity-as-south-koreas-parasite-wins-top-honours-creates-history-279723"> first non-English language film </a>to win the coveted Best Picture award.&nbsp;

Since then, the film has been a point of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-global-box-office-trend-parasite-281258">discussion across the world.</a> Filmmaker<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/parasite-director-bong-jun-ho-gets-heros-welcome-in-south-korea-280939"> Bong Joon Ho's film</a> effectively showed the wide gap that exists between the rich and the poor and now the film has lead to authorities in Seoul to take note of those living in the city's semi-basement apartments similar to how the poor family lived in Bong's film.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-parasite-review-bong-joon-hos-film-on-class-divide-is-a-masterclass-in-storytelling-277783">Read 'Parasite' film review here.&nbsp;</a> 
 
According to a report in the Korea Herald, the Seoul City government will financially support 1,500 households living in semi-basement apartments and help them to improve their living conditions.&nbsp; 
 
Semi-basement apartments are in fact quite common in the city of Seoul as they are affordable options for the urban population. According to reports, nearly 78 per cent of those living in such apartments are from the low-income bracket.&nbsp; 
 
There were approximately 383,000 semi-basement apartments in South Korea, with 59.5 per cent of them in the capital itself.&nbsp; 
These spaces are cramped, damp and smelly due to lack of ventilation and sunlight. In summers, these dwellings get majorly affected due to floods- a fact that was accurately depicted in 'Parasite'.&nbsp; 
 
The government aid is part of the city’s ongoing project to repair old apartments. Authorities reportedly will be giving priority to improve these semi-basement apartments first.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-parasite-director-bong-joon-ho-reveals-martin-scorsese-said-he-is-eagerly-waiting-for-his-next-film-281658">'Parasite' director Bong Joon Ho reveals Martin Scorsese said he is eagerly waiting for his next film</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-netizens-think-oscar-winning-film-parasite-is-a-copy-of-1999-indian-film-minsara-kanna-280463">Also see:&nbsp;Netizens think Oscar-winning film 'Parasite' is a copy of 1999 Indian film 'Minsara Kanna'</a>

Good cinema not only entertains, inspires but also acts as an agent of social change. On February 9, South Korean film 'Parasite' created history at Oscars by becoming the first non-English language film to win the coveted Best Picture award.

Good cinema not only entertains, inspires but also acts as an agent of social change. On February 9, South Korean film 'Parasite' created history at Oscars by becoming the first non-English language film to win the coveted Best Picture award. Since then, the film has been a point of discussion across the world. Filmmaker Bong Joon Ho's film effectively showed the wide gap that exists between the rich and the poor and now the film has lead to authorities in Seoul to take note of those living in the city's semi-basement apartments similar to how the poor family lived in Bong's film. Read 'Parasite' film review here. According to a report in the Korea Herald, the Seoul City government will financially support 1,500 households living in semi-basement apartments and help them to improve their living conditions. Semi-basement apartments are in fact quite common in the city of Seoul as they are affordable options for the urban population. According to reports, nearly 78 per cent of those living in such apartments are from the low-income bracket. There were approximately 383,000 semi-basement apartments in South Korea, with 59.5 per cent of them in the capital itself. These spaces are cramped, damp and smelly due to lack of ventilation and sunlight. In summers, these dwellings get majorly affected due to floods- a fact that was accurately depicted in 'Parasite'. The government aid is part of the city’s ongoing project to repair old apartments. Authorities reportedly will be giving priority to improve these semi-basement apartments first. 'Parasite' director Bong Joon Ho reveals Martin Scorsese said he is eagerly waiting for his next film Also see: Netizens think Oscar-winning film 'Parasite' is a copy of 1999 Indian film 'Minsara Kanna'

'Parasite' effect: Seoul city government to help families living in semi-basement apartments

South Korea's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-of-south-korean-mps-charged-over-parliamentary-stand-off-271713">Moon Jae-in</a> said on Tuesday that there is a "desperate need" for practical ways to improve ties with North Korea and he was ready to meet with the reclusive leader in Pyongyang repeatedly if necessary.

Moon, sidelined from his leading role in the diplomatic effort with&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea in 2018, said he regretted the past year's lack of progress in negotiations.

In an annual New Year's speech in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/faster-rockets-more-warheads-what-north-korea-could-gain-from-new-weapons-development-271619">Seoul</a>,&nbsp;Moon&nbsp;called for new talks with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-skips-set-piece-new-years-speech-271374">Kim Jong Un</a> and vowed to keep up work to facilitate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-promises-action-on-any-north-korea-missile-test-white-house-270890">US-North&nbsp;Korea</a> communication.

"In a time of deadlock in US-North&nbsp;Korea talks and where we are even concerned about a step backward in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-fires-warning-shots-towards-north-korean-merchant-vessel-264862">inter-Korean relations</a>, we are in desperate need of practical&nbsp;ways&nbsp;to&nbsp;improve&nbsp;inter-Korean cooperation," he said.

He also said he would continue to push for restarting the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-leader-kim-vows-to-clear-south-korea-relics-from-kumgang-resort-257625">Kaesong Industrial Complex</a> and tours to Mt. Kumgang, and mentioned border cooperation without elaborating. He added the joint 2032 Olympics bid would be a unifying event, as would completing the inter-Korean railroad.

"We want to make an era where separation is no longer a roadblock for peace and prosperity for&nbsp;South&nbsp;and&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea," he said.

North&nbsp;Korea has been unresponsive to other recent overtures from Seoul, and cooperation projects between the neighbors have stalled in the face of international sanctions that bar most business with the&nbsp;North.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-holds-top-party-meeting-ahead-of-us-deadline-270787">Pyongyang</a> has expressed frustration at what it calls Washington's lack of flexibility, while US&nbsp;officials say it must take more concrete steps to dismantle its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs before sanctions are eased.

"The momentum for US-North&nbsp;Korea talks must continue,"&nbsp;Moon&nbsp;said. "Provocations and threats are not helpful for anyone."

Over the New Year, Kim said he planned to further develop nuclear programs and introduce a "new strategic weapon" in the near future, though he signaled there was still room for dialogue with the United States.

Watch:&nbsp;Kim Jong-Un's plan for 2020

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Security and prosperity on the Korean peninsula are dependent on resolving international tensions, but the two Koreas could achieve progress through cooperation,&nbsp;Moon&nbsp;said.

"I suggest&nbsp;South&nbsp;and&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea put our heads together," he said.

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said on Tuesday that there is a "desperate need" for practical ways to improve ties with North Korea and he was ready to meet with the reclusive leader in Pyongyang repeatedly if necessary.

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said on Tuesday that there is a "desperate need" for practical ways to improve ties with North Korea and he was ready to meet with the reclusive leader in Pyongyang repeatedly if necessary. Moon, sidelined from his leading role in the diplomatic effort with North Korea in 2018, said he regretted the past year's lack of progress in negotiations. In an annual New Year's speech in Seoul, Moon called for new talks with Kim Jong Un and vowed to keep up work to facilitate US-North Korea communication. "In a time of deadlock in US-North Korea talks and where we are even concerned about a step backward in inter-Korean relations, we are in desperate need of practical ways to improve inter-Korean cooperation," he said. He also said he would continue to push for restarting the Kaesong Industrial Complex and tours to Mt. Kumgang, and mentioned border cooperation without elaborating. He added the joint 2032 Olympics bid would be a unifying event, as would completing the inter-Korean railroad. "We want to make an era where separation is no longer a roadblock for peace and prosperity for South and North Korea," he said. North Korea has been unresponsive to other recent overtures from Seoul, and cooperation projects between the neighbors have stalled in the face of international sanctions that bar most business with the North. Pyongyang has expressed frustration at what it calls Washington's lack of flexibility, while US officials say it must take more concrete steps to dismantle its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs before sanctions are eased. "The momentum for US-North Korea talks must continue," Moon said. "Provocations and threats are not helpful for anyone." Over the New Year, Kim said he planned to further develop nuclear programs and introduce a "new strategic weapon" in the near future, though he signaled there was still room for dialogue with the United States. Watch: Kim Jong-Un's plan for 2020 × Security and prosperity on the Korean peninsula are dependent on resolving international tensions, but the two Koreas could achieve progress through cooperation, Moon said. "I suggest South and North Korea put our heads together," he said.

In desperate need of practical ways to improve inter-Korean cooperation: South Korea President

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