Record rainfall has flooded homes, roads, subway stations in the South Korean capital Seoul this week. At least 9 people have lost their lives, there is forecast of more rainfall.

WION Climate Tracker | Seoul battered by record-breaking rain; hundreds evacuated

In pics - Floods in Seoul cause major damage to life and infrastructure

The South Korean capital is battling rainfall like never before, at least 8 people have lost their lives, around 6 are missing in and around Seoul. The torrential rains knocked out power and left roads and subways submerged.

WION Climate Tracker | S. Korea's Seoul deluged by record rain, at least 8 dead

South Korean capital Seoul is battling rainfall like never before, at least eight people have died. Around six are reported missing in and around Seoul after torrential rain knocked out power and left roads and subways completely submerged the southern part of Seoul.

Torrential rain, flooding kill at least 8 in South Korea's capital Seoul | WION Climate Tracker

After infuriating China over her trip to Taiwan, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi met South Korean political leaders in Seoul on Thursday.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi meets South Korean leaders

South Korea's capital Seoul celebrated its first pride parade in three years with thousands of citizens taking part in an LGBT festival in downtown.

State media Yonhap reported that approximately 13,000 people were estimated to have participated in the 'Seoul Queer Culture Festival'.

Showing his support for the community, Philip Goldberg, the US ambassador to South Korea also attended the festival.

He told the crowd "To express the strong commitment of the United States to ending discrimination wherever it occurs and ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and humanity, we simply cannot leave any of you behind."

He added that "We're going to fight with you for equality and human rights."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pride-month-lgbtqia-icons-trailblazers-you-need-to-know-488901">Also see |&nbsp;Pride Month: LGBTQIA+ icons, trailblazers you need to know</a>

Saying “discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity has no place in the 21st century,” British Ambassador Colin Crooks was applauded for his speech which he delivered in Korean.

“The experience of Britain shows that the best way to guarantee rights (for sexual minorities) is through establishing a system of legal protection,” he said.

According to the Yonhap news agency, a protest rally against the pride parade was held by Christian and conservative groups and had at least 15,000 participants.

Highlighting the tensions surrounding the rights of sexual minorities in the deeply conservative country, police were on alert as church-backed counterprotesters rallied in nearby streets.

Kim Man-seok, an official at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, told news agency Reuters that thousands of police officers from nearly 60 units were deployed to watch the demonstrators from both sides.

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are still harshly stigmatised and frequently exposed to hate speech and crimes, while views on sexual minorities in South Korea have gradually improved in recent years.

(With inputs from agencies)

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South Korea's capital Seoul celebrated its first pride parade in three years with thousands of citizens taking part in an LGBT festival in downtown. State media Yonhap reported that approximately 13,000 people were estimated to have participated in the 'Seoul Queer Culture Festival'.

South Korea's capital Seoul celebrated its first pride parade in three years with thousands of citizens taking part in an LGBT festival in downtown. State media Yonhap reported that approximately 13,000 people were estimated to have participated in the 'Seoul Queer Culture Festival'. Showing his support for the community, Philip Goldberg, the US ambassador to South Korea also attended the festival. He told the crowd "To express the strong commitment of the United States to ending discrimination wherever it occurs and ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and humanity, we simply cannot leave any of you behind." He added that "We're going to fight with you for equality and human rights." Also see | Pride Month: LGBTQIA+ icons, trailblazers you need to know Saying “discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity has no place in the 21st century,” British Ambassador Colin Crooks was applauded for his speech which he delivered in Korean. “The experience of Britain shows that the best way to guarantee rights (for sexual minorities) is through establishing a system of legal protection,” he said. According to the Yonhap news agency, a protest rally against the pride parade was held by Christian and conservative groups and had at least 15,000 participants. Highlighting the tensions surrounding the rights of sexual minorities in the deeply conservative country, police were on alert as church-backed counterprotesters rallied in nearby streets. Kim Man-seok, an official at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, told news agency Reuters that thousands of police officers from nearly 60 units were deployed to watch the demonstrators from both sides. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are still harshly stigmatised and frequently exposed to hate speech and crimes, while views on sexual minorities in South Korea have gradually improved in recent years. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Seoul: South Korean capital celebrates first pride parade in three years

South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;and the United States conducted&nbsp;a joint&nbsp;air&nbsp;power&nbsp;demonstration on Tuesday during a visit by US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman.&nbsp;

The demonstration&nbsp;involved 20 warplanes including F-35A stealth fighter jets.&nbsp;

North Korea on Sunday, fired eight&nbsp;short-range ballistic missiles.&nbsp;The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said that the&nbsp;launches were detected from 9.08 am to 9.43 am&nbsp;from areas.&nbsp;

In response to North Korea's firing of missiles, South Korea and the US also fired eight&nbsp;surface-to-surface missiles off&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea's east coast.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-south-korea-unleash-air-power-is-it-a-deterrent-against-north-koreas-missiles-485966#us-south-korea-military-excercise-485938">US, South Korea unleash air power: Is it a deterrent against North Korea's missiles?</a>&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;US vows forceful response if North Korea tests nuke&nbsp;

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Deputy Secretary of State&nbsp;of&nbsp;US, Wendy R Sherman met Cho Hyun-dong, South Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister in&nbsp;Seoul&nbsp;to discuss North&nbsp;Korea.&nbsp;

After the meeting, a news conference was conducted in which Sherman said, "Any nuclear test would be in complete violation of UN Security Council resolutions and there would be a swift and forceful response to such a test".&nbsp;

She further added, "I believe that not only ROK, United States and Japan but the entire world will respond in a strong and clear manner".&nbsp;

A statement from the South Korean military read: "South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;and the United States demonstrated their strong ability and determination to quickly and accurately strike any North&nbsp;Korean provocation".&nbsp;

It added, "The allies are closely monitoring and preparing for any further provocation by the North".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-not-responding-to-multiple-calls-for-talks-says-us-486096">North Korea not responding to multiple calls for talks, says US</a>

However, authorities and North&nbsp;Korean experts have been confirming&nbsp;for quite a long time&nbsp;that there are signs of new construction at Punggye-ri, which is North&nbsp;Korea's only known nuclear test site.&nbsp;

Even the&nbsp;International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi said that "North&nbsp;Korean building work expanding key facilities at its main nuclear facility at Yongbyon is advancing".&nbsp;

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;has also been suffering from its first-ever outbreak of COVID-19, reporting a total of 4,198,890 people with symptoms, as of Monday.&nbsp;

But still, Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea has&nbsp;refused any help that Washington and Seoul offered.&nbsp;

(with inputs from&nbsp;agencies)&nbsp;

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South Korea and the United States conducted a joint air power demonstration on Tuesday during a visit by US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman. The demonstration involved 20 warplanes including F-35A stealth fighter jets.

South Korea and the United States conducted a joint air power demonstration on Tuesday during a visit by US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman. The demonstration involved 20 warplanes including F-35A stealth fighter jets. North Korea on Sunday, fired eight short-range ballistic missiles. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said that the launches were detected from 9.08 am to 9.43 am from areas. In response to North Korea's firing of missiles, South Korea and the US also fired eight surface-to-surface missiles off South Korea's east coast. Also read | US, South Korea unleash air power: Is it a deterrent against North Korea's missiles? Watch | US vows forceful response if North Korea tests nuke Deputy Secretary of State of US, Wendy R Sherman met Cho Hyun-dong, South Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister in Seoul to discuss North Korea. After the meeting, a news conference was conducted in which Sherman said, "Any nuclear test would be in complete violation of UN Security Council resolutions and there would be a swift and forceful response to such a test". She further added, "I believe that not only ROK, United States and Japan but the entire world will respond in a strong and clear manner". A statement from the South Korean military read: "South Korea and the United States demonstrated their strong ability and determination to quickly and accurately strike any North Korean provocation". It added, "The allies are closely monitoring and preparing for any further provocation by the North". Also read | North Korea not responding to multiple calls for talks, says US However, authorities and North Korean experts have been confirming for quite a long time that there are signs of new construction at Punggye-ri, which is North Korea's only known nuclear test site. Even the International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi said that "North Korean building work expanding key facilities at its main nuclear facility at Yongbyon is advancing". North Korea has also been suffering from its first-ever outbreak of COVID-19, reporting a total of 4,198,890 people with symptoms, as of Monday. But still, Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea has refused any help that Washington and Seoul offered. (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, US showcase air power during US official's Seoul visit

In a move that could stoke tensions, Seoul joined NATO’s cyber defence unit and NIS acceptance could bring South Korea closer to NATO. South Korea became the first nation to join US-led CDG.

South Korea joins NATO cyber defense center, first Asian nation to join US-Led CDG

In a move that could stoke tensions, Seoul joined NATO’s cyber defence unit and NIS acceptance could bring South Korea closer to NATO. South Korea becomes the first nation to join US-led CDG.

Seoul joins NATO's cyber defence unit, China terms the move as 'provocation'

Seoul seems to be on the path to become the first major city to enter the metaverse, as per a recent announcement by the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG).&nbsp;

Called for the time being as ‘Metaverse Seoul’, it looks to create a virtual communication ecosystem for every area under its jurisdiction.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wikileaks-founder-julian-assange-to-tie-knot-with-partner-stella-moris-in-belmarsh-jail-428605" hreflang="en">WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to tie knot with partner Stella Moris in Belmarsh jail</a>

In three stages from next year, it would include cultural, tourism, economic, educational and civic service.&nbsp;

As per the Seoul Vision 2030 plan, it will have a shared 3D virtual world, where all activities can take place using augmented and virtual reality equipment.&nbsp;

In recent years, these platforms have gained popularity as people have shifted their activities online, especially during COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-ps24-mn-payout-man-gets-legs-cut-off-under-train-winds-up-with-jail-fine-428703" hreflang="en">For £2.4 mn payout, man gets legs cut off under train, winds up with jail, fine</a>

In the project, the South Korean capital has already invested KRW 3.9 billion (about €2.8 billion) as part of the city’s mayor Oh Se-hoon's Seoul Vision 2030 plan. &nbsp;

It aims to make Seoul “a city of coexistence, a global leader, a safe city, and a future emotional city,” the mayor said.&nbsp;

If it becomes a reality, citizens of Seoul will soon be able to put on their VR headsets to meet city officials for consultations virtually. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Seoul seems to be on the path to become the first major city to enter the metaverse, as per a recent announcement by the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG). Called for the time being as ‘Metaverse Seoul’, it looks to create a virtual communication ecosystem for every area under its jurisdiction.

Seoul seems to be on the path to become the first major city to enter the metaverse, as per a recent announcement by the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG). Called for the time being as ‘Metaverse Seoul’, it looks to create a virtual communication ecosystem for every area under its jurisdiction. Also Read: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to tie knot with partner Stella Moris in Belmarsh jail In three stages from next year, it would include cultural, tourism, economic, educational and civic service. As per the Seoul Vision 2030 plan, it will have a shared 3D virtual world, where all activities can take place using augmented and virtual reality equipment. In recent years, these platforms have gained popularity as people have shifted their activities online, especially during COVID-19 pandemic. Also Read: For £2.4 mn payout, man gets legs cut off under train, winds up with jail, fine In the project, the South Korean capital has already invested KRW 3.9 billion (about €2.8 billion) as part of the city’s mayor Oh Se-hoon's Seoul Vision 2030 plan. It aims to make Seoul “a city of coexistence, a global leader, a safe city, and a future emotional city,” the mayor said. If it becomes a reality, citizens of Seoul will soon be able to put on their VR headsets to meet city officials for consultations virtually. (With inputs from agencies)

Seoul may become first major city to enter the metaverse. What is it really?

North Korea appears to maintain its tight restrictions on the movement of materials through land borders with China despite some signs that it is easing up its maritime border controls to bring in outside assistance, the South Korean Unification Ministry said on Friday.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that it has begun shipping COVID-19 medical supplies to North Korea through the Chinese port of Dalian, indicating that Pyongyang might be opening a maritime route that has been blocked since July last year due to the pandemic, reports Yonhap News Agency.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/skorea-extends-social-distancing-curbs-as-covid-19-cases-rise-in-seoul-417276">S.Korea extends social distancing curbs as COVID-19 cases rise in Seoul</a>

"Media reports show that there are signs that some materials are being delivered (to North Korea) But up until now, no concrete changes have been confirmed about the resumption of land-based materials movement between Dandong (of China) and Sinuiju (of the North)," Cha Deok-cheol, the Ministry`s deputy spokesperson, told reporters.

"It is hard to predict exactly when it will be reopened at the moment, and we will keep an eye on relevant developments for the time being," he added.

North Korea has claimed to be coronavirus-free and rejected outside help for its anti-epidemic campaign for fear that any shipment could spread the virus on its soil.

A Ministry official had earlier said that the North might be easing its long-enforced border restrictions, given that its trade with China has been on a marked rise in recent months.

North Korea appears to maintain its tight restrictions on the movement of materials through land borders with China despite some signs that it is easing up its maritime border controls to bring in outside assistance, the South Korean Unification Ministry said on Friday.

North Korea appears to maintain its tight restrictions on the movement of materials through land borders with China despite some signs that it is easing up its maritime border controls to bring in outside assistance, the South Korean Unification Ministry said on Friday. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that it has begun shipping COVID-19 medical supplies to North Korea through the Chinese port of Dalian, indicating that Pyongyang might be opening a maritime route that has been blocked since July last year due to the pandemic, reports Yonhap News Agency. Also Read | S.Korea extends social distancing curbs as COVID-19 cases rise in Seoul "Media reports show that there are signs that some materials are being delivered (to North Korea) But up until now, no concrete changes have been confirmed about the resumption of land-based materials movement between Dandong (of China) and Sinuiju (of the North)," Cha Deok-cheol, the Ministry`s deputy spokesperson, told reporters. "It is hard to predict exactly when it will be reopened at the moment, and we will keep an eye on relevant developments for the time being," he added. North Korea has claimed to be coronavirus-free and rejected outside help for its anti-epidemic campaign for fear that any shipment could spread the virus on its soil. A Ministry official had earlier said that the North might be easing its long-enforced border restrictions, given that its trade with China has been on a marked rise in recent months.

North Korea seems to maintain strict land border controls: Seoul

South Korea extended social distancing curbs to combat the coronavirus pandemic on Friday for two weeks, offering more incentives to people to get vaccinated as it battles thousands of new cases each day, particularly in the capital.

The rapid resurgence in the greater Seoul area prompted authorities to extend distancing restrictions until October&nbsp;17, including a ban in the region on dining out after 10 p.m. and gatherings of more than two people after 6 pm.

The country recorded 2,486 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), with the daily tally having topped 3,000 for the first time last week.

The daily average exceeded 2,635 over the past week - the highest-ever level and easily more than twice the level a month before, the KDCA said.

The capital Seoul and neighbouring regions remain the hotspot, reporting almost 2,000 cases every day for the last week, up about 42 per cent within just one week.

"We`re in a very dangerous situation where the virus is spreading surrounding the Seoul metropolitan area," said Lee Ki-il, deputy minister of health care policy, speaking during a briefing.

The upcoming two weeks is an important period as the government is revamping its anti-virus policy to facilitate a phased return to normal activities starting November, he added.

Among new incentives introduced to encourage people to get vaccinated, the deputy minister said wedding ceremonies can be held with up to 199 attendees if they included 150 fully vaccinated people.

"If the vaccination rate constantly rises and the scales of outbreaks are stably controlled for the next two weeks, we should be able to set out on phased back to normal in earnest," Lee said.

Around 77 per cent of South Korea`s 52 million population had received one shot of vaccine as of Thursday, with about 50 per cent fully vaccinated, as the country has quickly ramped up its inoculation campaign despite a shaky start.

The government aims to vaccinate 80 per cent of all adults by the end of October, and is considering introducing a 'vaccine pass' to allow those who have been fully inoculated to use public facilities and travel more freely. 
&nbsp;

South Korea extended social distancing curbs to combat the coronavirus pandemic on Friday for two weeks, offering more incentives to people to get vaccinated as it battles thousands of new cases each day, particularly in the capital.

South Korea extended social distancing curbs to combat the coronavirus pandemic on Friday for two weeks, offering more incentives to people to get vaccinated as it battles thousands of new cases each day, particularly in the capital. The rapid resurgence in the greater Seoul area prompted authorities to extend distancing restrictions until October 17, including a ban in the region on dining out after 10 p.m. and gatherings of more than two people after 6 pm. The country recorded 2,486 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), with the daily tally having topped 3,000 for the first time last week. The daily average exceeded 2,635 over the past week - the highest-ever level and easily more than twice the level a month before, the KDCA said. The capital Seoul and neighbouring regions remain the hotspot, reporting almost 2,000 cases every day for the last week, up about 42 per cent within just one week. "We`re in a very dangerous situation where the virus is spreading surrounding the Seoul metropolitan area," said Lee Ki-il, deputy minister of health care policy, speaking during a briefing. The upcoming two weeks is an important period as the government is revamping its anti-virus policy to facilitate a phased return to normal activities starting November, he added. Among new incentives introduced to encourage people to get vaccinated, the deputy minister said wedding ceremonies can be held with up to 199 attendees if they included 150 fully vaccinated people. "If the vaccination rate constantly rises and the scales of outbreaks are stably controlled for the next two weeks, we should be able to set out on phased back to normal in earnest," Lee said. Around 77 per cent of South Korea`s 52 million population had received one shot of vaccine as of Thursday, with about 50 per cent fully vaccinated, as the country has quickly ramped up its inoculation campaign despite a shaky start. The government aims to vaccinate 80 per cent of all adults by the end of October, and is considering introducing a 'vaccine pass' to allow those who have been fully inoculated to use public facilities and travel more freely.

S.Korea extends social distancing curbs as COVID-19 cases rise in Seoul

South Korea said on Monday no decision has yet been made on its joint military exercises with the United States but they should not create tension, after North Korea warned the South against holding the exercises amid signs of a thaw in relations. 
 
South Korea and the United States regularly stage military exercises, mainly in the spring and summer, which North Korea routinely denounces as rehearsals for war. 
 
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and a senior official of the ruling Workers' Party, warned Seoul on Sunday that holding the drills would undercut efforts to rebuild relations. 
 
Her warning came days after the two Koreas restored hotlines Pyongyang severed a year ago and South Korean officials said Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in were seeking to repair strained ties and resume summits. 
 
South Korea's defence ministry said Seoul and Washington were in talks over the drills but no decision had yet been made. 
 
"We have nothing to comment on her statement, but regarding the exercises, the timing and method have not been finalised," ministry spokesman Boo Seung-chan told a briefing. 
 
He said the allies would make a decision after considering COVID-19, joint defence posture, planned transfer of wartime operational control, and the issue of "supporting diplomatic efforts for establishing lasting peace on the Korean peninsula." 
 
Lee Jong-joo, spokeswoman of Seoul's Unification Ministry, which handles inter-Korean affairs, said the exercises should not be a "source of military tension in any case", without elaborating. 
 
The Pentagon also declined to comment on Kim Yo Jong's statement. It said it did not comment on "planned or conducted training readiness" but "combined training events" were a bilateral decision "and any decisions will be a mutual agreement." 
 
A US&nbsp;State Department spokesperson reiterated that Washington "supports inter-Korean dialogue and engagement, and welcomes the recent developments related to inter-Korean communication," adding that "diplomacy and dialogue are essential to achieving the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula." 
 
At the same time, US&nbsp;State Department spokesman Ned Price told a news briefing Secretary of State Antony Blinken planned to call on Southeast Asian counterparts in a meeting this week to fully implement sanctions on North Korea. 
 
A US&nbsp;official briefing reporters ahead of a series of virtual regional meetings this week, said North Korea's foreign minister was expected to attend one, the ASEAN Regional Forum, but Blinken, who would also take part, had no plan to engage with him on any particular issue. 
 
US-South Korea exercises have been scaled back in recent years to facilitate talks between North Korea and the administration of former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump aimed at dismantling Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes in return for US&nbsp;sanctions relief. 
 
But the negotiations stalled following a failed second Trump-Kim summit in 2019. 
 
The pandemic has affected the drills, with the allies focusing on computerised simulations and minimising live field training without mobilising US-based troops. 
 
A high-level Unification Ministry official said on Friday the exercises should be postponed to help restart talks, but Lee declined to comment when asked if the ministry plans to make a formal recommendation. 
 
Lee said Seoul last week proposed setting up a video conference system to expedite inter-Korean dialogue and approved plans by two civilian relief groups to send humanitarian aid to North Korea.

South Korea said on Monday no decision has yet been made on its joint military exercises with the United States but they should not create tension, after North Korea warned the South against holding the exercises amid signs of a thaw in relations.

South Korea said on Monday no decision has yet been made on its joint military exercises with the United States but they should not create tension, after North Korea warned the South against holding the exercises amid signs of a thaw in relations. South Korea and the United States regularly stage military exercises, mainly in the spring and summer, which North Korea routinely denounces as rehearsals for war. Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and a senior official of the ruling Workers' Party, warned Seoul on Sunday that holding the drills would undercut efforts to rebuild relations. Her warning came days after the two Koreas restored hotlines Pyongyang severed a year ago and South Korean officials said Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in were seeking to repair strained ties and resume summits. South Korea's defence ministry said Seoul and Washington were in talks over the drills but no decision had yet been made. "We have nothing to comment on her statement, but regarding the exercises, the timing and method have not been finalised," ministry spokesman Boo Seung-chan told a briefing. He said the allies would make a decision after considering COVID-19, joint defence posture, planned transfer of wartime operational control, and the issue of "supporting diplomatic efforts for establishing lasting peace on the Korean peninsula." Lee Jong-joo, spokeswoman of Seoul's Unification Ministry, which handles inter-Korean affairs, said the exercises should not be a "source of military tension in any case", without elaborating. The Pentagon also declined to comment on Kim Yo Jong's statement. It said it did not comment on "planned or conducted training readiness" but "combined training events" were a bilateral decision "and any decisions will be a mutual agreement." A US State Department spokesperson reiterated that Washington "supports inter-Korean dialogue and engagement, and welcomes the recent developments related to inter-Korean communication," adding that "diplomacy and dialogue are essential to achieving the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula." At the same time, US State Department spokesman Ned Price told a news briefing Secretary of State Antony Blinken planned to call on Southeast Asian counterparts in a meeting this week to fully implement sanctions on North Korea. A US official briefing reporters ahead of a series of virtual regional meetings this week, said North Korea's foreign minister was expected to attend one, the ASEAN Regional Forum, but Blinken, who would also take part, had no plan to engage with him on any particular issue. US-South Korea exercises have been scaled back in recent years to facilitate talks between North Korea and the administration of former US President Donald Trump aimed at dismantling Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes in return for US sanctions relief. But the negotiations stalled following a failed second Trump-Kim summit in 2019. The pandemic has affected the drills, with the allies focusing on computerised simulations and minimising live field training without mobilising US-based troops. A high-level Unification Ministry official said on Friday the exercises should be postponed to help restart talks, but Lee declined to comment when asked if the ministry plans to make a formal recommendation. Lee said Seoul last week proposed setting up a video conference system to expedite inter-Korean dialogue and approved plans by two civilian relief groups to send humanitarian aid to North Korea.

Seoul says no decision on US drills, but exercises should not create North Korea tension

Pyongyang sweltered on Wednesday as state media issued warnings about a heatwave across&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea.

This summer the country has recorded higher-than-average temperatures that are hovering around 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) in the capital.

Residents strolling Pyongyang's main streets on Wednesday beat the heat with umbrellas and hand-held fans. Some cooled off by eating a bowl of shaved ice with sweet toppings, a traditional summer dessert.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pictures-heatwaves-strike-around-the-world-scientists-say-expect-more-156821">In pictures: Heatwaves strike around the world, scientists say expect more</a>

Despite the sizzling climate, everyone sweated it out in face masks to prevent the spread of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>.

Most homes in impoverished&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;do not have air conditioning, with data suggesting that only a quarter of the population has access to electricity.

State media has issued a series of warnings about the dangerously high temperatures over the past week.

"Officials and working people in all the fields and regions across the country have turned out in the campaign for preventing the damage from fierce heat and drought," the Rodong Sinmun newspaper said last week.

The paper added that forestry officials should be on the lookout for wildfires, and agricultural workers should watch out for pests and other heat-related crop damage.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/use-superior-language-not-souths-slang-kim-jong-uns-north-korea-warns-young-people-399036">Use 'superior' language, not South's slang: Kim Jong-un's North Korea warns young people</a>

A health official told state-run KCTV last week that&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;expected another heatwave at the end of the month.

Natural disasters tend to have a greater impact on the country due to its weak infrastructure, while deforestation has left it vulnerable to flooding.

A series of typhoons last summer triggered floods that damaged farmland and destroyed thousands of homes.

Last month,&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean leader Kim Jong Un admitted that the country's food supply situation was "getting tense" due to the lingering typhoon damage, and called for steps to minimise the impact of natural disasters.

Pyongyang sweltered on Wednesday as state media issued warnings about a heatwave across North Korea. This summer the country has recorded higher-than-average temperatures that are hovering around 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) in the capital.

Pyongyang sweltered on Wednesday as state media issued warnings about a heatwave across North Korea. This summer the country has recorded higher-than-average temperatures that are hovering around 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) in the capital. Residents strolling Pyongyang's main streets on Wednesday beat the heat with umbrellas and hand-held fans. Some cooled off by eating a bowl of shaved ice with sweet toppings, a traditional summer dessert. Also read | In pictures: Heatwaves strike around the world, scientists say expect more Despite the sizzling climate, everyone sweated it out in face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Most homes in impoverished North Korea do not have air conditioning, with data suggesting that only a quarter of the population has access to electricity. State media has issued a series of warnings about the dangerously high temperatures over the past week. "Officials and working people in all the fields and regions across the country have turned out in the campaign for preventing the damage from fierce heat and drought," the Rodong Sinmun newspaper said last week. The paper added that forestry officials should be on the lookout for wildfires, and agricultural workers should watch out for pests and other heat-related crop damage. Also read | Use 'superior' language, not South's slang: Kim Jong-un's North Korea warns young people A health official told state-run KCTV last week that North Korea expected another heatwave at the end of the month. Natural disasters tend to have a greater impact on the country due to its weak infrastructure, while deforestation has left it vulnerable to flooding. A series of typhoons last summer triggered floods that damaged farmland and destroyed thousands of homes. Last month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un admitted that the country's food supply situation was "getting tense" due to the lingering typhoon damage, and called for steps to minimise the impact of natural disasters.

North Korea's capital swelters in heatwave

BTS recently released soundtrack 'Permission to Dance' &nbsp;is the new internet sensation, but seems like the South Korean government has a different perception on&nbsp;the song.&nbsp; 
 
The government has put a ban on BTS' new hit track in Seoul's gyms and the reason is actually beneficial for people. Everyone loves speedy and energetic songs during the workout but, as per the rules, the tracks above a certain speed will be banned as they&nbsp;cited -- the songs are&nbsp;potentially dangerous for exercise during the pandemic and to stop the spread of Covid-19 infections. 
 
The new and unusual rule by Health Officials in South Korea says music with a higher BPM (beats per minute) count of 120 is banned to be played during group exercises such as aerobic, spin classes and also&nbsp;to prevent fast breathing and sweating onto other people.&nbsp; 
 
The newly released K-pop hits, BTS’s Permission to Dance is 127bpm, which means a big no! But the good news for BTS fans is&nbsp;that BTS’ other new track 'Butter' is not on the list of banned tunes. 
 
Responding to the ban, Kang Hyun-ku, a gym owner, told Reuters, “Playing bright tracks is to cheer up our members and the overall mood, but my biggest question is whether playing classical music or songs by [the boyband] BTS has been proved to have any impact on spreading the virus,” &nbsp; 
He added, “Many people use their own earphones and wearable devices these days, and how do you control their playlists?”

BTS recently released soundtrack 'Permission to Dance' is the new internet sensation, but seems like the South Korean government has a different perception on the song.

BTS recently released soundtrack 'Permission to Dance' is the new internet sensation, but seems like the South Korean government has a different perception on the song. The government has put a ban on BTS' new hit track in Seoul's gyms and the reason is actually beneficial for people. Everyone loves speedy and energetic songs during the workout but, as per the rules, the tracks above a certain speed will be banned as they cited -- the songs are potentially dangerous for exercise during the pandemic and to stop the spread of Covid-19 infections. The new and unusual rule by Health Officials in South Korea says music with a higher BPM (beats per minute) count of 120 is banned to be played during group exercises such as aerobic, spin classes and also to prevent fast breathing and sweating onto other people. The newly released K-pop hits, BTS’s Permission to Dance is 127bpm, which means a big no! But the good news for BTS fans is that BTS’ other new track 'Butter' is not on the list of banned tunes. Responding to the ban, Kang Hyun-ku, a gym owner, told Reuters, “Playing bright tracks is to cheer up our members and the overall mood, but my biggest question is whether playing classical music or songs by [the boyband] BTS has been proved to have any impact on spreading the virus,” He added, “Many people use their own earphones and wearable devices these days, and how do you control their playlists?”

BTS' 'Permission To Dance' banned in Seoul's gyms as a Covid-19 restriction

Multiple posts on Kopas, an online forum for Korea University students, accused the South Korean government of failing to secure more vaccines and scapegoating young people, garnering dozens of supportive comments.

Young South Koreans fight 'click war' in hunt for COVID-19 vaccines

Thousands of South Korean workers staged a rally in downtown Seoul to demand better conditions, video images showed on Saturday, defying a government ban and shrugging off warnings that their protest could ignite a new wave of the coronavirus. 
 
As South Korea battles a spike in infections fuelled by the highly infectious Delta variant, officials had denied permission for the protest, with Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum urging leaders of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions to cancel it. 
 
Marchers wearing masks blocked some of the main streets in the central district of Jongno, holding up signs with slogans such as 'Stop restructuring!' and 'Let's go! General strike!' video from the Yonhap news agency showed. 
 
The protest, which the union said drew as many as 8,000 participants, backed demands for wage hikes and measures to prevent accidents. 
 
But plans for the gathering had provoked concern about a repeat of the events of last summer, after a massive rally traced to a church sparked a second wave of infections nationwide. 
 
However, the union pushed ahead with Saturday's rally after a last-minute change of venue from the financial centre of Yeouido, where police had set up a barricade of buses and checkpoints to deter protesters. 
 
The union has said it is capable of ensuring a safe protest&nbsp;based on strict COVID-19 guidelines, and urged respect for its right to freedom of assembly. 
 
About 80% of South Korea's locally transmitted cases continue to come from the Seoul metropolitan area, home to more than half of the country's population of 52 million. Daily infections hit the highest in nearly six months on Thursday. 
 
Friday's 794 cases reported by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) were slightly lower than the previous day's figure. 
 
"Holding a large protest in the greater Seoul area is an extremely dangerous move that would only add fuel to the flames of COVID-19," Kim had said on Friday, warning that authorities would take all measures necessary to block the demonstration.

Thousands of South Korean workers staged a rally in downtown Seoul to demand better conditions, video images showed on Saturday, defying a government ban and shrugging off warnings that their protest could ignite a new wave of the coronavirus.

Thousands of South Korean workers staged a rally in downtown Seoul to demand better conditions, video images showed on Saturday, defying a government ban and shrugging off warnings that their protest could ignite a new wave of the coronavirus. As South Korea battles a spike in infections fuelled by the highly infectious Delta variant, officials had denied permission for the protest, with Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum urging leaders of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions to cancel it. Marchers wearing masks blocked some of the main streets in the central district of Jongno, holding up signs with slogans such as 'Stop restructuring!' and 'Let's go! General strike!' video from the Yonhap news agency showed. The protest, which the union said drew as many as 8,000 participants, backed demands for wage hikes and measures to prevent accidents. But plans for the gathering had provoked concern about a repeat of the events of last summer, after a massive rally traced to a church sparked a second wave of infections nationwide. However, the union pushed ahead with Saturday's rally after a last-minute change of venue from the financial centre of Yeouido, where police had set up a barricade of buses and checkpoints to deter protesters. The union has said it is capable of ensuring a safe protest based on strict COVID-19 guidelines, and urged respect for its right to freedom of assembly. About 80% of South Korea's locally transmitted cases continue to come from the Seoul metropolitan area, home to more than half of the country's population of 52 million. Daily infections hit the highest in nearly six months on Thursday. Friday's 794 cases reported by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) were slightly lower than the previous day's figure. "Holding a large protest in the greater Seoul area is an extremely dangerous move that would only add fuel to the flames of COVID-19," Kim had said on Friday, warning that authorities would take all measures necessary to block the demonstration.

Thousands of South Korean workers rally in coronavirus-hit Seoul

Despite multiple legal setbacks, South Korea's 'comfort women' are continuing their spirited fight for justice. But with most survivors in their 90s, there is fear that this story will soon be forgotten.

Gravitas: South Korea's comfort women fight on

US President Joe Biden's special envoy to North Korea Sung Kim is currently in South Korea for a five-day visit. During a trilateral meet in Seoul, Kim said that he looks forward to a 'positive response soon' on dialogue from North Korea.

New US envoy Kim hopes to get positive response from North Korea

At least nine people were killed and eight were injured when a five-story building collapsed suddenly on Wednesday while it was in the midst of a demolition process and fell onto a busy street in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea, officials at a local fire station said.

The building collapsed as it was being demolished in Gwangju, some 270 kilometers of the southwest of capital Seoul, officials at the Gwangju Fire and Safety Headquarters said.

The reason for the collapse was unclear, according to the fire station.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-mayor-apologises-for-falling-prey-to-vaccine-scam-390439">Also Read |&nbsp;South Korea: Mayor apologises for falling prey to vaccine scam</a>

Gwangju Fire and Safety Headquarters officials said the fire station had received the report of the collapse, which buried a bus that was near the construction site.

As of 8:25 p.m. local time, a total of 17 people were affected by the accident, said fire station officials, including nine who were confirmed dead and eight who were seriously injured and taken to hospitals.

South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;has been known in the past for having a bad safety record in terms of infrastructure. A department store collapse killed more than 500 people in 1995, and a bridge collapse in 1994 killed 49 people, but the country has in recent years tried to improve its safety record.

At least nine people were killed and eight were injured when a five-story building collapsed suddenly on Wednesday while it was in the midst of a demolition process and fell onto a busy street in South Korea, officials at a local fire station said.

At least nine people were killed and eight were injured when a five-story building collapsed suddenly on Wednesday while it was in the midst of a demolition process and fell onto a busy street in South Korea, officials at a local fire station said. The building collapsed as it was being demolished in Gwangju, some 270 kilometers of the southwest of capital Seoul, officials at the Gwangju Fire and Safety Headquarters said. The reason for the collapse was unclear, according to the fire station. Also Read | South Korea: Mayor apologises for falling prey to vaccine scam Gwangju Fire and Safety Headquarters officials said the fire station had received the report of the collapse, which buried a bus that was near the construction site. As of 8:25 p.m. local time, a total of 17 people were affected by the accident, said fire station officials, including nine who were confirmed dead and eight who were seriously injured and taken to hospitals. South Korea has been known in the past for having a bad safety record in terms of infrastructure. A department store collapse killed more than 500 people in 1995, and a bridge collapse in 1994 killed 49 people, but the country has in recent years tried to improve its safety record.

South Korea building collapses suddenly, killing nine

David Hockney's sunrise, a message of hope amid pandemic, lit up Seoul's night on Thursday (May 6) at K-pop square on Gangnam street.

David Hockney's artwork, a message of hope, lights up Seoul

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un urged ruling party officials to wage another "Arduous March" of work and sacrifice, state media reported on Friday, linking the current economic crises to a period in the 1990s of famine and disaster. 
 
"Arduous March" was a term adopted by officials to rally citizens during a famine that killed as many as 3 million North Koreans after the fall of the Soviet Union, which had been a major backer of Pyongyang`s communist founders. 
 
The period is often talked about as a historic event, but Kim`s apparent comparison to current problems comes after he earlier in the week said the country faces the "worst-ever situation." 
 
His comments were made in a speech on Thursday at the closing of a conference for low-level Workers` Party of Korea (WPK) officials, where he had urged them to be more proactive and responsible in carrying out the country`s new five-year economic plan, adopted at a party congress in January. 
 
"I made up my mind to ask the WPK organizations at all levels ... to wage another more difficult `Arduous March` in order to relieve our people of the difficulty, even a little," Kim said, according to a report by state news agency KCNA. 
 
The party must reward the people`s loyalty and become a genuine "servant" to them, he was cited as saying. 
 
North Korea has not reported a single confirmed case of the novel coronavirus, but American and South Korean officials have cast doubt on the notion that it has escaped COVID-19. 
 
The country ended almost all cross-border travel, restricted trade to a trickle, and imposed other restrictions to prevent an outbreak. 
 
Those measures, combined with ongoing international sanctions imposed over North Korea`s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, have taken a toll on the country`s economy and raised concerns of humanitarian crisis. 
 
An independent panel of experts monitoring U.N. sanctions recently reported that international aid groups were struggling to reach vulnerable women and children inside North Korea because of the pandemic lockdowns, leaving potentially hundreds of thousands without access to needed nutrients. 
 
An official at North Korea`s Ministry of Public Health released a statement on Tuesday denying that any children face malnutrition and that such reports aim to tarnish the country`s image.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un urged ruling party officials to wage another "Arduous March" of work and sacrifice, state media reported on Friday, linking the current economic crises to a period in the 1990s of famine and disaster.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un urged ruling party officials to wage another "Arduous March" of work and sacrifice, state media reported on Friday, linking the current economic crises to a period in the 1990s of famine and disaster. "Arduous March" was a term adopted by officials to rally citizens during a famine that killed as many as 3 million North Koreans after the fall of the Soviet Union, which had been a major backer of Pyongyang`s communist founders. The period is often talked about as a historic event, but Kim`s apparent comparison to current problems comes after he earlier in the week said the country faces the "worst-ever situation." His comments were made in a speech on Thursday at the closing of a conference for low-level Workers` Party of Korea (WPK) officials, where he had urged them to be more proactive and responsible in carrying out the country`s new five-year economic plan, adopted at a party congress in January. "I made up my mind to ask the WPK organizations at all levels ... to wage another more difficult `Arduous March` in order to relieve our people of the difficulty, even a little," Kim said, according to a report by state news agency KCNA. The party must reward the people`s loyalty and become a genuine "servant" to them, he was cited as saying. North Korea has not reported a single confirmed case of the novel coronavirus, but American and South Korean officials have cast doubt on the notion that it has escaped COVID-19. The country ended almost all cross-border travel, restricted trade to a trickle, and imposed other restrictions to prevent an outbreak. Those measures, combined with ongoing international sanctions imposed over North Korea`s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, have taken a toll on the country`s economy and raised concerns of humanitarian crisis. An independent panel of experts monitoring U.N. sanctions recently reported that international aid groups were struggling to reach vulnerable women and children inside North Korea because of the pandemic lockdowns, leaving potentially hundreds of thousands without access to needed nutrients. An official at North Korea`s Ministry of Public Health released a statement on Tuesday denying that any children face malnutrition and that such reports aim to tarnish the country`s image.

North Korea's Kim cites 1990s famine in urging work to alleviate economic crises

Police in Seoul released a couple after they were caught on camera 'vandalising' a $500,000 painting. The cops say the couple made an honest mistake. What's the catch?

Gravitas: On cam: Couple vandalise $500,000 painting

South Korean capital Seoul said on Thursday it has sent a proposal for co-hosting the 2032 Olympics with the North`s Pyongyang to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in a bid to keep its hopes alive despite Brisbane being the front-runner. 
 
The IOC has already picked the Australian city as the preferred partner for hosting the Games. 
 
South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to pursue the joint Olympics bid at their summit in Pyongyang in late 2018. 
 
But relations have soured since a summit between Kim and then US&nbsp;President Donald Trump in 2019 failed to reach agreement on North Korea`s denuclearisation, in which Moon had offered to play a mediating role. 
 
Seoul city said the host has not been finalised and it submitted the proposal with a vision titled "Beyond the Line, Toward the Future." 
 
"The city government conveyed its legitimacy and need to co-host the Olympics, stressing that it will realise the IOC`s vision of world peace through sports," it said in a statement. 
 
When asked about whether the idea was shared with Pyongyang, a city official told Reuters the proposal was the result of intra-agency meetings and the Unification Ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs would seek discussions with the North. 
 
A Unification Ministry official said the proposal was a move by the city to highlight the significance of the two Koreas in hosting the event. 
 
The Moon administration is seeking to build on the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics it hosted in 2018, during which athletes from both Koreas marched under a unified flag at the opening ceremony and fielded a combined women`s ice hockey team. 
 
South Korea has expressed hopes of reviving the momentum for ties at this year`s Tokyo Olympics. But Pyongyang has been deriding Moon in recent weeks, dismissing the possibility of a restart of talks.

South Korean capital Seoul said on Thursday it has sent a proposal for co-hosting the 2032 Olympics with the North`s Pyongyang to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in a bid to keep its hopes alive despite Brisbane being the front-runner.

South Korean capital Seoul said on Thursday it has sent a proposal for co-hosting the 2032 Olympics with the North`s Pyongyang to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in a bid to keep its hopes alive despite Brisbane being the front-runner. The IOC has already picked the Australian city as the preferred partner for hosting the Games. South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to pursue the joint Olympics bid at their summit in Pyongyang in late 2018. But relations have soured since a summit between Kim and then US President Donald Trump in 2019 failed to reach agreement on North Korea`s denuclearisation, in which Moon had offered to play a mediating role. Seoul city said the host has not been finalised and it submitted the proposal with a vision titled "Beyond the Line, Toward the Future." "The city government conveyed its legitimacy and need to co-host the Olympics, stressing that it will realise the IOC`s vision of world peace through sports," it said in a statement. When asked about whether the idea was shared with Pyongyang, a city official told Reuters the proposal was the result of intra-agency meetings and the Unification Ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs would seek discussions with the North. A Unification Ministry official said the proposal was a move by the city to highlight the significance of the two Koreas in hosting the event. The Moon administration is seeking to build on the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics it hosted in 2018, during which athletes from both Koreas marched under a unified flag at the opening ceremony and fielded a combined women`s ice hockey team. South Korea has expressed hopes of reviving the momentum for ties at this year`s Tokyo Olympics. But Pyongyang has been deriding Moon in recent weeks, dismissing the possibility of a restart of talks.

Seoul sends bid for co-hosting 2032 Olympics with North Korea despite frosty ties

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