<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-koreas-lee-duck-hee-becomes-first-deaf-player-to-win-an-atp-main-draw-match-244303">South Korea</a> said Tuesday it would issue fines and file criminal complaints against Volkswagen and its luxury arm, Porsche, for installing "illicit devices" that helped multiple diesel vehicles cheat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pork-for-pollution-south-koreans-fight-smog-with-grease-204515">pollution</a> standards.

The environment ministry said over 10,000 vehicles sold in South Korea by Volkswagen and Porsche from May 2015 to January 2018 were fitted with the devices, resulting in 10 times more nitrogen oxide emissions than standard levels.

The certifications for eight models -&nbsp;including Audi A6, Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne -&nbsp;will be revoked and the carmakers will face an estimated fine of US$9.5 million, the ministry said.

"We plan to continue responding firmly to manipulation of gas emissions in future," a ministry official told reporters.

Audi, which is also owned by Volkswagen, said in a statement that it "takes note of the announcement... and will take the necessary measures to minimise inconvenience to the customers" once the South Korean environment ministry has approved the recall plan for the models concerned.

The announcement in Korea comes just weeks after former Audi chief executive Rupert Stadler was charged in Germany with fraud and illegal advertising amid Volkwagen's deepening emissions scandal that broke out four years ago.

The charges against Stadler are linked to over 434,000 Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche's cars fitted with "defeat devices" to fool regulators' emissions tests.

Such software, applied to diesel-fuelled cars, allows the vehicles to detect when they are being tested in a lab and squeeze output of harmful gases like nitrogen oxides far below actual levels released on the road.

A study released in March 2017 said that pollution from 2.6 million rigged Volkswagen cars sold in Germany would likely cause 1,200 premature deaths in Europe because of the excess emissions.

In Germany, more than 410,000 customers are demanding compensation, as are investors.

South Korea said Tuesday it would issue fines and file criminal complaints against Volkswagen and its luxury arm, Porsche, for installing "illicit devices" that helped multiple diesel vehicles cheat pollution standards.

South Korea said Tuesday it would issue fines and file criminal complaints against Volkswagen and its luxury arm, Porsche, for installing "illicit devices" that helped multiple diesel vehicles cheat pollution standards. The environment ministry said over 10,000 vehicles sold in South Korea by Volkswagen and Porsche from May 2015 to January 2018 were fitted with the devices, resulting in 10 times more nitrogen oxide emissions than standard levels. The certifications for eight models - including Audi A6, Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne - will be revoked and the carmakers will face an estimated fine of US$9.5 million, the ministry said. "We plan to continue responding firmly to manipulation of gas emissions in future," a ministry official told reporters. Audi, which is also owned by Volkswagen, said in a statement that it "takes note of the announcement... and will take the necessary measures to minimise inconvenience to the customers" once the South Korean environment ministry has approved the recall plan for the models concerned. The announcement in Korea comes just weeks after former Audi chief executive Rupert Stadler was charged in Germany with fraud and illegal advertising amid Volkwagen's deepening emissions scandal that broke out four years ago. The charges against Stadler are linked to over 434,000 Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche's cars fitted with "defeat devices" to fool regulators' emissions tests. Such software, applied to diesel-fuelled cars, allows the vehicles to detect when they are being tested in a lab and squeeze output of harmful gases like nitrogen oxides far below actual levels released on the road. A study released in March 2017 said that pollution from 2.6 million rigged Volkswagen cars sold in Germany would likely cause 1,200 premature deaths in Europe because of the excess emissions. In Germany, more than 410,000 customers are demanding compensation, as are investors.

South Korea to fine Volkswagen, Porsche over 'illicit' emissions devices

South Korea's capital Seoul held a Paper Boat Race on Aug 2-4, drawing around 400 teams. Watch this video to know more.

WION Playlist: Paper Boat Race in South Korea's capital Seoul

South Korean<a href="wionews.com/world/south-korean-president-moon-jae-indenies-us-north-korea-nuclear-talks-in-stalemate-230576"> President Moon Jae-in</a> on Friday appointed a new ambassador to the US who has described Donald Trump as "treacherous", only a month after Britain's envoy to Washington had to step down over his criticisms of the US president.

In the early 2000s, Lee Soo-hyuk, a career diplomat before becoming a ruling party lawmaker, was Seoul's chief negotiator in the six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear programme.

Now he will be responsible for guiding the relationship between Seoul and Washington, who have not always seen eye-to-eye over the nuclear-armed North or their ties.&nbsp;

But only last year the South's Chosun Ilbo newspaper cited him as criticizing Trump.

Lee had been asked about an incident at the White House when the US president declined to have Moon's answer to a reporter's question translated, saying "I'm sure I've heard it before".

Lee told the paper: "That's Trump's style. I don't think he's only done that to Moon. He's treacherous," adding that as a former businessman the US leader tended to say insincere things.

"To be honest, I don't like", Lee went on, without making clear whether his disapproval was of Trump personally or his manner.

His appointment comes only a month after Britain's ambassador to Washington resigned after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democratic-congresswomen-hit-back-after-racist-trump-tirade-236437">Trump targeted him over highly critical </a>comments that put London and Washington's relationship on edge.

In a series of confidential diplomatic cables revealed by a British newspaper, Kim Darroch described the US leader as "inept" and his White House as "uniquely dysfunctional", adding the president was "radiating insecurity".

Trump hit back with a torrent of angry tweets, saying he would not deal with Darroch again, describing him as a "very stupid guy" and a "pompous fool", also calling Britain's then prime minister Theresa May "foolish".

Seoul and Washington are in a security alliance and the US stations 28,500 troops in the South to protect it against its neighbor, which invaded in 1950.

Trump has repeatedly demanded Seoul pay more towards the cost of the US troop presence, and has hinted that it could be withdrawn.

Negotiations on another increase had started, he tweeted Thursday, only for Seoul to deny that was the case.

The North has fired four sets of projectiles in the last two weeks to demonstrate its anger over joint military exercises between the South and the US but Trump has played them down, raising concerns among some South Koreans that Washington is concerned primarily with its security.

And while Seoul and Tokyo are embroiled in a bitter dispute over trade and history, conservative Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has established a much closer relationship with Trump, bonding over burgers and golf, than has Moon, a left-leaning former human rights lawyer.&nbsp;

South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday appointed a new ambassador to the US who has described Donald Trump as "treacherous", only a month after Britain's envoy to Washington had to step down over his criticisms of the US president.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday appointed a new ambassador to the US who has described Donald Trump as "treacherous", only a month after Britain's envoy to Washington had to step down over his criticisms of the US president. In the early 2000s, Lee Soo-hyuk, a career diplomat before becoming a ruling party lawmaker, was Seoul's chief negotiator in the six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear programme. Now he will be responsible for guiding the relationship between Seoul and Washington, who have not always seen eye-to-eye over the nuclear-armed North or their ties. But only last year the South's Chosun Ilbo newspaper cited him as criticizing Trump. Lee had been asked about an incident at the White House when the US president declined to have Moon's answer to a reporter's question translated, saying "I'm sure I've heard it before". Lee told the paper: "That's Trump's style. I don't think he's only done that to Moon. He's treacherous," adding that as a former businessman the US leader tended to say insincere things. "To be honest, I don't like", Lee went on, without making clear whether his disapproval was of Trump personally or his manner. His appointment comes only a month after Britain's ambassador to Washington resigned after Trump targeted him over highly critical comments that put London and Washington's relationship on edge. In a series of confidential diplomatic cables revealed by a British newspaper, Kim Darroch described the US leader as "inept" and his White House as "uniquely dysfunctional", adding the president was "radiating insecurity". Trump hit back with a torrent of angry tweets, saying he would not deal with Darroch again, describing him as a "very stupid guy" and a "pompous fool", also calling Britain's then prime minister Theresa May "foolish". Seoul and Washington are in a security alliance and the US stations 28,500 troops in the South to protect it against its neighbor, which invaded in 1950. Trump has repeatedly demanded Seoul pay more towards the cost of the US troop presence, and has hinted that it could be withdrawn. Negotiations on another increase had started, he tweeted Thursday, only for Seoul to deny that was the case. The North has fired four sets of projectiles in the last two weeks to demonstrate its anger over joint military exercises between the South and the US but Trump has played them down, raising concerns among some South Koreans that Washington is concerned primarily with its security. And while Seoul and Tokyo are embroiled in a bitter dispute over trade and history, conservative Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has established a much closer relationship with Trump, bonding over burgers and golf, than has Moon, a left-leaning former human rights lawyer.

Seoul appoints an envoy to US who called Donald Trump 'treacherous'

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-2020-us-presidential-election-trump-accused-google-of-very-illegal-acts-241344">Donald Trump</a> said on Wednesday talks have begun aimed at getting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-sends-missile-warning-to-south-korea-us-as-tensions-rise-241269">South Korea</a> to pay more for the cost of maintaining US troops in the region to guard against any threat from North Korea.

"Talks have begun to further increase payments to the United States. South Korea is a very wealthy nation that now feels an obligation to contribute to the military defence provided by the United States of America," the Republican president said on Twitter.

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... are NOT planning to illegally subvert the 2020 Election despite all that has been said to the contrary. It all sounded good until I watched Kevin Cernekee, a Google engineer, say terrible things about what they did in 2016 and that they want to “Make sure that Trump losses...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1158797734394191873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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South Korea’s presidential Blue House did not immediately respond to request for comment on the talks.

Trump has repeatedly said Seoul should bear more of the burden for keeping some 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea, where the United States has had a military presence since the 1950-53 Korean War.

South Korean and the US officials signed an agreement in February under which Seoul would increase its contribution to just under 1.04 trillion won ($927 million), an increase of about $70.3 million.

The interim agreement was due to expire in a year.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday talks have begun aimed at getting South Korea to pay more for the cost of maintaining US troops in the region to guard against any threat from North Korea.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday talks have begun aimed at getting South Korea to pay more for the cost of maintaining US troops in the region to guard against any threat from North Korea. "Talks have begun to further increase payments to the United States. South Korea is a very wealthy nation that now feels an obligation to contribute to the military defence provided by the United States of America," the Republican president said on Twitter. ... are NOT planning to illegally subvert the 2020 Election despite all that has been said to the contrary. It all sounded good until I watched Kevin Cernekee, a Google engineer, say terrible things about what they did in 2016 and that they want to “Make sure that Trump losses... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 6, 2019 × South Korea’s presidential Blue House did not immediately respond to request for comment on the talks. Trump has repeatedly said Seoul should bear more of the burden for keeping some 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea, where the United States has had a military presence since the 1950-53 Korean War. South Korean and the US officials signed an agreement in February under which Seoul would increase its contribution to just under 1.04 trillion won ($927 million), an increase of about $70.3 million. The interim agreement was due to expire in a year.

United States says talks with South Korea underway over increasing defence costs

Seoul and Washington began annual joint military exercises on Monday, defying warnings from Pyongyang that the war games will jeopardise nuclear negotiations between the United States and North Korea.

Seoul and Washington began annual joint military exercises on Monday, defying warnings from Pyongyang that the war games will jeopardise nuclear negotiations between the United States and North Korea. The drills come after Pyongyang tested a series of short-range projectiles in recent days, calling one of them a "solemn warning" to Seoul against pursuing the mainly computer-simulated drills with Washington. South Korean defence minister Jeong Kyeong-doo told parliament that the joint exercise began Monday, adding that Seoul was "clearly maintaining its readiness posture against any military action by North Korea". Details about the training have not been disclosed, but a ministry official in Seoul said this year's exercise will include verifying South Korea's abilities to take operational control in wartime. Under the US-South Korea security treaty, an American general will take command of their combined forces in the event of armed conflict, but Seoul has long sought to reverse the position. Analysts say the military activities by both sides could delay talks on the North's weapons programmes - which have seen it subjected to multiple sets of UN Security Council sanctions - until later this year. After a year of mutual threats and mounting tensions, US President Donald Trump and the North's leader Kim Jong Un held a historic meeting in Singapore last year, when Kim signed a vague pledge to work towards "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula". A second summit in Hanoi in February broke up amid disagreement on sanctions relief and what the North might be willing to give up in return. Trump and Kim agreed to resume nuclear talks during their impromptu June meeting in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula, but that working-level dialogue has yet to begin. The nuclear-armed North - which attacked its neighbour in 1950, triggering the Korean War - has always been infuriated by military exercises between the US and the South, decrying them as rehearsals for invasion. After the Singapore summit, Trump made a shock announcement halting joint drills, adopting Pyongyang's description of them as "provocative" at an extraordinary, freewheeling press conference. War games known as Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG) and scheduled for August last year were subsequently suspended. And the allies' biggest annual drills, Foal Eagle and Key Resolve, which took place every spring and involved tens of thousands of troops, were replaced with a shorter "Dong Maeng" or "Alliance" exercise in March. Changing stance The August drills were scaled down earlier this year, Yonhap news agency reported, and have not been named, with an official from Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) telling AFP that they "cannot comment any further" on their designation. South Korean media have dubbed the command post exercise "19-2 Dong Maeng", indicating the second Dong Maeng exercise of 2019. Pyongyang warned last week that further nuclear talks could be derailed if Seoul and Washington push ahead with the manoeuvres. And on Friday, North Korea carried out its third weapons test in the space of eight days, firing what it called a new "large calibre multiple launch guided rocket system". Seoul's presidential office said it was highly likely to be "a new type of short-range ballistic missile". Ahn Chan-il, a North Korean defector and researcher in Seoul, told AFP: "Drills might not have taken place today if there had been some concrete progress with the nuclear negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington, considering UFG was suspended last year." The North's recent launches also affected the allies' decision, he added. "This also signals Seoul's changing stance on Pyongyang." Trump has brushed off the North's tests, saying Kim will not want to "disappoint" him because he has "far too much to lose". "He will do the right thing because he is far too smart not to, and he does not want to disappoint his friend, President Trump!" he said. There are 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea to protect it against its neighbour, many of them based south of Seoul at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek - Washington's biggest overseas military facility.

US, South Korea defy North's warnings, start joint drills

North Korean launched yet another projectile. According to the reports, the North Korean projectiles launched early Friday are believed to be short-range ballistic missiles, Kyodo News reported, citing unnamed Japanese government officials.

North Korea: 3rd missile test in over a week

North Korea test more missiles, South Korea holds emergency meeting

According to reports, North Korea has launched two short-range ballistic missiles from the eastern coast. Watch this video to know more.

North Korea's 2nd warning to Seoul

South Korea's military said that North Korea conducted its second missile test in less than a week Wednesday, firing two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast in a move that could be aimed at boosting pressure on the United States. Watch this video to know more.

South Koreans remain unfazed by North Korea's missile test

Russia's embassy in Seoul on Wednesday denied that Moscow had formally apologised over an alleged airspace violation the previous day after South Korea said that Russia had expressed "deep regret" while blaming an equipment malfunction.

A Russian military aircraft entered airspace near a group of islets claimed by both South Korea and Japan on Tuesday, during a long-range joint air patrol by Russian and Chinese aircraft, according to South Korea and Japan, which both scrambled fighter jets in response.

South Korean warplanes fired flares and hundreds of warning shots near the Russian aircraft, and the incident triggered a round of diplomatic protests by countries in the region.

An unidentified <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russian-government-unable-to-find-any-documents-on-whereabouts-of-subhash-chandra-bose-mea-238154&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjfwJnPpc3jAhVMHo8KHd8VDl0QFjAIegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0dQPd-EitX4eTCLQb6BYH5">Russian</a> military attache in Seoul told South Korean officials that the military plane appeared to have "entered an unplanned area due to a device malfunction", said Yoon Do-han, a press secretary at South Korea's presidential office.

"Russia has conveyed its deep regret over the incident and said its defence ministry would immediately launch an investigation and take all necessary steps," Yoon said.

"The officer said such a situation would have never occurred if it followed the initially planned route."

It was not immediately clear if Yoon meant the attache was speaking officially on behalf of the Russian government but Russia's embassy in Seoul denied that it had apologised.

"The Russian side did not make an official apology," the embassy in Seoul said, adding it had noted many inaccuracies in the comments by South Korea, Interfax reported.

Russia's public statements on the issue have not mentioned any technical problems, nor has Russia announced any investigation or acknowledged a violation of South Korean air space.

South Korea's defence ministry said that after initially admitting a possible mistake and expressing regret on Tuesday, Russian officials on Wednesday sent South Korea an official document stating that its aircraft did not violate any air space.

WATCH:&nbsp;Russia expresses regret over South Korea airspace violation

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Russia also accused South Korean pilots of threatening the safety of Russian aircraft.

An official at South Korea's defence ministry told reporters on Wednesday that it believed the intrusion could not have resulted from a system error.

He did not elaborate but said the two countries would hold working-level talks to discuss a Russian request to share information on the incident.

The incident came at a delicate time for a region that has for years been overshadowed by hostility between the United States and North Korea and has recently seen a flare-up in the tension between South Korea and Japan.

While troops and naval ships from Russia and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/belt-and-road-projects-china-expands-its-anti-corruption-campaign-238093&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjfwJnPpc3jAhVMHo8KHd8VDl0QFjAJegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0j0I01eE8G-eHsfymlTIwH">China</a> have taken part in joint war games before, they have not conducted such air patrols in the Asia-Pacific region together, according to Russia's Ministry of Defence.

China's defence ministry said on Wednesday that China and Russia did not enter territorial sky of any other country during their joint patrols on Tuesday.

South Korea and Japan scrambled fighter jets because both claim sovereignty over the disputed islets called Dokdo in Korea and Takeshima in Japan.

The two US&nbsp;allies are mired in a deepening political and trade dispute, which fanned concerns that it might undercut three-way security cooperation to fend off North Korea's nuclear threats.

The incident also coincided with the visit of the US&nbsp;national security adviser John Bolton to South Korea.

Bolton and his counterpart, Chung Eui-Yong, discussed the airspace breach during a meeting on Wednesday and vowed close consultations in case of more such incidents, South Korea's presidential Blue House said in a statement.

Russia's embassy in Seoul on Wednesday denied that Moscow had formally apologised over an alleged airspace violation the previous day after South Korea said that Russia had expressed "deep regret" while blaming an equipment malfunction.

Russia's embassy in Seoul on Wednesday denied that Moscow had formally apologised over an alleged airspace violation the previous day after South Korea said that Russia had expressed "deep regret" while blaming an equipment malfunction. A Russian military aircraft entered airspace near a group of islets claimed by both South Korea and Japan on Tuesday, during a long-range joint air patrol by Russian and Chinese aircraft, according to South Korea and Japan, which both scrambled fighter jets in response. South Korean warplanes fired flares and hundreds of warning shots near the Russian aircraft, and the incident triggered a round of diplomatic protests by countries in the region. An unidentified Russian military attache in Seoul told South Korean officials that the military plane appeared to have "entered an unplanned area due to a device malfunction", said Yoon Do-han, a press secretary at South Korea's presidential office. "Russia has conveyed its deep regret over the incident and said its defence ministry would immediately launch an investigation and take all necessary steps," Yoon said. "The officer said such a situation would have never occurred if it followed the initially planned route." It was not immediately clear if Yoon meant the attache was speaking officially on behalf of the Russian government but Russia's embassy in Seoul denied that it had apologised. "The Russian side did not make an official apology," the embassy in Seoul said, adding it had noted many inaccuracies in the comments by South Korea, Interfax reported. Russia's public statements on the issue have not mentioned any technical problems, nor has Russia announced any investigation or acknowledged a violation of South Korean air space. South Korea's defence ministry said that after initially admitting a possible mistake and expressing regret on Tuesday, Russian officials on Wednesday sent South Korea an official document stating that its aircraft did not violate any air space. WATCH: Russia expresses regret over South Korea airspace violation × Russia also accused South Korean pilots of threatening the safety of Russian aircraft. An official at South Korea's defence ministry told reporters on Wednesday that it believed the intrusion could not have resulted from a system error. He did not elaborate but said the two countries would hold working-level talks to discuss a Russian request to share information on the incident. The incident came at a delicate time for a region that has for years been overshadowed by hostility between the United States and North Korea and has recently seen a flare-up in the tension between South Korea and Japan. While troops and naval ships from Russia and China have taken part in joint war games before, they have not conducted such air patrols in the Asia-Pacific region together, according to Russia's Ministry of Defence. China's defence ministry said on Wednesday that China and Russia did not enter territorial sky of any other country during their joint patrols on Tuesday. South Korea and Japan scrambled fighter jets because both claim sovereignty over the disputed islets called Dokdo in Korea and Takeshima in Japan. The two US allies are mired in a deepening political and trade dispute, which fanned concerns that it might undercut three-way security cooperation to fend off North Korea's nuclear threats. The incident also coincided with the visit of the US national security adviser John Bolton to South Korea. Bolton and his counterpart, Chung Eui-Yong, discussed the airspace breach during a meeting on Wednesday and vowed close consultations in case of more such incidents, South Korea's presidential Blue House said in a statement.

Did not make an apology: Russia on airspace violation dispute with South Korea

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-acquisition-of-us-f-35-fighter-aimed-at-opening-gate-to-invade-north-north-korea-state-media-234830">South Korea</a> said it fired warning shots at a Russian military aircraft on Tuesday after it violated the country's airspace off its east coast.&nbsp;

The Russian jet breached <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-temporarily-suspends-boeing-737-max-service-after-china-singapore-stops-service-202856">South Korean airspace</a> twice prompting the Air Force to scramble fighter jets and fire warning shots, an official at the Joint Chiefs of Staff told AFP.&nbsp;

The first violation occurred just after 9:00 am (midnight GMT Monday) and lasted three minutes.&nbsp;

The plane returned half an hour later, breaching the airspace for four minutes this time, the South's military said.

In response, the Air Force deployed multiple F-15k and F-16k jets to intercept the plane and fired flares after sending a message to the aircraft.

The official said it was the first time a Russian plane has violated South Korean airspace, adding that the military was investigating the matter.

The encounter occurred near the easternmost islets of Dokdo, disputed islands controlled by the South but claimed by Japan, the military said.&nbsp;

Seoul's defence ministry plans to protest Russian officials later in the day.

There was no immediate comment from Moscow on the incident.

South Korea said it fired warning shots at a Russian military aircraft on Tuesday after it violated the country's airspace off its east coast. The Russian jet breached South Korean airspace twice prompting the Air Force to scramble fighter jets and fire warning shots, an official at the Joint Chiefs of Staff told AFP.

South Korea said it fired warning shots at a Russian military aircraft on Tuesday after it violated the country's airspace off its east coast. The Russian jet breached South Korean airspace twice prompting the Air Force to scramble fighter jets and fire warning shots, an official at the Joint Chiefs of Staff told AFP. The first violation occurred just after 9:00 am (midnight GMT Monday) and lasted three minutes. The plane returned half an hour later, breaching the airspace for four minutes this time, the South's military said. In response, the Air Force deployed multiple F-15k and F-16k jets to intercept the plane and fired flares after sending a message to the aircraft. The official said it was the first time a Russian plane has violated South Korean airspace, adding that the military was investigating the matter. The encounter occurred near the easternmost islets of Dokdo, disputed islands controlled by the South but claimed by Japan, the military said. Seoul's defence ministry plans to protest Russian officials later in the day. There was no immediate comment from Moscow on the incident.

South Korea says fired warning shots at Russian military jet

Japanese Trade Minister Hiroshige Seko said on Tuesday it was "regrettable" that the South Korean government had made what he said was an erroneous explanation after the two sides sat down for a working-level meeting over Japan's export controls.

The feud between the two deepened over the weekend when they contested accounts of a frosty meeting last week on the dispute, which could threaten global supplies of microchips and smartphone displays.

Tokyo lodged a protest against Seoul, saying it had broken an agreement on what the two sides would disclose from the Friday discussions on Japan's curbs of exports to Korea of some materials used to make high-tech equipment, a Japanese trade ministry official said at the weekend.

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) also disputed a Korean official's statement that Seoul had asked Japan on Friday to withdraw the restrictions.

But a Korean trade ministry official shot back that Seoul had "clearly demanded Japan withdraw its trade restrictions at yesterday’s meeting, and there should be no disagreement over that matter with <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/more-acrimony-in-japan-south-korea-row-as-tokyo-lodges-protest-235529&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwipm7SR97jjAhVK-2EKHV0YAdcQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ep2wU2z8egmK_dl6grAZj">Japan</a>."

He told Reuters the two sides had discussed what they would disclose but that there was no agreement.

At a regular briefing on Tuesday, Seko disputed that claim, saying the officials had spent about an hour towards the end of the five-hour meeting to discuss and agree on what to disclose to media.

Japan recently tightened restrictions on the export of three materials used in high-tech equipment, citing what it has called "inadequate management" of sensitive items exported to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/calls-for-boycott-of-japan-grow-in-south-korea-as-diplomatic-row-simmers-233755">South Korea</a>, as well as a lack of consultations about export controls.

But the dispute also appears to be rooted in a decades-old wartime disagreement. It comes amid deep frustration in Japan over what Tokyo sees as Seoul's failure to act in response to a South Korean court ruling ordering a Japanese company to compensate former forced labourers from the Second World War.

Seko repeated Japan's stance that its latest move - taken for reasons of national security - fell under the jurisdiction of individual countries and did not require checks from international bodies.

"The claim that (our latest steps) go against free trade ... is completely unfounded. If the topic is raised at the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) general council, we will firmly explain Japan's stance," Seko said.

Japanese Trade Minister Hiroshige Seko said on Tuesday it was "regrettable" that the South Korean government had made what he said was an erroneous explanation after the two sides sat down for a working-level meeting over Japan's export controls.

Japanese Trade Minister Hiroshige Seko said on Tuesday it was "regrettable" that the South Korean government had made what he said was an erroneous explanation after the two sides sat down for a working-level meeting over Japan's export controls. The feud between the two deepened over the weekend when they contested accounts of a frosty meeting last week on the dispute, which could threaten global supplies of microchips and smartphone displays. Tokyo lodged a protest against Seoul, saying it had broken an agreement on what the two sides would disclose from the Friday discussions on Japan's curbs of exports to Korea of some materials used to make high-tech equipment, a Japanese trade ministry official said at the weekend. Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) also disputed a Korean official's statement that Seoul had asked Japan on Friday to withdraw the restrictions. But a Korean trade ministry official shot back that Seoul had "clearly demanded Japan withdraw its trade restrictions at yesterday’s meeting, and there should be no disagreement over that matter with Japan." He told Reuters the two sides had discussed what they would disclose but that there was no agreement. At a regular briefing on Tuesday, Seko disputed that claim, saying the officials had spent about an hour towards the end of the five-hour meeting to discuss and agree on what to disclose to media. Japan recently tightened restrictions on the export of three materials used in high-tech equipment, citing what it has called "inadequate management" of sensitive items exported to South Korea, as well as a lack of consultations about export controls. But the dispute also appears to be rooted in a decades-old wartime disagreement. It comes amid deep frustration in Japan over what Tokyo sees as Seoul's failure to act in response to a South Korean court ruling ordering a Japanese company to compensate former forced labourers from the Second World War. Seko repeated Japan's stance that its latest move - taken for reasons of national security - fell under the jurisdiction of individual countries and did not require checks from international bodies. "The claim that (our latest steps) go against free trade ... is completely unfounded. If the topic is raised at the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) general council, we will firmly explain Japan's stance," Seko said.

Japan trade minister blasts South Korea for 'mistaken' explanation after bilateral meeting

Actress Kim Basinger, an outspoken animal activist, attended a press conference in Seoul, South Korea on Thursday to speak out against the dog and cat meat trade. Partnering with Last Chance for Animals and Animal Liberation Wave, Basinger conveyed her support of a bill proposed by congressman Pyo Chang-won that would ban the killing of dogs and cats within the meat industry. She commended Changwon's efforts to end what she called a "horrific trade."

Actress Kim Basinger speaks out against the dog and cat meat trade in Seoul

Demilitarised Zone: A look at the world's last Cold War frontier

Kang Mi-sook, 62, begins each weekday on the road, driving around with her motorised fridge filled with yoghurt-like drinks and greeting familiar faces on her usual route through the streets of Seoul.

'Yoghurt lady' delivers treats and companionship to South Korea's elderly

North Korea fired the same type of short-range missiles during the two weapons tests last month, according to South Korean Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo.

"We see the weapons (North Korea fired on May 4 and May 9) as nearly the same type, though we are analyzing some differences," Yonhap News Agency quoted the minister as telling reporters here on Saturday.

The South Korean minister, however, stressed that more analysis was needed to verify if the missiles were ballistic in nature.

"Some have pointed out that they appear to be the same type of Russia`s Iskander, and they bear many similarities. But there are some differences," he said.

This is the first time South Korea recognised that short-range missiles were test-fired by Pyongyang.&nbsp;

The United States, on the other hand, claimed that short-range ballistic missiles were tested by the reclusive state in early May.

Furthermore, Washington strongly criticised the weapons tests, with acting US Secretary of Defence Patrick Shanahan stating that UN Security Council resolutions were violated by North Korea.&nbsp;

The country is banned from firing ballistic missiles as per the sanctions.

North Korea`s projectiles launches were largely perceived as the country`s displeasure at the breakdown of the second US-North Korea summit in Vietnam in February this year.

Denuclearisation talks have come to a standstill ever since.

North Korea fired the same type of short-range missiles during the two weapons tests last month, according to South Korean Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo. "We see the weapons (North Korea fired on May 4 and May 9) as nearly the same type, though we are analyzing some differences," Yonhap News Agency quoted the minister as telling reporters here on Saturday.

North Korea fired the same type of short-range missiles during the two weapons tests last month, according to South Korean Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo. "We see the weapons (North Korea fired on May 4 and May 9) as nearly the same type, though we are analyzing some differences," Yonhap News Agency quoted the minister as telling reporters here on Saturday. The South Korean minister, however, stressed that more analysis was needed to verify if the missiles were ballistic in nature. "Some have pointed out that they appear to be the same type of Russia`s Iskander, and they bear many similarities. But there are some differences," he said. This is the first time South Korea recognised that short-range missiles were test-fired by Pyongyang. The United States, on the other hand, claimed that short-range ballistic missiles were tested by the reclusive state in early May. Furthermore, Washington strongly criticised the weapons tests, with acting US Secretary of Defence Patrick Shanahan stating that UN Security Council resolutions were violated by North Korea. The country is banned from firing ballistic missiles as per the sanctions. North Korea`s projectiles launches were largely perceived as the country`s displeasure at the breakdown of the second US-North Korea summit in Vietnam in February this year. Denuclearisation talks have come to a standstill ever since.

North Korea test-fired same type of missiles in May: Seoul

North Korea launched unidentified projectiles into the sea Saturday, the South Korean military said, in what could be Pyongyang's first short-range missile launch for more than a year as it seeks to up pressure on Washington with nuclear talks deadlocked.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-signals-shift-in-nuclear-diplomacy-kims-right-hand-man-sidelined-213629">United States and North Korea have been at loggerheads</a> since the collapse of a summit between Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump in February, where the two sides clashed over sanctions and the extent of Pyongyang's concessions on its atomic arsenal.

North Korea "fired a number of short-range projectiles from its Hodo peninsula near the east coast town of Wonsan to the northeastern direction from 9:06 am (0006 GMT) to 09:27 am today", the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

The projectiles travelled from 70 to 200 kilometres (45 to 125 miles) towards the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, the JCS added.

In an earlier statement, it had said Pyongyang had launched an unidentified short-range missile.

The last North Korean missile launch was in November 2017.

The latest firing comes just a day after South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said Pyongyang should show "visible, concrete and substantial" denuclearisation action if it wants sanctions relief.

That issue was also at the centre of the February talks in Hanoi, where North Korea demanded immediate sanctions relief, but the two sides disagreed on what Pyongyang should give up in return.

Earlier this week, North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui warned Washington of an "unwanted outcome" if it did not adjust its stance on economic sanctions.

North Korea did not carry out any missile or nuclear tests last year, as Kim held his first historic summits with the leaders of the United States and South Korea.

Saturday's launch "does not violate Kim Jong-un's self-imposed missile-testing moratorium", which "only applied to intercontinental-range ballistic missiles", said North Korea analyst Ankit Panda.

"North Korea historically did not generally test anything while talks were on with the US. Talks are not on."

The White House said it was "aware of North Korea's actions tonight".

"We will continue to monitor as necessary," Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement.

Japan, meanwhile, said there was "no confirmation of ballistic missiles" entering its territory.

"At this point, there is no confirmation of any situation that may impact our national security," the Japanese defence ministry said in a statement.

Hodo peninsula

Hodo Peninsula, where Saturday's firing took place, has been used as a training area for "live-fire testing, training exercises for artillery and coastal defence cruise missiles" since the 1960s, according to the respected 38 North website.

It wasn't until the mid-1990s that a "formal training area" was established in the region, and Hodo has been "increasingly used for ballistic missile and long-range artillery rocket testing" during the last 10 years, it added.

Since the collapse of the Hanoi summit between Kim and Trump in February, South Korean president Moon Jae-in -- who brokered the first meeting between the mercurial leaders -- has tried to salvage diplomacy, but Pyongyang has remained largely unresponsive.

Kim slammed the South in a speech to his country's rubber-stamp legislature last month, saying it should not "pose as a meddlesome 'mediator'" between the US and Pyongyang.

Last week, on the anniversary of the Panmunjom summit, Pyongyang's state media KCNA said Washington and Seoul "keep pushing the situation of the Korean peninsula and the region to an undesirable phase", criticising their joint military exercises.

"Chairman Kim has decided to remind the world -- and specifically the United States -- that his weapons capabilities are growing by the day," said Harry J. Kazianis, Director of Korean Studies at the Center for the National Interest.

"My fear is that we are at the beginning stages of a slide back to the days of nuclear war threats and personal insults, a dangerous cycle of spiking tensions that must be avoided at all costs."

North Korea launched unidentified projectiles into the sea Saturday, the South Korean military said, in what could be Pyongyang's first short-range missile launch for more than a year as it seeks to up pressure on Washington with nuclear talks deadlocked.

North Korea launched unidentified projectiles into the sea Saturday, the South Korean military said, in what could be Pyongyang's first short-range missile launch for more than a year as it seeks to up pressure on Washington with nuclear talks deadlocked. The United States and North Korea have been at loggerheads since the collapse of a summit between Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump in February, where the two sides clashed over sanctions and the extent of Pyongyang's concessions on its atomic arsenal. North Korea "fired a number of short-range projectiles from its Hodo peninsula near the east coast town of Wonsan to the northeastern direction from 9:06 am (0006 GMT) to 09:27 am today", the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. The projectiles travelled from 70 to 200 kilometres (45 to 125 miles) towards the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, the JCS added. In an earlier statement, it had said Pyongyang had launched an unidentified short-range missile. The last North Korean missile launch was in November 2017. The latest firing comes just a day after South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said Pyongyang should show "visible, concrete and substantial" denuclearisation action if it wants sanctions relief. That issue was also at the centre of the February talks in Hanoi, where North Korea demanded immediate sanctions relief, but the two sides disagreed on what Pyongyang should give up in return. Earlier this week, North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui warned Washington of an "unwanted outcome" if it did not adjust its stance on economic sanctions. North Korea did not carry out any missile or nuclear tests last year, as Kim held his first historic summits with the leaders of the United States and South Korea. Saturday's launch "does not violate Kim Jong-un's self-imposed missile-testing moratorium", which "only applied to intercontinental-range ballistic missiles", said North Korea analyst Ankit Panda. "North Korea historically did not generally test anything while talks were on with the US. Talks are not on." The White House said it was "aware of North Korea's actions tonight". "We will continue to monitor as necessary," Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement. Japan, meanwhile, said there was "no confirmation of ballistic missiles" entering its territory. "At this point, there is no confirmation of any situation that may impact our national security," the Japanese defence ministry said in a statement. Hodo peninsula Hodo Peninsula, where Saturday's firing took place, has been used as a training area for "live-fire testing, training exercises for artillery and coastal defence cruise missiles" since the 1960s, according to the respected 38 North website. It wasn't until the mid-1990s that a "formal training area" was established in the region, and Hodo has been "increasingly used for ballistic missile and long-range artillery rocket testing" during the last 10 years, it added. Since the collapse of the Hanoi summit between Kim and Trump in February, South Korean president Moon Jae-in -- who brokered the first meeting between the mercurial leaders -- has tried to salvage diplomacy, but Pyongyang has remained largely unresponsive. Kim slammed the South in a speech to his country's rubber-stamp legislature last month, saying it should not "pose as a meddlesome 'mediator'" between the US and Pyongyang. Last week, on the anniversary of the Panmunjom summit, Pyongyang's state media KCNA said Washington and Seoul "keep pushing the situation of the Korean peninsula and the region to an undesirable phase", criticising their joint military exercises. "Chairman Kim has decided to remind the world -- and specifically the United States -- that his weapons capabilities are growing by the day," said Harry J. Kazianis, Director of Korean Studies at the Center for the National Interest. "My fear is that we are at the beginning stages of a slide back to the days of nuclear war threats and personal insults, a dangerous cycle of spiking tensions that must be avoided at all costs."

North Korea fires short-range 'projectiles' into sea, first missile launch after 2017

The main Buddhist temple in the capital of South Korea on Monday inaugurated a ceremony to initiate child monks into the order for a weeks long training session in honor of the Buddha’s upcoming birthday on May 12.

Temple in South Korea initiates child monks ahead of Buddha’s birthday

North Korea has pulled its staff out of an inter-Korean liaison office, Seoul said Friday, weeks after leader Kim Jong Un's summit with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-first-new-north-korea-sanctions-since-failed-summit-204745">US President Donald Trump</a> ended without agreement.

The office in the Northern city of Kaesong was opened in September as the two Koreas knitted closer ties, but the South's vice unification minister Chun Hae-sung told reporters Pyongyang had "notified the South they are pulling out of the liaison office".

The decision had been taken "in accordance with an order from an upper command", he said, adding: "They said they didn't care whether we stayed at the liaison office or not."

The South's President Moon Jae-in was instrumental in brokering the talks process between the nuclear-armed, sanctions-hit North and the US, Seoul's key security ally.

Moon has long backed engagement with the North to bring it to the negotiating table, and has been pushing the carrot of inter-Korean development projects, among them an industrial zone also in Kaesong and cross-border tourism for Southerners.

But the failure by Kim and Trump to reach agreement in Hanoi last month on walking back Pyongyang's nuclear programme in exchange for relaxation of the measures against it has raised questions over the future of the process, despite both sides' expressed willingness to talk further.

In his New Year speech -- a key political event in the North -- Kim said without giving details that Pyongyang might see a "new way for defending the sovereignty of the country and the supreme interests of the state" if the US persisted with sanctions.

Seoul sought to keep the door open to more contact.

"We regret the North's decision," Chun said. "Though North Korea has pulled out, we will continue to work at the liaison office as usual."

North Korea has pulled its staff out of an inter-Korean liaison office, Seoul said Friday, weeks after leader Kim Jong Un's summit with US President Donald Trump ended without agreement.

North Korea has pulled its staff out of an inter-Korean liaison office, Seoul said Friday, weeks after leader Kim Jong Un's summit with US President Donald Trump ended without agreement. The office in the Northern city of Kaesong was opened in September as the two Koreas knitted closer ties, but the South's vice unification minister Chun Hae-sung told reporters Pyongyang had "notified the South they are pulling out of the liaison office". The decision had been taken "in accordance with an order from an upper command", he said, adding: "They said they didn't care whether we stayed at the liaison office or not." The South's President Moon Jae-in was instrumental in brokering the talks process between the nuclear-armed, sanctions-hit North and the US, Seoul's key security ally. Moon has long backed engagement with the North to bring it to the negotiating table, and has been pushing the carrot of inter-Korean development projects, among them an industrial zone also in Kaesong and cross-border tourism for Southerners. But the failure by Kim and Trump to reach agreement in Hanoi last month on walking back Pyongyang's nuclear programme in exchange for relaxation of the measures against it has raised questions over the future of the process, despite both sides' expressed willingness to talk further. In his New Year speech -- a key political event in the North -- Kim said without giving details that Pyongyang might see a "new way for defending the sovereignty of the country and the supreme interests of the state" if the US persisted with sanctions. Seoul sought to keep the door open to more contact. "We regret the North's decision," Chun said. "Though North Korea has pulled out, we will continue to work at the liaison office as usual."

North Korea has pulled out of inter-Korean liaison office: South Korea

South Korea will seek to hold talks, including summits, with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-be-very-very-disappointed-says-trump-over-reports-of-north-korea-rebuilding-rocket-site-201648">North Korea </a>this year to strengthen ties and revive the dialogue between Pyongyang and Washington on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-opposes-incremental-denuclearisation-of-north-korea-envoy-202676">denuclearisation</a>, Seoul's unification ministry said Tuesday.

The plan comes after the Hanoi summit last month between <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-ready-to-meet-kim-jong-un-again-for-denuclearisation-talks-white-house-202451">United States President Donald Trump</a> and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, which abruptly ended without a denuclearisation deal and no further plans for the sides to meet.

"In close coordination with the US, (we) will push for inter-Korean talks to help the US and North Korea meet again and reach an agreement on denuclearisation and corresponding measures," said the Ministry of Unification in a policy direction report for 2019 published on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The ministry, in charge of managing relations with the North, added that it will continue to work towards "close communications between the leaders of the South and the North" to strengthen ties and establish peace on the peninsula.&nbsp;

Seoul and Washington are technically at war with Pyongyang since the 1950s.

After February’s Hanoi summit ended without an agreement, Seoul has showed willingness to mediate to break the blockade in the denuclearization talks.

Last year, South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Kim held three summits that were key for making it possible for Trump and the North Korean leader to meet.

Although Washington and Pyongyang give different versions of what happened at the Hanoi negotiating table, the disagreement revolved around the number of assets of the North Korean nuclear program to be dismantled and the volume of international sanctions on Pyongyang that would be alleviated as a "corresponding measure.”

US National Security Adviser John Bolton, who was with Trump in Hanoi, said on March 11 that Washington demanded the elimination of chemical and biological weapons and the North Korean ballistic missile program at the summit, in addition to the dismantling of atomic assets.

Seoul’s unification ministry also said it would take steps for economic cooperation between North and South Korea, particularly in relation to the Kaesong industrial park and tours of Mt Kumgang.

South Korea will seek to hold talks, including summits, with North Korea this year to strengthen ties and revive the dialogue between Pyongyang and Washington on denuclearisation, Seoul's unification ministry said Tuesday.

South Korea will seek to hold talks, including summits, with North Korea this year to strengthen ties and revive the dialogue between Pyongyang and Washington on denuclearisation, Seoul's unification ministry said Tuesday. The plan comes after the Hanoi summit last month between United States President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, which abruptly ended without a denuclearisation deal and no further plans for the sides to meet. "In close coordination with the US, (we) will push for inter-Korean talks to help the US and North Korea meet again and reach an agreement on denuclearisation and corresponding measures," said the Ministry of Unification in a policy direction report for 2019 published on Tuesday. The ministry, in charge of managing relations with the North, added that it will continue to work towards "close communications between the leaders of the South and the North" to strengthen ties and establish peace on the peninsula. Seoul and Washington are technically at war with Pyongyang since the 1950s. After February’s Hanoi summit ended without an agreement, Seoul has showed willingness to mediate to break the blockade in the denuclearization talks. Last year, South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Kim held three summits that were key for making it possible for Trump and the North Korean leader to meet. Although Washington and Pyongyang give different versions of what happened at the Hanoi negotiating table, the disagreement revolved around the number of assets of the North Korean nuclear program to be dismantled and the volume of international sanctions on Pyongyang that would be alleviated as a "corresponding measure.” US National Security Adviser John Bolton, who was with Trump in Hanoi, said on March 11 that Washington demanded the elimination of chemical and biological weapons and the North Korean ballistic missile program at the summit, in addition to the dismantling of atomic assets. Seoul’s unification ministry also said it would take steps for economic cooperation between North and South Korea, particularly in relation to the Kaesong industrial park and tours of Mt Kumgang.

Seoul to seek meetings with Pyongyang to revive dialogue with Washington

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday he was hopeful the United States would send a delegation to North Korea in the coming weeks after a summit between <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-ending-south-korea-war-games-not-concession-to-kim-201236">President Donald Trump</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/our-stance-will-never-change-even-if-us-seeks-further-talks-north-korea-on-us-sanctions-relief-200370">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un</a> ended with no deal.

The leaders' second summit, held last week in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi, failed to produce any agreement or immediate plan for follow-up negotiations.

"I am hopeful, although I have no commitment yet, that we will be back at it, that I'll have a team in Pyongyang in the next couple weeks," Pompeo told the Iowa Farm Bureau.

"I'm continuing to work to find those places where there's a shared interest," he said.

The two sides gave different reasons for the abrupt end to the talks about denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula.

Trump said on Thursday that North Korea wanted the sanctions lifted in their entirety, while North Korean foreign minister Ri Yong Ho said they had only demanded a partial easing in exchange for dismantling its main nuclear site at Yongbyon.

However, the two sides left room for further discussions, with Trump highlighting the economic benefits for North Korea if it gave up its nuclear weapons.

North Korean state media, which in the past has used fiery rhetoric against Trump and blamed the United States for previous failed negotiations, reported on Tuesday that Kim returned home after a "successful" trip to Vietnam.

It made no mention of the summit breakdown or any disagreement between the two leaders, in line with its positive coverage last week.

Pompeo said during the Iowa visit that his team has been trying to convince Kim that the security of his country and government would not be compromised if it abandoned its nuclear weapons program.

The United States and South Korea announced on Saturday an end to large-scale joint military exercises held every spring.

North Korea has long derided the combined exercises, which often involve U.S. nuclear bombers, stealth jets and naval ships in what Pyongyang has called a "rehearsal for war."

Smaller drills will continue, but ending large-scale exercises could help the nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang, South Korean officials said.

In another indication that the North might be trying to take steps to secure a compromise, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that a five-megawatt reactor at Yongbyon, which produces weapons-grade plutonium used to build bombs, had not been operational since late last year.

The news agency, citing lawmakers briefed by intelligence officials, said there had been no sign of reprocessing plutonium at the reactor.

That contradicted US&nbsp;nuclear scientist Siegfried Hecker who said spent fuel generated by the reactor from 2016-18 appeared to have been reprocessed starting last May.

BREAKDOWN

The summit collapse could hurt South Korean President Moon Jae-in's bid to play the role of mediator, as requested by Trump, according to Moon's office. Moon had hoped that eased US sanctions would help to restart projects between the Koreas, including a factory park and tourism zone.

Some pro-engagement experts in South Korea have blamed the United States for failing to address the North's concerns.

A former unification minister, Chung Se-hyun, who advises Moon on Korean relations, said he believed the summit fell apart after John Bolton, Trump's hawkish national security adviser, joined the discussions.

"Bolton being present at the expanded second-day meeting was a sign of breakdown," Chung told a seminar in Seoul on Tuesday.

"They had Bolton in raising the bar, and the North Koreans responded with stronger demands for sanctions relief, which leads them nowhere. It was a premeditated collapse."

Other experts say the Moon administration can no longer play a bridging role by echoing North Korea's demands for sanctions relief. They also worry that the halt in major military drills could hurt joint readiness and the US-South Korea alliance.

"As a mediator, your job is to draw not just US concessions, but also more proactive action from North Korea toward denuclearisation," said Shin Beom-chul, a senior fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul.

Moon, who has urged his officials to find a way to break the impasse, said in a speech to naval cadets on Tuesday that the pursuit of peace with the North would deliver denuclearisation and a "peace-driven" economy.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday he was hopeful the United States would send a delegation to North Korea in the coming weeks after a summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ended with no deal.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday he was hopeful the United States would send a delegation to North Korea in the coming weeks after a summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ended with no deal. The leaders' second summit, held last week in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi, failed to produce any agreement or immediate plan for follow-up negotiations. "I am hopeful, although I have no commitment yet, that we will be back at it, that I'll have a team in Pyongyang in the next couple weeks," Pompeo told the Iowa Farm Bureau. "I'm continuing to work to find those places where there's a shared interest," he said. The two sides gave different reasons for the abrupt end to the talks about denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula. Trump said on Thursday that North Korea wanted the sanctions lifted in their entirety, while North Korean foreign minister Ri Yong Ho said they had only demanded a partial easing in exchange for dismantling its main nuclear site at Yongbyon. However, the two sides left room for further discussions, with Trump highlighting the economic benefits for North Korea if it gave up its nuclear weapons. North Korean state media, which in the past has used fiery rhetoric against Trump and blamed the United States for previous failed negotiations, reported on Tuesday that Kim returned home after a "successful" trip to Vietnam. It made no mention of the summit breakdown or any disagreement between the two leaders, in line with its positive coverage last week. Pompeo said during the Iowa visit that his team has been trying to convince Kim that the security of his country and government would not be compromised if it abandoned its nuclear weapons program. The United States and South Korea announced on Saturday an end to large-scale joint military exercises held every spring. North Korea has long derided the combined exercises, which often involve U.S. nuclear bombers, stealth jets and naval ships in what Pyongyang has called a "rehearsal for war." Smaller drills will continue, but ending large-scale exercises could help the nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang, South Korean officials said. In another indication that the North might be trying to take steps to secure a compromise, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that a five-megawatt reactor at Yongbyon, which produces weapons-grade plutonium used to build bombs, had not been operational since late last year. The news agency, citing lawmakers briefed by intelligence officials, said there had been no sign of reprocessing plutonium at the reactor. That contradicted US nuclear scientist Siegfried Hecker who said spent fuel generated by the reactor from 2016-18 appeared to have been reprocessed starting last May. BREAKDOWN The summit collapse could hurt South Korean President Moon Jae-in's bid to play the role of mediator, as requested by Trump, according to Moon's office. Moon had hoped that eased US sanctions would help to restart projects between the Koreas, including a factory park and tourism zone. Some pro-engagement experts in South Korea have blamed the United States for failing to address the North's concerns. A former unification minister, Chung Se-hyun, who advises Moon on Korean relations, said he believed the summit fell apart after John Bolton, Trump's hawkish national security adviser, joined the discussions. "Bolton being present at the expanded second-day meeting was a sign of breakdown," Chung told a seminar in Seoul on Tuesday. "They had Bolton in raising the bar, and the North Koreans responded with stronger demands for sanctions relief, which leads them nowhere. It was a premeditated collapse." Other experts say the Moon administration can no longer play a bridging role by echoing North Korea's demands for sanctions relief. They also worry that the halt in major military drills could hurt joint readiness and the US-South Korea alliance. "As a mediator, your job is to draw not just US concessions, but also more proactive action from North Korea toward denuclearisation," said Shin Beom-chul, a senior fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul. Moon, who has urged his officials to find a way to break the impasse, said in a speech to naval cadets on Tuesday that the pursuit of peace with the North would deliver denuclearisation and a "peace-driven" economy.

US Secretary Mike Pompeo sees more North Korea talks, Seoul faces limits in mediator role

South Korea's presidential office expressed regret after the summit between <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-deal-with-kim-thwarted-by-north-korean-sanction-demands-200231">US President Donald Trump </a>and North Korea's Kim Jong Un ended without a deal but said "meaningful progress" had been made.

"It is regrettable President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un did not reach a complete agreement on today's summit," Blue House spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom said in a statement.

"But it appears clear that more meaningful progress was made than at any other point in the past."

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had failed to reach an agreement due to North Korean demands to lift punishing US-led sanctions.

Earlier, both Trump and Kim had expressed hope for progress on improving relations and on the key issue of denuclearisation, in their talks in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, their second summit in eight months.

Both leaders left the venue of their talks, the French-colonial-era Metropole hotel, without attending a planned lunch together, and returned to their hotels.

Failure to reach an agreement marks a setback for Trump, a self-styled dealmaker under pressure at home over his ties to Russia and testimony from Michael Cohen, his former personal lawyer, accusing him of breaking the law while in office.

South Korea's presidential office expressed regret after the summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un ended without a deal but said "meaningful progress" had been made.

South Korea's presidential office expressed regret after the summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un ended without a deal but said "meaningful progress" had been made. "It is regrettable President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un did not reach a complete agreement on today's summit," Blue House spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom said in a statement. "But it appears clear that more meaningful progress was made than at any other point in the past." US President Donald Trump said on Thursday his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had failed to reach an agreement due to North Korean demands to lift punishing US-led sanctions. Earlier, both Trump and Kim had expressed hope for progress on improving relations and on the key issue of denuclearisation, in their talks in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, their second summit in eight months. Both leaders left the venue of their talks, the French-colonial-era Metropole hotel, without attending a planned lunch together, and returned to their hotels. Failure to reach an agreement marks a setback for Trump, a self-styled dealmaker under pressure at home over his ties to Russia and testimony from Michael Cohen, his former personal lawyer, accusing him of breaking the law while in office.

North Korea summit outcome 'regrettable' but progress made: Seoul

Prime Minister&nbsp;Modi will be conferred Seoul Peace Prize on the second day of his visit to South Korea.

The prize, which was&nbsp;announced by the Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation in October last year in recognition of his dedicated service to international cooperation, global growth, and human development, will be given to PM Modi on Friday afternoon at a brief ceremony.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/day-1-of-modis-south-korea-visit-cultural-connect-dominates-agenda-pm-meets-indian-community-business-leaders-198789">India and South Korea</a> are also likely to sign a few MoUs during the summit between PM Modi and South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the Blue House, which is the Korean Presidential Office.

This is the Prime Minister’s second visit to the Republic of Korea after his state visit in May 2015. Before embarking on the visit the Prime Minister described South Korea as a valued friend with which India shares special strategic partnership initiatives such as ‘Make in India,’ ‘Start-Up India’ and ‘Clean India’.

PM Modi on Thursday gifted a ‘Bodhi' tree sapling to Mayor of Gimhae Heo Seong gon as a mark of close ties between India and South Korea.

Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar took to Twitter to inform: “Mayor of #Gimhae Heo Seong gon called on PM @narendramodi in #Seoul. PM gifted a Bodhi tree sapling as a mark of close ties between our two countries.” “Gimhae and Ayodhya have sister-city relationship,” Kumar added.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Reinforcing the historical &amp; civilizational linkages between India &amp; Korea. 
 
Mayor of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gimhae?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gimhae</a> Heo Seong gon called on PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Seoul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Seoul</a>. PM gifted a Bodhi tree sapling as a mark of close ties between our two countries. Gimhae and Ayodhya have sister-city relationship. <a href="https://t.co/ES2XBwH7Tx">pic.twitter.com/ES2XBwH7Tx</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1098507258038603781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He also unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Yonsei University in Seoul. The President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in, First Lady of the Republic of Korea, Kim Jung-sook, and former Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, were present on the occasion.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-aims-to-be-among-worlds-top-3-economies-in-next-15-years-modi-address-indian-diaspora-in-seoul-198783">Speaking on the occasion</a>, the prime&nbsp;minister described it as an honour to unveil the bust of Bapu at Yonsei University. “This becomes even more special because we are doing so at a time when we mark the 150th birth anniversary of Bapu,” the Prime Minister said.

“Through his lifestyle, Bapu showed what living in harmony with nature is, and how one can minimise one’s carbon footprint. He also showed that it is important to leave a clean and green planet for the future generations,” the Prime Minister said.

He also addressed ‘India-ROK Business Symposium’ where he said that “India today, a country of 1.25 billion people, is going through a great transition. It is changing from an agriculture-dominated economy to an economy led by industry and services; an economy that is closed to one that is globally inter-linked; an economy that is known for its red tape, to one known for its red carpet.”

“India has emerged as a land of opportunities. While we work for realizing the ‘Indian Dream’, we seek like-minded partners. And, among them, we see South Korea is truly a natural partner. India-Korea Business relations have come a long way in the past decade, and especially closer in the last few years,” he said.

“India is among top 10 trade partners of Korea and India is the 6th largest export destination for Korean goods. Our trade volume has reached 21.5 billion US dollars for the calendar year 2018. The negotiations to upgrade the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement have been fast-tracked to achieve the bilateral trade target of 50 billion US dollars by 2030,” he added.

Prime Minister Modi reached Seoul early on Thursday morning on a two-day visit aimed at strengthening the special strategic partnership between South Korea and Indian and boosting bilateral trade and cultural ties.

Prime Minister Modi will be conferred Seoul Peace Prize on the second day of his visit to South Korea. The prize, which was announced by the Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation in October last year in recognition of his dedicated service to international cooperation, global growth, and human development, will be given to PM Modi on Friday afternoon at a brief ceremony.

Prime Minister Modi will be conferred Seoul Peace Prize on the second day of his visit to South Korea. The prize, which was announced by the Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation in October last year in recognition of his dedicated service to international cooperation, global growth, and human development, will be given to PM Modi on Friday afternoon at a brief ceremony. India and South Korea are also likely to sign a few MoUs during the summit between PM Modi and South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the Blue House, which is the Korean Presidential Office. This is the Prime Minister’s second visit to the Republic of Korea after his state visit in May 2015. Before embarking on the visit the Prime Minister described South Korea as a valued friend with which India shares special strategic partnership initiatives such as ‘Make in India,’ ‘Start-Up India’ and ‘Clean India’. PM Modi on Thursday gifted a ‘Bodhi' tree sapling to Mayor of Gimhae Heo Seong gon as a mark of close ties between India and South Korea. Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar took to Twitter to inform: “Mayor of #Gimhae Heo Seong gon called on PM @narendramodi in #Seoul. PM gifted a Bodhi tree sapling as a mark of close ties between our two countries.” “Gimhae and Ayodhya have sister-city relationship,” Kumar added. Reinforcing the historical & civilizational linkages between India & Korea. Mayor of #Gimhae Heo Seong gon called on PM @narendramodi in #Seoul. PM gifted a Bodhi tree sapling as a mark of close ties between our two countries. Gimhae and Ayodhya have sister-city relationship. pic.twitter.com/ES2XBwH7Tx — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 21, 2019 × He also unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Yonsei University in Seoul. The President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in, First Lady of the Republic of Korea, Kim Jung-sook, and former Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, were present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister described it as an honour to unveil the bust of Bapu at Yonsei University. “This becomes even more special because we are doing so at a time when we mark the 150th birth anniversary of Bapu,” the Prime Minister said. “Through his lifestyle, Bapu showed what living in harmony with nature is, and how one can minimise one’s carbon footprint. He also showed that it is important to leave a clean and green planet for the future generations,” the Prime Minister said. He also addressed ‘India-ROK Business Symposium’ where he said that “India today, a country of 1.25 billion people, is going through a great transition. It is changing from an agriculture-dominated economy to an economy led by industry and services; an economy that is closed to one that is globally inter-linked; an economy that is known for its red tape, to one known for its red carpet.” “India has emerged as a land of opportunities. While we work for realizing the ‘Indian Dream’, we seek like-minded partners. And, among them, we see South Korea is truly a natural partner. India-Korea Business relations have come a long way in the past decade, and especially closer in the last few years,” he said. “India is among top 10 trade partners of Korea and India is the 6th largest export destination for Korean goods. Our trade volume has reached 21.5 billion US dollars for the calendar year 2018. The negotiations to upgrade the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement have been fast-tracked to achieve the bilateral trade target of 50 billion US dollars by 2030,” he added. Prime Minister Modi reached Seoul early on Thursday morning on a two-day visit aimed at strengthening the special strategic partnership between South Korea and Indian and boosting bilateral trade and cultural ties.

PM Modi to receive Seoul Peace Prize in South Korea today

Watch: WION Dispatch, 21st February, 2019

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