A South Korean ruling party lawmaker Bae Hyun-jin was wounded after she was struck on the head by an unidentified assailant on Thursday. Watch this report for more details!

South Korean lawmaker Bae Hyun-jin struck on head, wounded

Local governments in South Korea are scrambling to contain an outbreak of bedbugs in the country. The Busan Metropolitan Government announced Friday (Nov 3) that it was posting instructions for bedbug prevention on its website.&nbsp;

Earlier on Monday (Oct 30), the Seoul Metropolitan Government also distributed guidelines for the prevention and management of bedbugs for related facilities.

The city plans to conduct inspections at 3,175 sites, with a focus on checking how frequently washing is done and disinfections are conducted.

The process will be completed by the end of this year, as reported in local media.

<h2>Why bedbugs are dangerous?</h2>

Bedbugs, while not carriers of infectious diseases, feed on human blood during the night while people are asleep, potentially leading to secondary skin infections.&nbsp;

These reddish-brown, wingless pests typically hide during the day in areas like mattress seams, cracks, crevices, behind wallpaper, or amidst clutter near a bed.

<h2>Korea Disease Control Agency in action</h2>

The Korea Disease Control Agency (KDCA) plans to offer pest control training to logistics companies handling goods and passengers from countries dealing with bedbug infestations like France and the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;France gears up to drive out bed bugs ahead of 2024 Paris Olympics

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“Those exposed to bedbugs while travelling abroad should thoroughly sterilise their travel accessories and take caution to check for bed bugs at their accommodation so as to avoid bites,” said the KDCA commissioner Jee Young-mee through a released statement.

<h2>South Korea eradicated bedbugs in 1960s</h2>

Although South Korea Korea successfully eradicated bedbugs through nationwide campaigns in the 1960s, recent reports of infestations have surged, including cases at a university dormitory in Daegu and a public sauna in Incheon.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/sniffer-dogs-being-unleased-to-tackle-bedbug-explosion-across-uk-hotels-647615">Also read:&nbsp;Sniffer dogs being unleashed to tackle bedbug explosion across UK hotels</a>

In mid-September, a student in Daegu reported bedbug bites in a dormitory, and on October 13, live bedbugs and larvae were discovered in a sauna in Incheon's Seo-gu district.&nbsp;

Bedbug sightings have also been reported in Bucheon city, Yeongdeungpo-gu in Seoul, and Busan city.

(With inputs from agencies)

Local governments in South Korea are scrambling to contain an outbreak of bedbugs in the country. The Busan Metropolitan Government announced Friday (Nov 3) that it was posting instructions for bedbug prevention on its website.

Local governments in South Korea are scrambling to contain an outbreak of bedbugs in the country. The Busan Metropolitan Government announced Friday (Nov 3) that it was posting instructions for bedbug prevention on its website. Earlier on Monday (Oct 30), the Seoul Metropolitan Government also distributed guidelines for the prevention and management of bedbugs for related facilities. The city plans to conduct inspections at 3,175 sites, with a focus on checking how frequently washing is done and disinfections are conducted. The process will be completed by the end of this year, as reported in local media. Why bedbugs are dangerous? Bedbugs, while not carriers of infectious diseases, feed on human blood during the night while people are asleep, potentially leading to secondary skin infections. These reddish-brown, wingless pests typically hide during the day in areas like mattress seams, cracks, crevices, behind wallpaper, or amidst clutter near a bed. Korea Disease Control Agency in action The Korea Disease Control Agency (KDCA) plans to offer pest control training to logistics companies handling goods and passengers from countries dealing with bedbug infestations like France and the United Kingdom. Watch: France gears up to drive out bed bugs ahead of 2024 Paris Olympics × “Those exposed to bedbugs while travelling abroad should thoroughly sterilise their travel accessories and take caution to check for bed bugs at their accommodation so as to avoid bites,” said the KDCA commissioner Jee Young-mee through a released statement. South Korea eradicated bedbugs in 1960s Although South Korea Korea successfully eradicated bedbugs through nationwide campaigns in the 1960s, recent reports of infestations have surged, including cases at a university dormitory in Daegu and a public sauna in Incheon. Also read: Sniffer dogs being unleashed to tackle bedbug explosion across UK hotels In mid-September, a student in Daegu reported bedbug bites in a dormitory, and on October 13, live bedbugs and larvae were discovered in a sauna in Incheon's Seo-gu district. Bedbug sightings have also been reported in Bucheon city, Yeongdeungpo-gu in Seoul, and Busan city. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea grappling with outbreak of bedbugs, here’s why local govts are worried

Powerhouse K-Pop group BTS did not receive one, however famous player Son Heung-min did: For the first time, eSports competitors can qualify for one of South Korea's few exemptions from mandatory military duty. Men from South Korea are free from serving in the military for the required 18 months if they win a gold medal in any event at the Asian Games, which begin on Saturday in Hangzhou. The fact that eSports is a medal event this year provides a double incentive for South Korea's top athletes, including team captain Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok.

Military exemption for successful South Korean gamers reignites debate

Thousands of people began leaving their homes in South Korea after at least 31&nbsp;people lost their lives and dozens were reported missing amid flood-causing rain and landslides. Heavy rainfall in South Korea during the ongoing monsoon season has triggered widespread flooding and landslides.

<h2>South Korea floods: Most affected regions</h2>

Most of the casualties have been reported to be in the North Gyeongsang province.

In the most severely affected areas, "entire houses were swept away whole", one emergency responder was quoted as saying by&nbsp;Yonhap agency.

<h2>South Korea floods: Goesan Dam surpasses capacity</h2>

Early on Saturday, the Goesan Dam reportedly surpassed its capacity following which more than 6,400 residents in the central Goesan county were being evacuated. Officials said that missing people were swept away when a river overflowed in the North Gyeongsang province.

<h2>South Korea floods: Rescue workers&nbsp;battle difficult terrain</h2>

According to Yonhap, in Cheongju, North Chungcheong province, rescue workers were engaged in a difficult battle to reach dozens of cars trapped in an underground tunnel.

One person was found dead at the scene.

The water levels in the tunnel remained dangerously high, making it unclear how many individuals were still trapped inside their vehicles.

<h2>Death toll in South Korea flash floods likely to rise</h2>

Flash flooding occurred swiftly, preventing people from escaping in time, officials said.

Yonhap reported that the death toll is expected to increase as local government agencies assess the extent of the damage across the country.

Also watch |&nbsp;Torrential rain, flooding kill at least 8 in South Korea's capital Seoul | WION Climate Tracker

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Consequently, in response to this ongoing crisis, all regular train services throughout the nation were suspended as of 2 pm (0500 GMT). However, the KTX high-speed trains were still operational, albeit with potential adjustments to their schedules, as confirmed by the Korea Railroad Corporation.

Due to the heavy rain and flooding, roads were closed, and trails in national parks were shut down.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-president-yeol-makes-sudden-ukraine-visit-to-meet-zelensky-615960">South Korea's President Yeol makes sudden Ukraine visit to meet Zelensky</a>

The Korea Meteorological Administration issued warnings for heavy rain, predicting further precipitation until upcoming&nbsp;Wednesday, stating that the weather poses&nbsp;"grave" danger.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo of South Korea urgently called on officials to take proactive measures to prevent river overflows and landslides.&nbsp;

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Thousands of people began leaving their homes in South Korea after at least 31 people lost their lives and dozens were reported missing amid flood-causing rain and landslides.

Thousands of people began leaving their homes in South Korea after at least 31 people lost their lives and dozens were reported missing amid flood-causing rain and landslides. Heavy rainfall in South Korea during the ongoing monsoon season has triggered widespread flooding and landslides. South Korea floods: Most affected regions Most of the casualties have been reported to be in the North Gyeongsang province. In the most severely affected areas, "entire houses were swept away whole", one emergency responder was quoted as saying by Yonhap agency. South Korea floods: Goesan Dam surpasses capacity Early on Saturday, the Goesan Dam reportedly surpassed its capacity following which more than 6,400 residents in the central Goesan county were being evacuated. Officials said that missing people were swept away when a river overflowed in the North Gyeongsang province. South Korea floods: Rescue workers battle difficult terrain According to Yonhap, in Cheongju, North Chungcheong province, rescue workers were engaged in a difficult battle to reach dozens of cars trapped in an underground tunnel. One person was found dead at the scene. The water levels in the tunnel remained dangerously high, making it unclear how many individuals were still trapped inside their vehicles. Death toll in South Korea flash floods likely to rise Flash flooding occurred swiftly, preventing people from escaping in time, officials said. Yonhap reported that the death toll is expected to increase as local government agencies assess the extent of the damage across the country. Also watch | Torrential rain, flooding kill at least 8 in South Korea's capital Seoul | WION Climate Tracker × Consequently, in response to this ongoing crisis, all regular train services throughout the nation were suspended as of 2 pm (0500 GMT). However, the KTX high-speed trains were still operational, albeit with potential adjustments to their schedules, as confirmed by the Korea Railroad Corporation. Due to the heavy rain and flooding, roads were closed, and trails in national parks were shut down. Also read | South Korea's President Yeol makes sudden Ukraine visit to meet Zelensky The Korea Meteorological Administration issued warnings for heavy rain, predicting further precipitation until upcoming Wednesday, stating that the weather poses "grave" danger. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo of South Korea urgently called on officials to take proactive measures to prevent river overflows and landslides. 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 flood fury leaves 31 dead, dozens missing, more 'grave' rainfall forecast

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news and top headlines from all across the globe -Want a peaceful resolution to Ukraine crisis, says Beijing. Meanwhile South Korea calls for North Korea to stop threatening neighbors.

South Korea calls for North Korea to stop threatening neighbors

In yet another grim milestone, South Korea fertility rate dropped to a new low as the country smashed its previous records. The figures revealed by the national statistics body on Wednesday (February 22) highlight that the fertility rate - or the average number of expected babies per South Korean woman over her reproductive life - fell to 0.78 in 2022, down from 0.81 a year earlier. This is viewed as a fresh setback to the country's efforts to boost its declining population.

South Korea, according to a report by CNN, needs a fertility rate of 2.1 to maintain a stable population. While the birth rate in the South East Asian nation has been falling since 2015, it has recorded more deaths than births for the first time since 2020. Its population reportedly shrank for the first time in 2021. Among other concerns is the likely impact of the falling birth rate on the economy of the country, which currently holds the tenth position globally.

Also watch: In ageing South Korea, free subway rides for elderly become political headache

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<h2>South Korea's fresh worry</h2>

The new fertility rate is also the lowest among countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), which had an average rate of 1.59 in 2020, and far below 1.64 in the United States and 1.33 in Japan the same year. Seoul, the country's capital, has registered a fertility rate of .59.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-a-prophet-tell-south-koreas-president-to-leave-the-blue-house-564682">Did a ‘prophet’ tell South Korea’s president to leave the Blue House? Yoon debunks claim</a>

Despite spending billions on child subsidies, the government has not been able to achieve the desired outcome. Amid sky-high housing and education costs, marriages are also plunging in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In yet another grim milestone, South Korea fertility rate dropped to a new low as the country smashed its previous records. The figures revealed by the national statistics body on Wednesday (February 22) highlight that the fertility rate - or the average number of expected babies per South Korean woman over her reproductive life - fell to 0.

In yet another grim milestone, South Korea fertility rate dropped to a new low as the country smashed its previous records. The figures revealed by the national statistics body on Wednesday (February 22) highlight that the fertility rate - or the average number of expected babies per South Korean woman over her reproductive life - fell to 0.78 in 2022, down from 0.81 a year earlier. This is viewed as a fresh setback to the country's efforts to boost its declining population. South Korea, according to a report by CNN, needs a fertility rate of 2.1 to maintain a stable population. While the birth rate in the South East Asian nation has been falling since 2015, it has recorded more deaths than births for the first time since 2020. Its population reportedly shrank for the first time in 2021. Among other concerns is the likely impact of the falling birth rate on the economy of the country, which currently holds the tenth position globally. Also watch: In ageing South Korea, free subway rides for elderly become political headache × South Korea's fresh worry The new fertility rate is also the lowest among countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), which had an average rate of 1.59 in 2020, and far below 1.64 in the United States and 1.33 in Japan the same year. Seoul, the country's capital, has registered a fertility rate of .59. Also read: Did a ‘prophet’ tell South Korea’s president to leave the Blue House? Yoon debunks claim Despite spending billions on child subsidies, the government has not been able to achieve the desired outcome. Amid sky-high housing and education costs, marriages are also plunging in the country. (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.

This country has the world's lowest fertility rate, breaks its own record

The South Korean Police on Friday (January 13) blamed negligence and planning failures for the Halloween stampede in the Itaewon neighbourhood of Seoul on October 29 last year that killed 159 people.

The South Korean Police on Friday (January 13) blamed negligence and planning failures for the Halloween stampede in the Itaewon neighbourhood of Seoul on October 29 last year that killed 159 people. A special investigation team, which spent months combing through evidence and interviewing officials, said there were massive planning and response failures, a report by the news agency AFP said. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Sohn Je-hanm who led the investigation, said, "Organisations that are legally obligated to prevent and respond to disasters -- police, district offices and Seoul Metro -- did not establish safety measures in advance or came up with poor plans." Je-hanm said that on the day of the disaster, appropriate measures were not taken even after receiving rescue requests. ALSO READ | Police officer facing investigation for Itaewon Halloween crush in South Korea found dead The poor cooperation between agencies and delay in communications and relief efforts contributed to a higher number of deaths in the stampede, according to the report. The investigation team named 23 people, including the head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, to prosecutors. On the other hand, six people have been arrested including Lee Im-jae, the former head of the Yongsan Police Station, which oversees Itaewon, and Park Hee-young, the head of the Yongsan district office. No top government officials blamed by special team, bereaved families criticise probe In its probe, the special investigation team of the South Korean Police did not blame officials from the Seoul city government, the interior ministry, or the national policy agency. Sohn Je-hanm said on Friday the reason for this was that it was "difficult to conclude that there was a concrete violation of duty", the AFP report said. Opposition lawmakers and bereaved families have criticised the police investigation for failing to hold top officials accountable for the tragedy. "We have so many questions unanswered," Lee Jong-chul, head of a group representing the bereaved families, told reporters as he arrived at a prosecutors' office in Seoul, a report by news agency Reuters on Friday said. Jong-chu said he came to the office to give a victim's statement, expecting a better and expanded probe. Following the October 29 tragedy, South Korea's Minister of Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min has faced calls to step down. Lee Sang-min has been widely criticised for claiming that having more personnel from the police and the fire department would not have prevented the stampede. The minister issued repeated apologies including in person to the victim's families last week, the AFP report said. However, he has not offered to step down from the top post. (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 Halloween crowd crush: Cops blame negligence for fatal incident

From next year, the Koreans would have to include their birth date to calculate their age, which will make them at least one or two years younger. The international method of calculating age will be implemented from June 2023.

South Koreans will become younger by the summer of 2023

South Korea's government has issued an order against the striking truckers in the cement industry to return to work . Watch this video to know more.

South Korea orders striking truckers in cement industry to return to work

A proposal by South Korean presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung of allowing public healthcare insurance to cover hair loss treatment has received mixed reactions.

Fanning both cheers from some voters and criticism over his populist agenda, it has ignited a hairy debate in the country.

Lee Jae-myung, the flag bearer of the Democratic Party, made that pledge, saying almost 10 million people suffer from hair loss but many of them order medicines from overseas or resort to prostate drugs as an alternative due to high treatment costs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-calls-norths-recent-hypersonic-missile-launch-claim-an-exaggeration-443060" hreflang="en">South Korea calls North’s recent hypersonic missile launch claim an 'exaggeration'</a>

Since his proposal was disclosed earlier this week, hair loss has emerged as a hot-button topic ahead of March’s presidential vote in South Korea, where previous elections have focused on North Korea’s nuclear program, relations with the US, scandals, and economic problems.

Lee Jae-myung isn’t bald. But he is enjoying the support of many bald voters over his push for government payments for hair loss treatments.

Online communities for bald people are flooded with messages supporting his proposal.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-launch-china-urges-caution-japan-calls-it-regrettable-442436" hreflang="en">North Korean launch: China urges caution, Japan calls it regrettable</a>

"Let's implant Lee Jae-myung for us," a user wrote, replying to a post of Lee's slogans on hair loss uploaded in an online hair loss community.

There is also strong criticism that it’s just a populism-driven campaign pledge by Lee, the governing party candidate, to win votes.

Lee Sang-ee, a professor at Jeju National University's medical school, said the national health insurance might falter if it spends hundreds of billions of won to cover hair loss, when it is designed to help those suffering from serious ailments.

Currently, hair loss related to aging and hereditary factors is not covered by the government-run insurance program. Hair loss treatments are only supported if the loss is caused by certain diseases.

(With inputs from agencies)

A proposal by South Korean presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung of allowing public healthcare insurance to cover hair loss treatment has received mixed reactions.

A proposal by South Korean presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung of allowing public healthcare insurance to cover hair loss treatment has received mixed reactions. Fanning both cheers from some voters and criticism over his populist agenda, it has ignited a hairy debate in the country. Lee Jae-myung, the flag bearer of the Democratic Party, made that pledge, saying almost 10 million people suffer from hair loss but many of them order medicines from overseas or resort to prostate drugs as an alternative due to high treatment costs. Also read | South Korea calls North’s recent hypersonic missile launch claim an 'exaggeration' Since his proposal was disclosed earlier this week, hair loss has emerged as a hot-button topic ahead of March’s presidential vote in South Korea, where previous elections have focused on North Korea’s nuclear program, relations with the US, scandals, and economic problems. Lee Jae-myung isn’t bald. But he is enjoying the support of many bald voters over his push for government payments for hair loss treatments. Online communities for bald people are flooded with messages supporting his proposal. Also Read: North Korean launch: China urges caution, Japan calls it regrettable "Let's implant Lee Jae-myung for us," a user wrote, replying to a post of Lee's slogans on hair loss uploaded in an online hair loss community. There is also strong criticism that it’s just a populism-driven campaign pledge by Lee, the governing party candidate, to win votes. Lee Sang-ee, a professor at Jeju National University's medical school, said the national health insurance might falter if it spends hundreds of billions of won to cover hair loss, when it is designed to help those suffering from serious ailments. Currently, hair loss related to aging and hereditary factors is not covered by the government-run insurance program. Hair loss treatments are only supported if the loss is caused by certain diseases. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea divided over candidate's proposal of allowing health insurance to cover hair loss

South Korea's Prime Minister arrived in Tehran for talks over $7 billion of Iranian funds trapped in his country by US sanctions.

Iran accused South Korea of holding 'hostage' $7 billion funds

South Korea reported 444 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, up from 344 on Monday, raising the country’s tally to 90,816 infections.

South Korea: 2 patient dies after receiving AstraZeneca vaccine

The government has called for "fundamental changes" over the latest census figures released at the weekend.

Your Story: South Korea's population declines for the first time ever

South Korea on Tuesday tightened nationwide restrictions on gatherings and travel to suppress the country's third wave of coronavirus infections since the start of the pandemic.

South Korea tightens restrictions for holidays as COVID cases surge

South Korea reported a record 1,097 new coronavirus cases on Sunday including an outbreak in a Seoul prison that infected 188 as the country's latest wave of COVID-19 worsens.

Prison reports major COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea

“The third wave of COVID-19 outbreaks is increasingly in full swing,” Health Minister Park Neung-hoo told a briefing.

South Korea to close bars, restrict restaurants amid coronavirus spike

Nikkei rises 1.1 per cent to nine-month top, South Korean index gains 1.5 per cent.

Asian shares rally to near 3-year high

South Korea's headline inflation slowed sharply in October after notching a six-month high the previous month.

South Korea's inflation slows sharply in October

Suga took office in mid-September after his predecessor, Shinzo Abe, stepped down for health reasons. By continuing Abe's hard-line stance against South Korea

Japan tells South Korea it will skip trilateral summit over labor dispute

The way obsessive piety has crippled the fight against the Wuhan virus shows that reason cannot triumph religion.

Despite being hailed for its gold-standard response against COVID-19, South Korea fell is battling a massive surge in cases because of a church for the second time.

A fresh wave of infections erupted at a church in Seoul whose members attended a large protest&nbsp;in mid-August, becoming the country's largest cluster in the greater capital area. The outbreak has driven triple-digit increases in daily COVID-19 cases for more than a month.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/attempting-to-disinfect-south-korean-church-officials-mistakenly-infect-people-with-covid-19-287013">Attempting to disinfect, South Korean church officials mistakenly infect people with COVID-19</a>

The metropolitan government in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea's capital Seoul said on Friday it would seek $4 million&nbsp;in damages against a church for causing the spread of the coronavirus by disrupting tracing and testing efforts.

The Seoul city government said it will file a lawsuit against the Sarang Jeil Church and its leader, Rev. Jun Kwang-hoon, accusing them of disrupting coronavirus tests and providing inaccurate lists of its members which it said aggravated the latest epidemic.

"The city is seeking to hold the church and the pastor responsible for contributing to the nationwide re-spread of COVID-19 by refusing and hindering epidemiological surveys or aiding and abetting such acts, as well as submitting false materials," it said in a statement.

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Calls to the church seeking comment went unanswered. Jun, a harsh critic of the government, was re-imprisoned early this month for attending the August&nbsp;15 rally in violation of his bail in April, when he participated in an illegal political protest ahead the parliamentary election and was indicted on charges of breaking election laws.

The cluster has inflicted government losses totalling at least $11.3 million&nbsp;the city said.

The National Health Insurance Service has also said it will sue the church for indemnity worth $4.7 million.

The&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 126 new cases as of midnight Thursday, which brought the total infections to 22,783, with 377 deaths.

The numbers, which peaked at 441, have steadily fallen to the low 100s after the government imposed unprecedented social distancing curbs late last month.

But authorities remained on high alert ahead of a major traditional holiday next week when usually tens of millions of&nbsp;Koreans travel across the country, urging restraint on trips and gatherings.

"The holiday period will be a pivotal moment in our anti-virus campaign," said Yoon Tae-ho, director-general for public health policy at the health ministry.

History repeats itself

South Korea had reported a similar outbreak in March when&nbsp;a church used an unclean&nbsp;bottle&nbsp;sprayed saltwater into the mouths of people visiting the place of worship.&nbsp;The gathering took place on March 8 at the River of Grace Community Church in Seongnam near Seoul.

Out of the&nbsp;135 followers of the church,&nbsp;46 people who attended the event later&nbsp;contracted coronavirus, including the pastor and his wife.

The pastor of the church, Kim,&nbsp;reportedly apologised for spreading the infection.

''I feel deeply sorry about what has happened. I will take all the blame and responsibility'', Kim told Yonhap News Agency.

The pastor also suggested that he intends to retire once the pandemic is over.

The way obsessive piety has crippled the fight against the Wuhan virus shows that reason cannot triumph religion. Despite being hailed for its gold-standard response against COVID-19, South Korea fell is battling a massive surge in cases because of a church for the second time.

The way obsessive piety has crippled the fight against the Wuhan virus shows that reason cannot triumph religion. Despite being hailed for its gold-standard response against COVID-19, South Korea fell is battling a massive surge in cases because of a church for the second time. A fresh wave of infections erupted at a church in Seoul whose members attended a large protest in mid-August, becoming the country's largest cluster in the greater capital area. The outbreak has driven triple-digit increases in daily COVID-19 cases for more than a month. Also read: Attempting to disinfect, South Korean church officials mistakenly infect people with COVID-19 The metropolitan government in South Korea's capital Seoul said on Friday it would seek $4 million in damages against a church for causing the spread of the coronavirus by disrupting tracing and testing efforts. The Seoul city government said it will file a lawsuit against the Sarang Jeil Church and its leader, Rev. Jun Kwang-hoon, accusing them of disrupting coronavirus tests and providing inaccurate lists of its members which it said aggravated the latest epidemic. "The city is seeking to hold the church and the pastor responsible for contributing to the nationwide re-spread of COVID-19 by refusing and hindering epidemiological surveys or aiding and abetting such acts, as well as submitting false materials," it said in a statement. × Calls to the church seeking comment went unanswered. Jun, a harsh critic of the government, was re-imprisoned early this month for attending the August 15 rally in violation of his bail in April, when he participated in an illegal political protest ahead the parliamentary election and was indicted on charges of breaking election laws. The cluster has inflicted government losses totalling at least $11.3 million the city said. The National Health Insurance Service has also said it will sue the church for indemnity worth $4.7 million. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 126 new cases as of midnight Thursday, which brought the total infections to 22,783, with 377 deaths. The numbers, which peaked at 441, have steadily fallen to the low 100s after the government imposed unprecedented social distancing curbs late last month. But authorities remained on high alert ahead of a major traditional holiday next week when usually tens of millions of Koreans travel across the country, urging restraint on trips and gatherings. "The holiday period will be a pivotal moment in our anti-virus campaign," said Yoon Tae-ho, director-general for public health policy at the health ministry. History repeats itself South Korea had reported a similar outbreak in March when a church used an unclean bottle sprayed saltwater into the mouths of people visiting the place of worship. The gathering took place on March 8 at the River of Grace Community Church in Seongnam near Seoul. Out of the 135 followers of the church, 46 people who attended the event later contracted coronavirus, including the pastor and his wife. The pastor of the church, Kim, reportedly apologised for spreading the infection. ''I feel deeply sorry about what has happened. I will take all the blame and responsibility'', Kim told Yonhap News Agency. The pastor also suggested that he intends to retire once the pandemic is over.

Churches are becoming South Korea's coronavirus battleground

Kim Yo-jong, North Korea's de facto second-in-command, has been out of the public eye for more than a month, leaving the South Korean government and experts scrambling to find out what has happened to the powerful sister of leader Kim Jong-un.

Kim Yo-Jong disappears from public radar, expected to return by Oct 10

South Korea’s factory output grew for a second straight month in July, after marking the fastest growth since 2009 in June, though a resurgence in coronavirus infections is expected to further weigh on the economy.

Second straight monthly rise registered in South Korean factories

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

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

South Korea reported a three-digit increase in novel coronavirus cases for a fifth day on Tuesday as authorities scrambled to trace hundreds of members of a church congregation, and the military locked down bases to stop the spread of the virus.

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 246 new cases as of midnight on Monday, two days after the reimposition of stricter social-distancing curbs in the Seoul metropolitan area.

South Korea has been one of the world's coronavirus mitigation success stories but it has suffered repeated spikes in infections and its total number of cases is 15,761, with 306 deaths.

Also read:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-korea-begin-joint-military-drills-after-virus-delay-321419" hreflang="en">US, South Korea begin joint military drills after virus delay</a>

At least 457 infections had been linked to the Sarang Jeil Church, 10 of whom were confirmed to have attended anti-government demonstrations over the past two weekends in Seoul, Vice Health Minister&nbsp;Kim Gang-lip&nbsp;told a briefing.

The authorities were trying to trace hundreds more members of the congregation to tell them to self-quarantine and get tested as they posed the highest transmission risk, said Kim.

Authorities have warned of a looming crisis if new outbreaks cannot be controlled, with the health system in danger of being swamped and the risk of serious economic damage.

"If the spread ... is not contained this week, it can not only halt the daily routine of the metropolitan area, with a 25 million population, but also put the safety of the elderly and the weak at risk," KCDC deputy director Kwon Jun-wook told a briefing.

Another cluster has been traced to a Starbucks Corp outlet outside Seoul with seven new cases taking the tally there to 49.

Two new cases were reported in the military, bringing the total number of infections on bases to 88, the defence ministry said.

Some 461 military personnel were in quarantine, and all troops have been confined to base, with leave cancelled and visits halted for the rest of August.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun convened an emergency meeting to discuss extending curbs nationwide.

The Seoul metropolitan area is under phase 2 restrictions, limiting indoor gatherings to fewer than 50 people and outdoor gatherings to no more than 100, and with spectators banned from sports.

Health authorities had categorized social distancing rules in three stages - stage 1 being the least intense and stage 3 the toughest, where schools are shut, businesses are advised to work from home and gatherings limited to 10 people.

Kwon said the effort was at a "grave crossroads".

"If not controlled and restrained at this level, we can't avoid an upgraded phase 3 social distancing," he said.

South Korea reported a three-digit increase in novel coronavirus cases for a fifth day on Tuesday as authorities scrambled to trace hundreds of members of a church congregation, and the military locked down bases to stop the spread of the virus.

South Korea reported a three-digit increase in novel coronavirus cases for a fifth day on Tuesday as authorities scrambled to trace hundreds of members of a church congregation, and the military locked down bases to stop the spread of the virus. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 246 new cases as of midnight on Monday, two days after the reimposition of stricter social-distancing curbs in the Seoul metropolitan area. South Korea has been one of the world's coronavirus mitigation success stories but it has suffered repeated spikes in infections and its total number of cases is 15,761, with 306 deaths. Also read: US, South Korea begin joint military drills after virus delay At least 457 infections had been linked to the Sarang Jeil Church, 10 of whom were confirmed to have attended anti-government demonstrations over the past two weekends in Seoul, Vice Health Minister Kim Gang-lip told a briefing. The authorities were trying to trace hundreds more members of the congregation to tell them to self-quarantine and get tested as they posed the highest transmission risk, said Kim. Authorities have warned of a looming crisis if new outbreaks cannot be controlled, with the health system in danger of being swamped and the risk of serious economic damage. "If the spread ... is not contained this week, it can not only halt the daily routine of the metropolitan area, with a 25 million population, but also put the safety of the elderly and the weak at risk," KCDC deputy director Kwon Jun-wook told a briefing. Another cluster has been traced to a Starbucks Corp outlet outside Seoul with seven new cases taking the tally there to 49. Two new cases were reported in the military, bringing the total number of infections on bases to 88, the defence ministry said. Some 461 military personnel were in quarantine, and all troops have been confined to base, with leave cancelled and visits halted for the rest of August. Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun convened an emergency meeting to discuss extending curbs nationwide. The Seoul metropolitan area is under phase 2 restrictions, limiting indoor gatherings to fewer than 50 people and outdoor gatherings to no more than 100, and with spectators banned from sports. Health authorities had categorized social distancing rules in three stages - stage 1 being the least intense and stage 3 the toughest, where schools are shut, businesses are advised to work from home and gatherings limited to 10 people. Kwon said the effort was at a "grave crossroads". "If not controlled and restrained at this level, we can't avoid an upgraded phase 3 social distancing," he said.

South Korea traces church members, confines troops to base as virus spreads

After 42 days of consecutive rains in South Korea, 14 people have lost their lives and more than 1000 people were forced out of their homes. This has been the longest monsoon in seven years.

South Korea floods: Landslides kill 14 in South Korea | Longest monsoon in 7 years

As the pandemic continues to batter the global economy, South Korea has recently recorded its worst GDP growth since the Asian financial crisis

South Korea GDP to show recession; Factory activity shrinks

A Chinese giant panda at&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea’s Everland amusement park has given birth to a cub, the zoo said on Wednesday, the first baby panda born in the country and a rare event for an endangered species.

The seven-year-old female panda named Ai Bao mated with eight-year-old male panda Le Bao, in late March and gave birth to a healthy cub at 21:49 local time on Monday night in Yongin, the zoo said.

The panda couple’s first cub was confirmed to be a female measuring 16.5 cm (6.5 inches) and weighing 197 grams (7 oz), the zoo said, adding that both baby and mother pandas appear healthy.

In footage released by Everland, Ai Bao was seen crawling along the ground before giving birth and licking the wriggling cub.

The zoo made a special shelter for the baby panda, who will make her public debut in about five or six months' time, once she can walk and eat bamboo. Before that both she and her mother will stay behind the scenes for health reasons.

Giant pandas are one of the world’s most endangered species. Female pandas are able to conceive only once a year for one to three days in March to April, which makes reproduction difficult, the zoo said in a statement.

The pair arrived in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;from Sichuan Province of China on a 15-year loan in 2016, as agreed by the two countries during a summit in 2014.

China has been sending its black and white ambassadors abroad in a sign of goodwill since the 1950s as part of what is known as 'panda diplomacy'.

The pandas are the first to arrive in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;from China since 1994. The cub is expected to return to China in three or four years' time, the zoo said.

A Chinese giant panda at South Korea’s Everland amusement park has given birth to a cub, the zoo said on Wednesday, the first baby panda born in the country and a rare event for an endangered species.

A Chinese giant panda at South Korea’s Everland amusement park has given birth to a cub, the zoo said on Wednesday, the first baby panda born in the country and a rare event for an endangered species. The seven-year-old female panda named Ai Bao mated with eight-year-old male panda Le Bao, in late March and gave birth to a healthy cub at 21:49 local time on Monday night in Yongin, the zoo said. The panda couple’s first cub was confirmed to be a female measuring 16.5 cm (6.5 inches) and weighing 197 grams (7 oz), the zoo said, adding that both baby and mother pandas appear healthy. In footage released by Everland, Ai Bao was seen crawling along the ground before giving birth and licking the wriggling cub. The zoo made a special shelter for the baby panda, who will make her public debut in about five or six months' time, once she can walk and eat bamboo. Before that both she and her mother will stay behind the scenes for health reasons. Giant pandas are one of the world’s most endangered species. Female pandas are able to conceive only once a year for one to three days in March to April, which makes reproduction difficult, the zoo said in a statement. The pair arrived in South Korea from Sichuan Province of China on a 15-year loan in 2016, as agreed by the two countries during a summit in 2014. China has been sending its black and white ambassadors abroad in a sign of goodwill since the 1950s as part of what is known as 'panda diplomacy'. The pandas are the first to arrive in South Korea from China since 1994. The cub is expected to return to China in three or four years' time, the zoo said.

First-ever giant panda cub born in South Korean zoo

With this, the total tally climbed to 11,344 with 10,340 recoveries and 269 fatalities, as per Johns Hopkins tracker.

Lockdown measures re-implemented in South Korea as nation battles second wave

COVID-19: South korea reports biggest daily rise in 49 days

Widespread testing, intensive contact tracing and tracking apps have enabled South Korea to limit the spread of the pandemic with social distancing rather than lengthy lockdowns.

South Korea emerges as a role model for the world?

On April 14, South Korea reported that North Korea conducted tests of short-range cruise missiles of its coast in honor of Kim’s grandfather’s birthday.

South Korea Says Kim Jong Un Is 'Alive And Well'

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