In South Korea, a blogger has courted controversy by claiming that she terminated her pregnancy at 36 weeks or nine months. Her claims are being investigated for murder and have prompted horror.&nbsp;

But how is such a thing possible? Let's have a look at South Korean abortion laws.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:100,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1787}">The case</h2>

According to a CNN report, police in Seoul began investigating the woman in July at the request of the South Korean government after the blogger posted a video on YouTube purportedly documenting her experience of getting an abortion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:212,&quot;w&quot;:585,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1899}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-boy-abducted-at-age-of-6-found-alive-after-70-years-through-online-dna-match-761106">US: Boy abducted at age of 6 found alive after 70 years through online DNA match</a>&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:248,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1935}">South Korean abortion laws</h2>

In the country, currently, there are no laws governing when, where, or how abortions can take place.&nbsp;

However, this was not always the case. For the last four years, there has been a policy vacuum.&nbsp;But before that, strict laws governing the medical procedure made abortion&nbsp;a crime punishable by up to two years in prison. It only limited exceptions for rape, incest, and a threat to the life, health of the mother or the baby.

In 2019, the South Korean Constitutional Court overturned the stringent ban and gave the National Assembly under the end of 2020 to enact new abortion laws with a recommended term of up to 22 weeks. However, the legislature did not manage to meet the prescribed deadline, effectively legalizing abortion at any stage of pregnancy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-cathay-pacific-bans-chinese-couple-who-verbally-abused-woman-for-reclining-her-chair-761178">Watch: Cathay Pacific bans HK couple who kicked, verbally abused Chinese woman for reclining her chair</a>

In June, in a statement posted to its website, South Korea's Ministry of Justice said that "the direction, details, and timing of the revision" of the country's abortion laws is yet to be decided, and that it needs to consult with the Health and Welfare Ministry — which oversees the Maternal and Child Health Act.

"The Ministry of Justice will do its best to discuss the issue so that the right to life of the fetus, and the right to health and the right to self-determination of the pregnant woman can be harmonised," it added.

Even though the abortion ban is no longer in place, there exists an absence of clear regulation due to which there exists a grey area about what is permitted and what is not. As per CNN, credible information about where to get an abortion is hard to get by.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In South Korea, a blogger has courted controversy by claiming that she terminated her pregnancy at 36 weeks or nine months. Her claims are being investigated for murder and have prompted horror.

In South Korea, a blogger has courted controversy by claiming that she terminated her pregnancy at 36 weeks or nine months. Her claims are being investigated for murder and have prompted horror. But how is such a thing possible? Let's have a look at South Korean abortion laws. The case According to a CNN report, police in Seoul began investigating the woman in July at the request of the South Korean government after the blogger posted a video on YouTube purportedly documenting her experience of getting an abortion. Also read | US: Boy abducted at age of 6 found alive after 70 years through online DNA match South Korean abortion laws In the country, currently, there are no laws governing when, where, or how abortions can take place. However, this was not always the case. For the last four years, there has been a policy vacuum. But before that, strict laws governing the medical procedure made abortion a crime punishable by up to two years in prison. It only limited exceptions for rape, incest, and a threat to the life, health of the mother or the baby. In 2019, the South Korean Constitutional Court overturned the stringent ban and gave the National Assembly under the end of 2020 to enact new abortion laws with a recommended term of up to 22 weeks. However, the legislature did not manage to meet the prescribed deadline, effectively legalizing abortion at any stage of pregnancy. Also read | Watch: Cathay Pacific bans HK couple who kicked, verbally abused Chinese woman for reclining her chair In June, in a statement posted to its website, South Korea's Ministry of Justice said that "the direction, details, and timing of the revision" of the country's abortion laws is yet to be decided, and that it needs to consult with the Health and Welfare Ministry — which oversees the Maternal and Child Health Act. "The Ministry of Justice will do its best to discuss the issue so that the right to life of the fetus, and the right to health and the right to self-determination of the pregnant woman can be harmonised," it added. Even though the abortion ban is no longer in place, there exists an absence of clear regulation due to which there exists a grey area about what is permitted and what is not. As per CNN, credible information about where to get an abortion is hard to get by. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korean blogger claims to have terminated pregnancy at 9 months. How is that possible?

K-pop, or Korean Pop, has transcended the realm of music to become a global phenomenon. 
 
From catchy tunes and synchronised dance routines to meticulously crafted visuals and dedicated fandoms, K-pop has captivated audiences worldwide. 
 
But beyond the dazzling performances lies a significant economic impact on South Korea. 
 
This article explores how K-pop has fueled various sectors of the Korean economy over time. 
 
A wave of revenue: Exports and music sales 
 
The rise of K-pop has been a boon for South Korea's cultural exports. 
 
According to a report by the Korea Creative Content Agency, the export value of K-Pop-related products and services surged from a mere $40 million in 2003 to over $5 billion in 2018. 
 
This remarkable growth translates to a significant contribution to South Korea's GDP. 
 
According to a report by the Hyundai Research Institute, the K-pop industry contributed approximately 1.7 per cent of South Korea’s GDP in 2018, up from 0.3 per cent in 2009. 
 
The report estimated that the industry’s contribution to the country’s GDP could increase to 3 per cent by 2020. 
Even with a slight revision, K-Pop remains a significant contributor to the Korean economy. 
 
Direct economic effects are evident in music sales and streaming platforms. South Korea boasts a strong physical CD market, with fans eagerly collecting albums from their favourite groups. 
 
Streaming platforms are another avenue for revenue generation, as K-pop artists like BTS dominate global charts. 
 
Notably, the South Korean music industry, heavily influenced by K-pop, &nbsp;reached a record-breaking revenue of approximately 11 trillion KRW in 2022, with an export value exceeding $927 million, according to Statista. 
 
These figures highlight the substantial revenue generated through music sales and streaming. 
 
Beyond music: A boost for derivative industries 
 
K-Pop's impact extends beyond music, creating a vibrant ecosystem of derivative industries. 
 
Fan merchandise, encompassing everything from clothing and accessories to light sticks and photocards, is a major source of income. 
 
The success of K-pop groups often translates into lucrative endorsement deals with fashion brands, cosmetics companies, and other businesses. 
 
For instance, BTS' collaboration with Louis Vuitton garnered significant attention and sales for the luxury brand. 
 
This cross-promotion benefits both K-pop groups and the brands they partner with, creating a win-win situation for the Korean economy. 
 
Furthermore, K-Pop fuels tourism in South Korea. Fans travel from around the world to attend concerts, visit filming locations, and experience Korean culture firsthand. 
 
This "Hallyu tourism" phenomenon injects significant revenue into the tourism sector, contributing to travel agencies and restaurants, hotels, and local businesses catering to these international visitors. 
 
The power of branding and soft power 
 
The global appeal of K-pop has significantly enhanced South Korea's brand image. K-pop music videos often showcase stunning Korean landscapes and fashion, piquing international interest in Korean culture. 
 
This "soft power" allows South Korea to project a positive image on the global stage, attracting tourists and investors alike. 
 
Studies suggest successful cultural exports like K-pop can improve a country's national image and enhance its global influence. 
 
Challenges and the road ahead 
 
Despite the undeniable economic benefits, K-Pop also faces challenges. 
 
The industry's intense training regimes and competitive nature raise concerns about artist well-being. 
 
Additionally, the reliance on physical albums might need to adapt as streaming platforms dominate music consumption. 
 
However, the future of K-Pop remains promising. The industry is constantly evolving, embracing new technologies and incorporating global influences.&nbsp; 
 
According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, The global K-pop events market was valued at $8.1 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $20 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.3 per cent from 2022 to 2031. 
 
By addressing the challenges and capitalising on new opportunities, K-pop is well-positioned to maintain its economic engine status for South Korea for years to come. 
 
Korean economy in a nutshell 
 
K-pop has become more than just catchy music; it's a cultural phenomenon with a profound economic impact on South Korea. 
 
K-pop has become a cornerstone of the Korean economy, from generating revenue through music sales and derivative industries to boosting tourism and enhancing national branding. 
 
While challenges remain, K-Pop's constant evolution and global appeal bode well for its continued success as a cultural and economic powerhouse for South Korea. 
 
Stay tuned for more...

K-pop, or Korean Pop, has transcended the realm of music to become a global phenomenon. From catchy tunes and synchronised dance routines to meticulously crafted visuals and dedicated fandoms, K-pop has captivated audiences worldwide.

K-pop, or Korean Pop, has transcended the realm of music to become a global phenomenon. From catchy tunes and synchronised dance routines to meticulously crafted visuals and dedicated fandoms, K-pop has captivated audiences worldwide. But beyond the dazzling performances lies a significant economic impact on South Korea. This article explores how K-pop has fueled various sectors of the Korean economy over time. A wave of revenue: Exports and music sales The rise of K-pop has been a boon for South Korea's cultural exports. According to a report by the Korea Creative Content Agency, the export value of K-Pop-related products and services surged from a mere $40 million in 2003 to over $5 billion in 2018. This remarkable growth translates to a significant contribution to South Korea's GDP. According to a report by the Hyundai Research Institute, the K-pop industry contributed approximately 1.7 per cent of South Korea’s GDP in 2018, up from 0.3 per cent in 2009. The report estimated that the industry’s contribution to the country’s GDP could increase to 3 per cent by 2020. Even with a slight revision, K-Pop remains a significant contributor to the Korean economy. Direct economic effects are evident in music sales and streaming platforms. South Korea boasts a strong physical CD market, with fans eagerly collecting albums from their favourite groups. Streaming platforms are another avenue for revenue generation, as K-pop artists like BTS dominate global charts. Notably, the South Korean music industry, heavily influenced by K-pop, reached a record-breaking revenue of approximately 11 trillion KRW in 2022, with an export value exceeding $927 million, according to Statista. These figures highlight the substantial revenue generated through music sales and streaming. Beyond music: A boost for derivative industries K-Pop's impact extends beyond music, creating a vibrant ecosystem of derivative industries. Fan merchandise, encompassing everything from clothing and accessories to light sticks and photocards, is a major source of income. The success of K-pop groups often translates into lucrative endorsement deals with fashion brands, cosmetics companies, and other businesses. For instance, BTS' collaboration with Louis Vuitton garnered significant attention and sales for the luxury brand. This cross-promotion benefits both K-pop groups and the brands they partner with, creating a win-win situation for the Korean economy. Furthermore, K-Pop fuels tourism in South Korea. Fans travel from around the world to attend concerts, visit filming locations, and experience Korean culture firsthand. This "Hallyu tourism" phenomenon injects significant revenue into the tourism sector, contributing to travel agencies and restaurants, hotels, and local businesses catering to these international visitors. The power of branding and soft power The global appeal of K-pop has significantly enhanced South Korea's brand image. K-pop music videos often showcase stunning Korean landscapes and fashion, piquing international interest in Korean culture. This "soft power" allows South Korea to project a positive image on the global stage, attracting tourists and investors alike. Studies suggest successful cultural exports like K-pop can improve a country's national image and enhance its global influence. Challenges and the road ahead Despite the undeniable economic benefits, K-Pop also faces challenges. The industry's intense training regimes and competitive nature raise concerns about artist well-being. Additionally, the reliance on physical albums might need to adapt as streaming platforms dominate music consumption. However, the future of K-Pop remains promising. The industry is constantly evolving, embracing new technologies and incorporating global influences. According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, The global K-pop events market was valued at $8.1 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $20 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.3 per cent from 2022 to 2031. By addressing the challenges and capitalising on new opportunities, K-pop is well-positioned to maintain its economic engine status for South Korea for years to come. Korean economy in a nutshell K-pop has become more than just catchy music; it's a cultural phenomenon with a profound economic impact on South Korea. K-pop has become a cornerstone of the Korean economy, from generating revenue through music sales and derivative industries to boosting tourism and enhancing national branding. While challenges remain, K-Pop's constant evolution and global appeal bode well for its continued success as a cultural and economic powerhouse for South Korea. Stay tuned for more...

Flashback Friday | K-Pop: A cultural juggernaut powering the Korean economy

Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the testing of a new ballistic missile and upgraded strategic cruise missiles on 18 Sept. He positioned Pyongyang's ongoing missile expansion as a countermeasure to what he described as “the grave threat of outside forces.” This latest demonstration underscores North Korea’s defiance amid rising regional tensions.

North Korea Test-Fires New Ballistic Missile With 'Super-Large Warhead'

The tensions are escalating in the Korean Peninsula after Pyongyang test fired multiple short- range ballistic missiles towards its East Coast. Watch in for more details!

Tensions Rise In Korean Peninsula: South Korean President Urges North Korea To Halt The Provocations

South Korean firm Samsung is the market leader in India's cost competitive home appliance segment. Market leader Samsung is facing trouble from within, there is a workers protest that has been making headlines. Watch this report for more details!

Why are Samsung workers in India protesting?

BTS member J-Hope has almost completed his military service in South Korea and his fans are now counting the days for him to get discharged. The singer recently took to Weverse to mark the 30-day countdown to his military discharge scheduled for October 17, 2024. 
 
The post led to excitement amongst his fans as they expressed happiness over his impending return to civilian life. 
 
What did J-Hope say 
 
The BTS member began by writing in Korean, as translated by a fan page on X, "One month, exactly 30 days left to go! All that time flew by, but I'm already reminiscing about it, I guess I grew pretty fond of everything here. I've been packing, giving away some of the gear I came to cherish, and my locker's starting to look a bit empty." 
 
He posted a mirror selfie along with the post which further said, "And that's when the feeling really starts to sink in. I look back, and it all comes flooding back, those early days when I was nervous and tense and didn't know what I know now... that everything would be just fine (even the sound of the locker screeching open was triggering)."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
weverse 240917 
 
hobi: one month, exactly 30 days left to go! 
 
all that time flew by 
but i'm already reminiscing about it, guess i grew pretty fond of everything here. 
 
i've been packing, giving away some of the gear i came to cherish, and my locker's starting to look a bit empty <a href="https://t.co/PSqLWHjkSH">pic.twitter.com/PSqLWHjkSH</a>
— 「 claire ⁷ 」 (@btstranslation7) <a href="https://twitter.com/btstranslation7/status/1835869480171229482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

J-Hope then said, "These days, I look at the new recruits who are just starting out, and I can read their minds. It reminds me a bit of myself, so I find it kind of cute... sigh... I can't stop my emotions from taking over these strong Emotions with a capital E... well, I'm proud of myself! I made it! I say all this, and I'm writing this from my bed, haha. I really am one of those* 'so-close-to-being-discharged-sergeants'. Having the holiday (chuseok) off is pretty nice!! A full day to properly rest!" 
 
He concluded with, “Alright that was a lot but I wanted to come on here and say I hope you had a joyful chuseok... isn't it crazy it happens to be the day I start the 30-day countdown?? While everyone's peacefully winding down with family, the butterfly in my heart is fluttering around to no end.”

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ARMY reacts&nbsp; 
 
BTS fans, popularly known as ARMY, expressed joy over J-Hope's post. An X user tweeted in response, "CAN'T WAIT FOR HIM TO BE BACK ALREADY..." Another said, "His letter is so lovely... but his pic..."&nbsp; 
 
Someone also said, "It was a wonderful letter..." Another fan tweeted, “Thank you for your wonderful translations. His heartfelt expressions and gutfelt emotions come across so clearly. Appreciate the time you spend… it means so much...” 
 
All members of the BTS band are serving in the military - which is mandatory for all men above 18 in South Korea. Jin, the oldest member of BTS, was discharged from military duty in June 2024. J-Hope will be the next to get discharged.&nbsp; 
 
Suga, the third BTS member to join the military, started his service in September 2023. The rest of the members – RM, Jimin, Kim Taehyung (aka V), and Jungkook – are also serving in the South Korean military.&nbsp;

BTS member J-Hope has almost completed his military service in South Korea and his fans are now counting the days for him to get discharged. The singer recently took to Weverse to mark the 30-day countdown to his military discharge scheduled for October 17, 2024.

BTS member J-Hope has almost completed his military service in South Korea and his fans are now counting the days for him to get discharged. The singer recently took to Weverse to mark the 30-day countdown to his military discharge scheduled for October 17, 2024. The post led to excitement amongst his fans as they expressed happiness over his impending return to civilian life. What did J-Hope say The BTS member began by writing in Korean, as translated by a fan page on X, "One month, exactly 30 days left to go! All that time flew by, but I'm already reminiscing about it, I guess I grew pretty fond of everything here. I've been packing, giving away some of the gear I came to cherish, and my locker's starting to look a bit empty." He posted a mirror selfie along with the post which further said, "And that's when the feeling really starts to sink in. I look back, and it all comes flooding back, those early days when I was nervous and tense and didn't know what I know now... that everything would be just fine (even the sound of the locker screeching open was triggering)." weverse 240917 hobi: one month, exactly 30 days left to go! all that time flew by but i'm already reminiscing about it, guess i grew pretty fond of everything here. i've been packing, giving away some of the gear i came to cherish, and my locker's starting to look a bit empty pic.twitter.com/PSqLWHjkSH — 「 claire ⁷ 」 (@btstranslation7) September 17, 2024 × J-Hope then said, "These days, I look at the new recruits who are just starting out, and I can read their minds. It reminds me a bit of myself, so I find it kind of cute... sigh... I can't stop my emotions from taking over these strong Emotions with a capital E... well, I'm proud of myself! I made it! I say all this, and I'm writing this from my bed, haha. I really am one of those* 'so-close-to-being-discharged-sergeants'. Having the holiday (chuseok) off is pretty nice!! A full day to properly rest!" He concluded with, “Alright that was a lot but I wanted to come on here and say I hope you had a joyful chuseok... isn't it crazy it happens to be the day I start the 30-day countdown?? While everyone's peacefully winding down with family, the butterfly in my heart is fluttering around to no end.” Also read: Sean "Diddy" Combs arrested after grand jury indictment in sex abuse case ARMY reacts BTS fans, popularly known as ARMY, expressed joy over J-Hope's post. An X user tweeted in response, "CAN'T WAIT FOR HIM TO BE BACK ALREADY..." Another said, "His letter is so lovely... but his pic..." Someone also said, "It was a wonderful letter..." Another fan tweeted, “Thank you for your wonderful translations. His heartfelt expressions and gutfelt emotions come across so clearly. Appreciate the time you spend… it means so much...” All members of the BTS band are serving in the military - which is mandatory for all men above 18 in South Korea. Jin, the oldest member of BTS, was discharged from military duty in June 2024. J-Hope will be the next to get discharged. Suga, the third BTS member to join the military, started his service in September 2023. The rest of the members – RM, Jimin, Kim Taehyung (aka V), and Jungkook – are also serving in the South Korean military.

BTS's J-Hope begins countdown ahead of military discharge, treats fans with a mirror selfie

India men's hockey team beat South Korea 4-1 on Monday (Sep 16) in the Asian Champions Trophy semis. India will now face host China in the final on Tuesday (Sep 17). India, who won bronze in the Olympics earlier this year, has been unbeaten so far in the tournament.

For India, Jarmanpreet Singh and Uttam Singh scored one each, while skipper Harmanpreet Singh two goals. For Korea, Jihun Yang was the lone goal scorer in the&nbsp;game.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/taliban-could-now-ban-all-forms-of-cricket-in-afghanistan-reports-759060">Taliban could now ban all forms of cricket in Afghanistan: Reports</a>

India took the lead in the first quarter itself as Uttam Singh scored a goal just at the end of first 15 minutes. India had three chances to double their lead in the second quarter but could convert only one of those chances as skipper Harmanpreet scored with 9:11 minutes left in the quarter.

The next two goals came in the third quarter, with Jarmanpreet scoring two minutes into the quarter and the skipper in the final minute. Korea's only goal also came in the third quarter when Yang scored with three minutes into the quarter.

In the previous league stage encounter between the two finalists, India prevailed 3-0.

Prior to semis win, India had beaten host China, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan and Korea as well. India won against China 3-0 in their first match before beating 5-1. India then annihilated Malaysia 8-1 and won over Korea 3-1 before beating Pakistan 2-1 in their last league match.

Earlier in the day, China defeated Pakistan 2-0 via shoot-out in the first semifinal after the two teams finished 1-1 at the end of regulation 60 minutes.

Pakistan and Korea will face off in the third place classification match, which will also be played on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, in the fifth-sixth place classification match, Japan beat Malaysia 4-2 in a shootout following a 4-4 stalemate in normal time.

(With inputs from agencies)

India men's hockey team beat South Korea 4-1 on Monday (Sep 16) in the Asian Champions Trophy semis. India will now face host China in the final on Tuesday (Sep 17).

India men's hockey team beat South Korea 4-1 on Monday (Sep 16) in the Asian Champions Trophy semis. India will now face host China in the final on Tuesday (Sep 17). India, who won bronze in the Olympics earlier this year, has been unbeaten so far in the tournament. For India, Jarmanpreet Singh and Uttam Singh scored one each, while skipper Harmanpreet Singh two goals. For Korea, Jihun Yang was the lone goal scorer in the game. Also Read: Taliban could now ban all forms of cricket in Afghanistan: Reports India took the lead in the first quarter itself as Uttam Singh scored a goal just at the end of first 15 minutes. India had three chances to double their lead in the second quarter but could convert only one of those chances as skipper Harmanpreet scored with 9:11 minutes left in the quarter. The next two goals came in the third quarter, with Jarmanpreet scoring two minutes into the quarter and the skipper in the final minute. Korea's only goal also came in the third quarter when Yang scored with three minutes into the quarter. In the previous league stage encounter between the two finalists, India prevailed 3-0. Prior to semis win, India had beaten host China, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan and Korea as well. India won against China 3-0 in their first match before beating 5-1. India then annihilated Malaysia 8-1 and won over Korea 3-1 before beating Pakistan 2-1 in their last league match. Earlier in the day, China defeated Pakistan 2-0 via shoot-out in the first semifinal after the two teams finished 1-1 at the end of regulation 60 minutes. Pakistan and Korea will face off in the third place classification match, which will also be played on Tuesday. Meanwhile, in the fifth-sixth place classification match, Japan beat Malaysia 4-2 in a shootout following a 4-4 stalemate in normal time. (With inputs from agencies)

Asian Champions Trophy Hockey: India beat South Korea in semis, to face China in final

Amid the escalating tensions, a trash balloon sent by North Korea to South Korea on Sunday (Sep 15) landed on a building rooftop in Seoul and sparked a fire that took nearly 20 minutes to douse.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:68,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1755}">Casualties and damage</h2>

In a statement, Seoul's Gangseo Fire Station said that "a fire broke out on the rooftop of a four-storey commercial building in the Western district of Seoul" at around 9:04 pm local time (1204 GMT).

The fire was doused in around 18 minutes, and 15 fire trucks had to be deployed to stop the fire from spreading. As per the fire department, there were no casualties.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:83,&quot;y&quot;:212,&quot;w&quot;:555,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:116,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1899}" data-ved="2ahUKEwjS4tL7-8aIAxWYRmwGHQnEMTwQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-low-class-move-balloons-filled-with-trash-poop-sent-to-south-korea-726617" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-low-class-move-balloons-filled-with-trash-poop-sent-to-south-korea-726617&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjS4tL7-8aIAxWYRmwGHQnEMTwQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">North Korea's 'low-class' move: Balloons filled with trash, poop sent to South Korea</a>

This comes as North Korea late on Sunday launched 120 trash-filled balloons towards the border towards South Korea. Previously, on Saturday, the nation had sent another 50 balloons, said South Korea's military on Monday (Sep 16).

Of these, 40 balloons, as per the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) had already landed in the South — mainly in northern Gyeonggi Province and the capital Seoul.

The trash balloons mostly contained "paper and plastic waste" said the JCS, adding that they posed no risk to the public.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:414,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2101}">Why is North Korea sending trash balloons to South Korea?</h2>

This escalation follows instances of South Korean activists launching balloons carrying anti-regime propaganda leaflets and money across the border into North Korea. These campaigns have long infuriated Pyongyang, which possibly fears that outside information could destabilise the tightly controlled society and threaten the Kim Jong Un regime.

In retaliation, North Korea in May threatened to take similar action. Kim Kang Il, a vice-minister of defence, on May 26 said that "Tit-for-tat action will be taken against frequent scattering of leaflets and other rubbish by the ROK near border areas." Here, ROK refers to the Republic of Korea, the South's official name.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjS4tL7-8aIAxWYRmwGHQnEMTwQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-ups-the-ante-trash-carrying-balloons-hit-south-korean-presidential-compound-743623" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-ups-the-ante-trash-carrying-balloons-hit-south-korean-presidential-compound-743623&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjS4tL7-8aIAxWYRmwGHQnEMTwQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">North Korea ups the ante, trash-carrying balloons hit South Korean presidential compound</a>

Since then, the North has sent over 5,000 trash balloons southward.

Now, the balloons are equipped with timer devices that can cause fires. Earlier this month, these balloons caused two fires: one near an airport and another at a storage unit.

JCS spokesperson Lee Chang-hyun, as quoted by the news agency AFP told reporters "Some North Korean trash balloons have thermal timers that could potentially cause fires if they don't separate properly when the heating wire is activated, which acts to detach the balloon from its load."

"We have seen it being described as a 'timer explosion', but we would like to explain again that the method is where a thermal timer heats the balloon's material, causing it to tear apart in mid-air," he added.

He said that shooting down the balloons in the air "increases the risk of falling debris or hazardous materials," and that for now, "the safest approach is considered to be quickly collecting them after they fall naturally."

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the escalating tensions, a trash balloon sent by North Korea to South Korea on Sunday (Sep 15) landed on a building rooftop in Seoul and sparked a fire that took nearly 20 minutes to douse.

Amid the escalating tensions, a trash balloon sent by North Korea to South Korea on Sunday (Sep 15) landed on a building rooftop in Seoul and sparked a fire that took nearly 20 minutes to douse. Casualties and damage In a statement, Seoul's Gangseo Fire Station said that "a fire broke out on the rooftop of a four-storey commercial building in the Western district of Seoul" at around 9:04 pm local time (1204 GMT). The fire was doused in around 18 minutes, and 15 fire trucks had to be deployed to stop the fire from spreading. As per the fire department, there were no casualties. Also read | North Korea's 'low-class' move: Balloons filled with trash, poop sent to South Korea This comes as North Korea late on Sunday launched 120 trash-filled balloons towards the border towards South Korea. Previously, on Saturday, the nation had sent another 50 balloons, said South Korea's military on Monday (Sep 16). Of these, 40 balloons, as per the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) had already landed in the South — mainly in northern Gyeonggi Province and the capital Seoul. The trash balloons mostly contained "paper and plastic waste" said the JCS, adding that they posed no risk to the public. Why is North Korea sending trash balloons to South Korea? This escalation follows instances of South Korean activists launching balloons carrying anti-regime propaganda leaflets and money across the border into North Korea. These campaigns have long infuriated Pyongyang, which possibly fears that outside information could destabilise the tightly controlled society and threaten the Kim Jong Un regime. In retaliation, North Korea in May threatened to take similar action. Kim Kang Il, a vice-minister of defence, on May 26 said that "Tit-for-tat action will be taken against frequent scattering of leaflets and other rubbish by the ROK near border areas." Here, ROK refers to the Republic of Korea, the South's official name. Also read | North Korea ups the ante, trash-carrying balloons hit South Korean presidential compound Since then, the North has sent over 5,000 trash balloons southward. Now, the balloons are equipped with timer devices that can cause fires. Earlier this month, these balloons caused two fires: one near an airport and another at a storage unit. JCS spokesperson Lee Chang-hyun, as quoted by the news agency AFP told reporters "Some North Korean trash balloons have thermal timers that could potentially cause fires if they don't separate properly when the heating wire is activated, which acts to detach the balloon from its load." "We have seen it being described as a 'timer explosion', but we would like to explain again that the method is where a thermal timer heats the balloon's material, causing it to tear apart in mid-air," he added. He said that shooting down the balloons in the air "increases the risk of falling debris or hazardous materials," and that for now, "the safest approach is considered to be quickly collecting them after they fall naturally." (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea: Trash balloon from North Korea sparks fire on Seoul rooftop amid escalating tensions

South Korea’s military recently removed around 1,300 Chinese-made surveillance cameras from its bases over concerns about potential security risks, Yonhap News Agency reported Friday, citing an unnamed military official.

South Korea cracks down on Chinese CCTVs

North Korea has reportedly punished teenagers for watching South Korean dramas, highlighting the regime's strict crackdown on foreign media and cultural influences.

North Korea punishes teenagers for watching K-drama

A commission set up by the South Korean government has revealed that thousands of mothers were forced to give up their children for adoption abroad. Around 200,000 children, conceived by poor parents, especially single mothers, in government-funded welfare centres were adopted in nations like Australia, Denmark and the United States since the 1950s.

In most of the cases; hospitals, maternity wards and adoption agencies would unilaterally declare mothers ‘mentally ill’ or unfit to raise children.

A report from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission revealed that parents would sometimes be misled about the foreign adoption system, forcing them into believing that their children would come back. The adoptees would be told that their lives would be much better in high-income Western nations and not in impoverished South Korea.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjf9e-ZxbiIAxWlg2MGHRUwGq4QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-boosts-nuclear-arsenal-kim-jong-un-blames-various-threats-from-us-and-allies-for-increase-757315" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-boosts-nuclear-arsenal-kim-jong-un-blames-various-threats-from-us-and-allies-for-increase-757315&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjf9e-ZxbiIAxWlg2MGHRUwGq4QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">North Korea boosts nuclear arsenal: Kim Jong-un blames 'various threats' from US and allies for increase</a>

The commission also urged the government to issue a formal apology to the victims and develop a framework to compensate them.

<h2>South Korea’s ‘social purification’ policy</h2>

The military dictatorship in South Korea during the 1970s and 1980s implemented a ‘social purification’ policy under which thousands of people were forcibly admitted into government-funded welfare centres.

The commission also revealed in its report the miseries that would be inflicted upon poor inmates in these centres. Human rights abuses were rampant, with people being forced into unpaid labour on construction projects, forcibly transferred to other detention facilities, restrained and subjected to beatings and solitary confinement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjf9e-ZxbiIAxWlg2MGHRUwGq4QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ai-in-military-south-korea-convenes-international-summit-to-establish-blueprint-for-ai-use-in-military-757048" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/ai-in-military-south-korea-convenes-international-summit-to-establish-blueprint-for-ai-use-in-military-757048&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjf9e-ZxbiIAxWlg2MGHRUwGq4QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">South Korea convenes international summit to establish blueprint for ‘responsible’ AI use in military</a>

Those who died would be buried in shallow graves, without attempting to identify their families and relatives. When women would give birth, their children would be taken away for the purposes of overseas adoption within a day.

“It only goes to show just how much [South Korea’s adoption system] was always about money, and how little it was about the children,” complained a 51-year-old Danish adoptee, as quoted by the Guardian.

(With inputs from agencies)

A commission set up by the South Korean government has revealed that thousands of mothers were forced to give up their children for adoption abroad. Around 200,000 children, conceived by poor parents, especially single mothers, in government-funded welfare centres were adopted in nations like Australia, Denmark and the United States since the 1950s.

A commission set up by the South Korean government has revealed that thousands of mothers were forced to give up their children for adoption abroad. Around 200,000 children, conceived by poor parents, especially single mothers, in government-funded welfare centres were adopted in nations like Australia, Denmark and the United States since the 1950s. In most of the cases; hospitals, maternity wards and adoption agencies would unilaterally declare mothers ‘mentally ill’ or unfit to raise children. A report from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission revealed that parents would sometimes be misled about the foreign adoption system, forcing them into believing that their children would come back. The adoptees would be told that their lives would be much better in high-income Western nations and not in impoverished South Korea. Also read: North Korea boosts nuclear arsenal: Kim Jong-un blames 'various threats' from US and allies for increase The commission also urged the government to issue a formal apology to the victims and develop a framework to compensate them. South Korea’s ‘social purification’ policy The military dictatorship in South Korea during the 1970s and 1980s implemented a ‘social purification’ policy under which thousands of people were forcibly admitted into government-funded welfare centres. The commission also revealed in its report the miseries that would be inflicted upon poor inmates in these centres. Human rights abuses were rampant, with people being forced into unpaid labour on construction projects, forcibly transferred to other detention facilities, restrained and subjected to beatings and solitary confinement. Also read: South Korea convenes international summit to establish blueprint for ‘responsible’ AI use in military Those who died would be buried in shallow graves, without attempting to identify their families and relatives. When women would give birth, their children would be taken away for the purposes of overseas adoption within a day. “It only goes to show just how much [South Korea’s adoption system] was always about money, and how little it was about the children,” complained a 51-year-old Danish adoptee, as quoted by the Guardian. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korean mothers were falsely declared unfit; 200,000 babies sent abroad for adoption

South Korea convened an international two-day summit on Monday (Sep 9) seeking to establish a blueprint for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the military.

South Korea convened an international two-day summit on Monday (Sep 9) seeking to establish a blueprint for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the military. A report by the news agency Reuters said that more than 90 countries, including the United States (US) and China, sent their representatives to the Summit in Seoul. "Recently, in the Russia-Ukraine war, an AI-applied Ukrainian drone functioned as David's slingshot," South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun said in the opening address. Defence Minister Kim was referring to Ukraine's efforts to gain a technological edge against Russia by rolling out AI-enabled drones. "As AI is applied to the military domain, the military's operational capabilities are dramatically improved. However, it is like a double-edged sword, as it can cause damage from abuse," he added. The expectations from the 2024 summit Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul said discussions would cover areas such as a legal review to ensure compliance with international law and mechanisms to prevent autonomous weapons from making life-and-death decisions without appropriate human oversight. Also read | More trouble for Telegram: Police in South Korea launch probe into whether app abets online sex crimes A senior South Korean official told Reuters that the summit hoped to agree to a blueprint for action, establishing a minimum level of guardrails for AI in the military, and suggesting principles on responsible use by reflecting principles laid out by NATO, the US or many other countries. It was unclear how many nations attending the summit would endorse the document on Tuesday, which is aiming to be a more detailed attempt to set boundaries on AI use in the military, but still likely lack legal commitments. What happened during last year's summit At the first such summit held in Amsterdam last year, the US, China, and other countries endorsed a modest "call to action" without legal commitment. However, the summit is not the only international set of discussions on AI use in the military. UN countries that belong to the 1983 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) have been discussing potential restrictions on lethal autonomous weapons systems for compliance with international humanitarian law. In 2023, the Joe Biden-led US administration launched a declaration on the responsible use of AI in the military, which covers broader military application of AI, beyond weapons. As of last month, 55 countries endorsed the declaration. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea convenes international summit to establish blueprint for ‘responsible’ AI use in military

More than 30,000 protesters gather in Seoul demanding more government action on climate change. In temperatures exceeding 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), protesters young and old marched in the country's biggest demonstration so far this year.

South Koreans fight against global warming in Seoul

The World Climate Industry Expo, South Korea's largest climate fair is beginning with expectations that other nations will support the country's net-zero carbon initiative. Watch in for more details!

World Climate Industry Expo in South Korea

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Offshore Patrol Vessel Sujay made a port call at Incheon, South Korea on Wednesday, (September 4) as part of its ongoing overseas deployment to East Asia.&nbsp;

During the four-day visit, the crew of ICG ship Sujay will engage in professional interactions focusing on Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), and Maritime Law Enforcement.

<h2>Indian Coast Guard to conduct joint exercises, interactions with Korea Coast Guard&nbsp;</h2>

The ship's crew will further conduct professional interactions with the Korea Coast Guard (KCG), cross-deck training, joint yoga sessions, and friendly sports events.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-coast-guard-ship-sujay-on-deployment-to-east-asia-752837">Also read:&nbsp;Indian Coast Guard ship Sujay on deployment to East Asia</a>

Following these engagements, Indian and Korean Coast Guard vessels will also take part in a Passage Exercise.&nbsp;

The visit aims not only to strengthen ties between the ICG and their Korean counterparts but also to showcase India's shipbuilding capabilities, and support the concept of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).”&nbsp;

The visit comes at a time when the 20th Head of Coast Guard Agency Meeting (HACGAM) is underway at Incheon. Moreover, it highlights ICG's commitment to addressing contemporary maritime challenges for the common global good.

Watch |&nbsp;26/11 anniversary: Indian Coast Guard Chief Rakesh Pal speaks to WION

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Additionally, the 10 National Cadet Corps (NCC) aboard ICG Ship Sujay will participate in an Environment Protection Walkathon towards sensitising the local community on marine plastic pollution, contributing to the Indian government's “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan (Clean Ocean Initiative)” and enhancing international outreach.

In March 2006, the ICG signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KCG, towards enhanced maritime cooperation and cooperative engagements.&nbsp;

The overseas deployment is in line with the ICG commitment towards fostering bilateral relationships under the ambit of the MoU and holds significance in reinforcing bilateral relationships with key maritime agencies, crucial for ensuring the safety, security, and environmental sustainability of the seas in the region.&nbsp;

Prior to this visit, ICG ship Sujay had made port calls to Indonesia, demonstrating a seamless continuation of diplomatic maritime engagements in the region.&nbsp;

ICG ship Sujay’s deployment to East Asia reflects India's commitment to fostering warm relations with Indo-Pacific nations, promoting friendly relations through maritime cooperation, aligned with India's maritime vision encapsulated in "SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region" and the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiatives (IPOI).&nbsp;

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Offshore Patrol Vessel Sujay made a port call at Incheon, South Korea on Wednesday, (September 4) as part of its ongoing overseas deployment to East Asia.

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Offshore Patrol Vessel Sujay made a port call at Incheon, South Korea on Wednesday, (September 4) as part of its ongoing overseas deployment to East Asia. During the four-day visit, the crew of ICG ship Sujay will engage in professional interactions focusing on Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), and Maritime Law Enforcement. Indian Coast Guard to conduct joint exercises, interactions with Korea Coast Guard The ship's crew will further conduct professional interactions with the Korea Coast Guard (KCG), cross-deck training, joint yoga sessions, and friendly sports events. Also read: Indian Coast Guard ship Sujay on deployment to East Asia Following these engagements, Indian and Korean Coast Guard vessels will also take part in a Passage Exercise. The visit aims not only to strengthen ties between the ICG and their Korean counterparts but also to showcase India's shipbuilding capabilities, and support the concept of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).” The visit comes at a time when the 20th Head of Coast Guard Agency Meeting (HACGAM) is underway at Incheon. Moreover, it highlights ICG's commitment to addressing contemporary maritime challenges for the common global good. Watch | 26/11 anniversary: Indian Coast Guard Chief Rakesh Pal speaks to WION × Additionally, the 10 National Cadet Corps (NCC) aboard ICG Ship Sujay will participate in an Environment Protection Walkathon towards sensitising the local community on marine plastic pollution, contributing to the Indian government's “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan (Clean Ocean Initiative)” and enhancing international outreach. In March 2006, the ICG signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KCG, towards enhanced maritime cooperation and cooperative engagements. The overseas deployment is in line with the ICG commitment towards fostering bilateral relationships under the ambit of the MoU and holds significance in reinforcing bilateral relationships with key maritime agencies, crucial for ensuring the safety, security, and environmental sustainability of the seas in the region. Prior to this visit, ICG ship Sujay had made port calls to Indonesia, demonstrating a seamless continuation of diplomatic maritime engagements in the region. ICG ship Sujay’s deployment to East Asia reflects India's commitment to fostering warm relations with Indo-Pacific nations, promoting friendly relations through maritime cooperation, aligned with India's maritime vision encapsulated in "SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region" and the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiatives (IPOI).

Indian Coast Guard vessel Sujay makes port call in South Korea

In the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, houses have collapsed and been swept away by torrential downpours. At least 30 people have lost their lives across the two states due to rain related incidents. More than 47,000 individuals were moved to relief camps in both the states. Watch in for more details!

South Korea exaggerating damages caused by floods: North Korea

South Korea's famous Kimchi is falling victim to climate change. Climate change is threatening the plantation of Napa cabbage that is used to make South Korea's signature dish, Kimchi.

Warmer weather destroying Kimchi cabbage

Navy and Marine Corps from the United States and South Korea on Monday (September 2) conducted joint amphibious landing drills off the coast of the eastern city of Pohang to strengthen their alliance’s combat readiness.

South Korean and US navy hold joint exercise

A South Korean man arrested last month for allegedly leaking military secrets was recruited by a suspected Chinese intelligence agent in 2017, according to ROK prosecutors, however it is unclear whether the Chinese operative also worked for North Korea.

South Korean official indicted for military leaks to China

The court said South Korea's carbon neutrality act, enacted in 2010 and revised later to lay out emissions targets by 2030 and the goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, failed to present "any quantitative levels" for the reduction targets between 2031 and 2049.

South Korean court asked Climate Change law to be revised by end of Feb 2026

South Korea's Constitutional Court ruled on Thursday that much of the country's climate goals were unconstitutional, handing a landmark victory to young environmental activists, who wept for joy on the court steps.

The first such case in Asia, brought by children and teenagers who named an embryo as a lead plaintiff, claimed that South Korea's legally binding climate commitments were insufficient and unmet, violating their constitutionally guaranteed human rights.

"Just now, the Constitutional Court ruled that it is unconstitutional that there is no government goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 2031 to 2050," Yoon Hyeon-jeong, one of the young activists involved, said.&nbsp;

"It was ruled that our right to live a safe life from the climate crisis should be guaranteed," she added, barely managing to finish her sentence as she choked up with tears.

The court ruled that the government's limited climate targets violate the constitution as they do "not sufficiently protect the basic rights of the people," the legal representatives of the plaintiffs said after the hearing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-create-first-remote-device-which-can-control-human-minds-in-south-korea-743308">Also read :&nbsp;Scientists in South Korea create first remote device which can control human minds</a>

The case, known as "Woodpecker et al. v. South Korea" after the in-utero nickname of an embryo, now a toddler, involved -- included four petitions by children.

In 2021, South Korea made a legally binding commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 290 million tonnes by 2030,&nbsp;and to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

To meet this goal, the country needs to reduce emissions by 5.4 per cent every year from 2023,&nbsp;a target they have so far failed to meet.

As a result of the ruling, Seoul will now have to revise its climate goals, said Youn Se-jong, a lawyer for the plaintiffs

"The National Assembly and the government of the Republic of Korea will have to revise regulations related to the Framework Act on Carbon Neutrality and present greenhouse gas reduction goals considering the rights of future generations," Youn said.

"With today's ruling, we have confirmed that climate change is a matter of our fundamental rights and that everyone has the right to be safe from it," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;South Korea faces new border threat 'Malaria Mosquitoes' as temperature peaks

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"Ordinary people like us have come this far. We have led the constitutional petition to protect our rights without relying on authority and power. It took us five years," said youth climate activist Kim Seo-gyeong, 21.&nbsp;

Kim was part of the group that filed the first of the cases in 2020, and said the ruling was a validation for young people who found themselves "living in the climate crisis."

<h2>'Wish came true'</h2>

Seoul's Ministry of Environment said in a statement that it respected the court's decision.

The ministry said it plans "to faithfully implement follow-up measures".&nbsp;

The plaintiffs had argued that unless Seoul moved more quickly on climate goals, future generations would not only have to live in a degraded environment, but also have to bear the burden of undertaking massive greenhouse gas reductions.&nbsp;

This, the case claims, would mean that the state has violated its duty to protect their fundamental rights.

Similar climate cases globally have found success.&nbsp;

A youth-led effort recently succeeded in the US state of Montana, while another is being heard at the European Higher Court.

In Germany, in 2021 climate targets were ruled insufficient and unconstitutional, and lawyer Lee Chi-sun said the two cases were very similar.

"Just as Germany has further strengthened its reduction targets for 2040 and revised the goal for 2045 after their ruling, we expect Seoul's 2030 reduction targets will be strengthened" and expanded, he said.&nbsp;

Other cases have not fared so well globally,&nbsp;a child-led suit in California over alleged government failures to curb pollution was thrown out in May.

The Thursday ruling is the first in Asia to question a country's national greenhouse gas reduction targets, "and the court's ruling can set an important precedent for other courts in Asia to rule on similar cases," said Lin Yan-Ting, a climate activist who is a plaintiff for a similar case in Taiwan, filed in January.&nbsp;

Outside the Seoul court, 12-year-old plaintiff Han Jeah, who started the case aged 10 -- said the verdict was "like a wish came true."

"We have the right to live safely and happily even in the climate crisis. This right should be protected under any circumstances and cannot be infringed upon by anyone," Han Jeah said.

"So I wanted to show people through this lawsuit how much we (young people) know and how deeply we worry about climate change."

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

South Korea's Constitutional Court ruled on Thursday that much of the country's climate goals were unconstitutional, handing a landmark victory to young environmental activists, who wept for joy on the court steps.

South Korea's Constitutional Court ruled on Thursday that much of the country's climate goals were unconstitutional, handing a landmark victory to young environmental activists, who wept for joy on the court steps. The first such case in Asia, brought by children and teenagers who named an embryo as a lead plaintiff, claimed that South Korea's legally binding climate commitments were insufficient and unmet, violating their constitutionally guaranteed human rights. "Just now, the Constitutional Court ruled that it is unconstitutional that there is no government goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 2031 to 2050," Yoon Hyeon-jeong, one of the young activists involved, said. "It was ruled that our right to live a safe life from the climate crisis should be guaranteed," she added, barely managing to finish her sentence as she choked up with tears. The court ruled that the government's limited climate targets violate the constitution as they do "not sufficiently protect the basic rights of the people," the legal representatives of the plaintiffs said after the hearing. Also read : Scientists in South Korea create first remote device which can control human minds The case, known as "Woodpecker et al. v. South Korea" after the in-utero nickname of an embryo, now a toddler, involved -- included four petitions by children. In 2021, South Korea made a legally binding commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 290 million tonnes by 2030, and to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To meet this goal, the country needs to reduce emissions by 5.4 per cent every year from 2023, a target they have so far failed to meet. As a result of the ruling, Seoul will now have to revise its climate goals, said Youn Se-jong, a lawyer for the plaintiffs "The National Assembly and the government of the Republic of Korea will have to revise regulations related to the Framework Act on Carbon Neutrality and present greenhouse gas reduction goals considering the rights of future generations," Youn said. "With today's ruling, we have confirmed that climate change is a matter of our fundamental rights and that everyone has the right to be safe from it," he said. Watch | South Korea faces new border threat 'Malaria Mosquitoes' as temperature peaks × "Ordinary people like us have come this far. We have led the constitutional petition to protect our rights without relying on authority and power. It took us five years," said youth climate activist Kim Seo-gyeong, 21. Kim was part of the group that filed the first of the cases in 2020, and said the ruling was a validation for young people who found themselves "living in the climate crisis." 'Wish came true' Seoul's Ministry of Environment said in a statement that it respected the court's decision. The ministry said it plans "to faithfully implement follow-up measures". The plaintiffs had argued that unless Seoul moved more quickly on climate goals, future generations would not only have to live in a degraded environment, but also have to bear the burden of undertaking massive greenhouse gas reductions. This, the case claims, would mean that the state has violated its duty to protect their fundamental rights. Similar climate cases globally have found success. A youth-led effort recently succeeded in the US state of Montana, while another is being heard at the European Higher Court. In Germany, in 2021 climate targets were ruled insufficient and unconstitutional, and lawyer Lee Chi-sun said the two cases were very similar. "Just as Germany has further strengthened its reduction targets for 2040 and revised the goal for 2045 after their ruling, we expect Seoul's 2030 reduction targets will be strengthened" and expanded, he said. Other cases have not fared so well globally, a child-led suit in California over alleged government failures to curb pollution was thrown out in May. The Thursday ruling is the first in Asia to question a country's national greenhouse gas reduction targets, "and the court's ruling can set an important precedent for other courts in Asia to rule on similar cases," said Lin Yan-Ting, a climate activist who is a plaintiff for a similar case in Taiwan, filed in January. Outside the Seoul court, 12-year-old plaintiff Han Jeah, who started the case aged 10 -- said the verdict was "like a wish came true." "We have the right to live safely and happily even in the climate crisis. This right should be protected under any circumstances and cannot be infringed upon by anyone," Han Jeah said. "So I wanted to show people through this lawsuit how much we (young people) know and how deeply we worry about climate change." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

South Korea court rules much of climate goals 'unçonstitutional'

The South Korean government plans to increase spending next year to prop up an economy that is predicted to decline. Among the measures they have pledged is more funding for semiconductors and other expanding industries like K-Pop culture. The finance ministry announced that the government intends to spend 677.4 trillion won (512 billion dollars) in 2025. This marks a 3.2 percent rise over the current year's budget. Compared to this year, when the budget increased by 2.8 percent, that rate of growth would be more rapid.

Korean officials eye K-Pop to prop economy

The Korea Communication Standards Commission, South Korea's media Watchdog announced their plans to ask social media platforms including Telegram to actively help with the deletion and blocking of sexually explicit deep fake content. Watch in for more details!

South Korea pledges to counter deepfake content

A monitoring device has been working all day near the heavily guarded border that divides North and South Korea, for catching malaria-carrying mosquitoes that might cross the border.&nbsp;This time, South Korea which tracks missiles or troop movements on the border, is occupied with catching the mosquitoes as the country rages its efforts to achieve the "malaria-free" status.&nbsp;

South Korea has been making efforts to achieve this goal for decades now as the nation has been dealing with it, due to its proximity to the isolated North where the disease is prevalent.&nbsp;

This year, South Korea also issued a nationwide malaria warning. According to the scientists, climate change, especially warmer springs and heavier rainfall could attract more mosquito-borne diseases to the peninsula unless the two Koreas, which remain technically at war, cooperate.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-sees-arrival-of-aedes-koreicus-a-species-of-mosquito-unafraid-of-the-cold-422616">Also read:&nbsp;Italy sees arrival of Aedes koreicus, a species of mosquito unafraid of the cold</a>

The primary issue remains the DMZ, a four-kilometre-wide no man's land that runs the full length of the 250-kilometre border.&nbsp;

The lush forests and wetlands have covered the demilitarized zone and are majorly unvisited by humans since it was created after the 1953 ceasefire that ended Korean War hostilities.&nbsp;

Kim Hyun-woo, a staff scientist at Seoul's Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, said the DMZ has stagnant water&nbsp;and "plenty of wild animals that serve as blood sources for mosquitoes to feed on in order to lay their eggs."

Decades ago, South Korea once believed that it had eradicated malaria, however, in 1993, a soldier serving in the DMZ was infected and since then, the disease has persisted, with cases up nearly 80 per cent last year to 747 from 420 in 2022.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Climate change effects on spread of malaria

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Kim Dong-gun, an environmental biology professor at Sahmyook University in Seoul, told AFP, "The DMZ is not an area where pest control can be carried out."

The country's health authorities have installed 76 mosquito-tracking devices in key areas near the DMZ.&nbsp;

<h2>"Painful" experience by affected people&nbsp;</h2>

Around 90 per cent of South Korea's malaria patients were affected in regions close to DMZ in the last decade, according to the official figures. However, rare cases occurred in other areas.&nbsp;

Shin Seo,&nbsp;36,&nbsp;was diagnosed with malaria in 2022 after being hospitalised with recurring high fevers, however, she had not visited a border region that year before getting sick.&nbsp;

"I have no recollection of being bitten by any insects," she told news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Initially, the doctors thought she had a kidney infection and it took around 10 days before she was finally diagnosed with the mosquito-borne disease.&nbsp;

Seo recalled her experience and said that having malaria felt like "I was being stir-fried on a really hot pan," adding that it was so painful that in tears, "I once even begged the nurse to just knock me out."

"Malaria is a truly terrifying disease," she told AFP, adding that she hoped more could be done to prevent its spread.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A monitoring device has been working all day near the heavily guarded border that divides North and South Korea, for catching malaria-carrying mosquitoes that might cross the border.

A monitoring device has been working all day near the heavily guarded border that divides North and South Korea, for catching malaria-carrying mosquitoes that might cross the border. This time, South Korea which tracks missiles or troop movements on the border, is occupied with catching the mosquitoes as the country rages its efforts to achieve the "malaria-free" status. South Korea has been making efforts to achieve this goal for decades now as the nation has been dealing with it, due to its proximity to the isolated North where the disease is prevalent. This year, South Korea also issued a nationwide malaria warning. According to the scientists, climate change, especially warmer springs and heavier rainfall could attract more mosquito-borne diseases to the peninsula unless the two Koreas, which remain technically at war, cooperate. Also read: Italy sees arrival of Aedes koreicus, a species of mosquito unafraid of the cold The primary issue remains the DMZ, a four-kilometre-wide no man's land that runs the full length of the 250-kilometre border. The lush forests and wetlands have covered the demilitarized zone and are majorly unvisited by humans since it was created after the 1953 ceasefire that ended Korean War hostilities. Kim Hyun-woo, a staff scientist at Seoul's Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, said the DMZ has stagnant water and "plenty of wild animals that serve as blood sources for mosquitoes to feed on in order to lay their eggs." Decades ago, South Korea once believed that it had eradicated malaria, however, in 1993, a soldier serving in the DMZ was infected and since then, the disease has persisted, with cases up nearly 80 per cent last year to 747 from 420 in 2022. Watch | Climate change effects on spread of malaria × Kim Dong-gun, an environmental biology professor at Sahmyook University in Seoul, told AFP, "The DMZ is not an area where pest control can be carried out." The country's health authorities have installed 76 mosquito-tracking devices in key areas near the DMZ. "Painful" experience by affected people Around 90 per cent of South Korea's malaria patients were affected in regions close to DMZ in the last decade, according to the official figures. However, rare cases occurred in other areas. Shin Seo, 36, was diagnosed with malaria in 2022 after being hospitalised with recurring high fevers, however, she had not visited a border region that year before getting sick. "I have no recollection of being bitten by any insects," she told news agency AFP. Initially, the doctors thought she had a kidney infection and it took around 10 days before she was finally diagnosed with the mosquito-borne disease. Seo recalled her experience and said that having malaria felt like "I was being stir-fried on a really hot pan," adding that it was so painful that in tears, "I once even begged the nurse to just knock me out." "Malaria is a truly terrifying disease," she told AFP, adding that she hoped more could be done to prevent its spread. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea faces new border threat 'malaria mosquitoes' as temperature peaks

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- - Facebook pressured by US Govt to censor Covid content: Meta CEO - South Korea faces new border threat 'Malaria Mosquitoes' as temperature peaks - More than half of world does not trust drinking water, says Study

South Korea faces new border threat 'Malaria Mosquitoes' as temperature peaks | trending on WION

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un presided over a testing of a new exploding drone variant called 'suicide drone.' Watch in for more details!

North Korea's Kim Jong Un presides over testing of 'suicide drones'

Fresh tensions brewing between Pyongyang and Seoul and this time it's not over another unwarranted ballistic missile by the north. The US State Department has approved a potential $3.5 billion sale of Apache helicopters to South Korea.

US State Department approves $3.5 bn sale of Apache helicopters to South Korea

Rapper Ye aka Kanye West and his wife Bianca Censori have jetted off to South Korea for a fun vacation. Ye is also set to host his latest "Vultures 2" listening event in the Asian country. The two are joined by Ye's children: North, Saint, and Chicago.

The family was spotted at Incheon International Airport. Shockingly, Bianca Censori wore a modest outfit, which isn't her usual style. According to TMZ, the three children appeared to be bonding well with Censori. North, 10, was seen walking closely by her side and Saint, 8, nestled between the two. Chicago, 6, seemed particularly comfortable with Bianca since she carried him in her arms.

After Ye wraps up his work, the three kids and Bianca will join him on the fun vacation. They will try Korean cuisines, visit popular tourist spots and make beautiful memories. While the kids have met Bianca before, this is their first vacation together as a family.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ye, Bianca, North, Chicago and Psalm have arrived in South Korea <a href="https://t.co/pLkwrz4nqx">pic.twitter.com/pLkwrz4nqx</a>
— Ye Lawyer (@TheLifeofEllie7) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheLifeofEllie7/status/1826714585875054678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Tonight, Ye is hosting a listening party for "Vultures 2" alongside Ty Dolla $ign at Goyang Stadium in South Korea. This event follows a successful listening party in Salt Lake City earlier this month.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/follow-kar-lo-yaar-review-uorfi-javed-is-in-her-element-but-the-rest-of-the-show-falls-flat-752599">Follow Kar Lo Yaar review: Uorfi Javed is in her element but the rest of the show falls flat</a>

Recently, Bianca grabbed headlines for wearing a scanty dress on a quick trip to KFC. While Ye was dressed in a grey hoodie, Censori donned a pair of leggings and a barely-there top. Viral CCTV photos show them ordering food at the KFC counter.

Daring street outfits and shocking public spottings&nbsp;have become synonymous with Censori. Her daring looks has caused a stir online, with several netizens slamming her sartorial choice.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/busan-film-festival-to-posthumously-honour-parasite-actor-lee-752593">Busan film festival to posthumously honour Parasite actor Lee</a>

Ye was previously married to Kim Kardashian. They parted ways in 2021. Shortly after the separation, Ye started dating Censori and they secretly tied the knot in a private ceremony. For those unaware, Censori used to work for Ye in Yeezy.

Rapper Ye aka Kanye West and his wife Bianca Censori have jetted off to South Korea for a fun vacation. Ye is also set to host his latest "Vultures 2" listening event in the Asian country.

Rapper Ye aka Kanye West and his wife Bianca Censori have jetted off to South Korea for a fun vacation. Ye is also set to host his latest "Vultures 2" listening event in the Asian country. The two are joined by Ye's children: North, Saint, and Chicago. The family was spotted at Incheon International Airport. Shockingly, Bianca Censori wore a modest outfit, which isn't her usual style. According to TMZ, the three children appeared to be bonding well with Censori. North, 10, was seen walking closely by her side and Saint, 8, nestled between the two. Chicago, 6, seemed particularly comfortable with Bianca since she carried him in her arms. After Ye wraps up his work, the three kids and Bianca will join him on the fun vacation. They will try Korean cuisines, visit popular tourist spots and make beautiful memories. While the kids have met Bianca before, this is their first vacation together as a family. Ye, Bianca, North, Chicago and Psalm have arrived in South Korea pic.twitter.com/pLkwrz4nqx — Ye Lawyer (@TheLifeofEllie7) August 22, 2024 Tonight, Ye is hosting a listening party for "Vultures 2" alongside Ty Dolla $ign at Goyang Stadium in South Korea. This event follows a successful listening party in Salt Lake City earlier this month. Also read: Follow Kar Lo Yaar review: Uorfi Javed is in her element but the rest of the show falls flat Recently, Bianca grabbed headlines for wearing a scanty dress on a quick trip to KFC. While Ye was dressed in a grey hoodie, Censori donned a pair of leggings and a barely-there top. Viral CCTV photos show them ordering food at the KFC counter. Daring street outfits and shocking public spottings have become synonymous with Censori. Her daring looks has caused a stir online, with several netizens slamming her sartorial choice. Also read: Busan film festival to posthumously honour Parasite actor Lee Ye was previously married to Kim Kardashian. They parted ways in 2021. Shortly after the separation, Ye started dating Censori and they secretly tied the knot in a private ceremony. For those unaware, Censori used to work for Ye in Yeezy.

Bianca Censori bonds with Ye's kids North, Saint, Chicago on South Korea vacay

A North Korean defector crossed the heavily fortified border into South Korea by walking across the peninsula's dividing line, Seoul's military reported on Tuesday (Aug 20).

Since the peninsula was divided by war in the 1950s, tens of thousands of North Koreans have fled to South Korea but the majority crosses the land border into China first.

Preliminary figures from the unification ministry show this year until June some 105 people defected. 
Seoul's military said it picked up one alleged North Korean individual on the eastern front and handed them over to the relevant authorities".&nbsp;

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According to Yonhap news agency, the defector was a staff sergeant who received some guidance from South Korea's military during the defection.&nbsp;

The number of defections has significantly decreased since 2020 after North Korea sealed its borders to prevent the spread of COVID-19, reportedly issuing shoot-on-sight orders along the land frontier with China.

However, after border controls eased in 2023, the number of defections rose with 196 making it to the South last year.

According to local media reports, the latest defector walked along the road by the waterfront in eastern Gangwon province, and was wearing a North Korean military uniform when picked up by authorities.

This marks the second time this month that someone has crossed the de facto maritime border in the Yellow Sea. The first incident occurred on August 8.

This comes as relations between the two Koreas are at one of their lowest points in years, with the North ramping up weapons testing and bombarding the South with trash-carrying balloons.

A professor at Ewha Woman's University, Park Won-gon said a rise in defections suggested the internal situation is bad in North Korea.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-mohammed-bin-salman-forged-kings-signature-to-start-yemen-war-report-751447">Prince Mohammed bin Salman forged king's signature to start Yemen war: Report</a>

In retaliation for North Korea's trash balloon campaign, Seoul scrapped a military tension-reduction agreement and resumed border propaganda.

Such campaigns can take months to have any impact on defections, Park said.&nbsp;

"Turning on the loudspeaker doesn't mean the North Koreans are going to defect to the South right away," Park said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A North Korean defector crossed the heavily fortified border into South Korea by walking across the peninsula's dividing line, Seoul's military reported on Tuesday (Aug 20).

A North Korean defector crossed the heavily fortified border into South Korea by walking across the peninsula's dividing line, Seoul's military reported on Tuesday (Aug 20). Since the peninsula was divided by war in the 1950s, tens of thousands of North Koreans have fled to South Korea but the majority crosses the land border into China first. Preliminary figures from the unification ministry show this year until June some 105 people defected. Seoul's military said it picked up one alleged North Korean individual on the eastern front and handed them over to the relevant authorities". Also read: Democrats say hi to Harris, bye to Biden at Democratic National Convention According to Yonhap news agency, the defector was a staff sergeant who received some guidance from South Korea's military during the defection. The number of defections has significantly decreased since 2020 after North Korea sealed its borders to prevent the spread of COVID-19, reportedly issuing shoot-on-sight orders along the land frontier with China. However, after border controls eased in 2023, the number of defections rose with 196 making it to the South last year. According to local media reports, the latest defector walked along the road by the waterfront in eastern Gangwon province, and was wearing a North Korean military uniform when picked up by authorities. This marks the second time this month that someone has crossed the de facto maritime border in the Yellow Sea. The first incident occurred on August 8. This comes as relations between the two Koreas are at one of their lowest points in years, with the North ramping up weapons testing and bombarding the South with trash-carrying balloons. A professor at Ewha Woman's University, Park Won-gon said a rise in defections suggested the internal situation is bad in North Korea. Also read: Prince Mohammed bin Salman forged king's signature to start Yemen war: Report In retaliation for North Korea's trash balloon campaign, Seoul scrapped a military tension-reduction agreement and resumed border propaganda. Such campaigns can take months to have any impact on defections, Park said. "Turning on the loudspeaker doesn't mean the North Koreans are going to defect to the South right away," Park said. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korean defects to South by crossing border, says Seoul military

South Korea is calling on automakers operating within its borders to disclose the manufacturers of batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs). This move comes as authorities attempt to address growing concerns over EV-related fires, following a recent incident in an underground parking lot that took eight hours to extinguish. While experts acknowledge that identifying specific battery makers would offer consumers more choice, they note that there is a lack of conclusive data indicating which brands are most susceptible to fires.

&nbsp;

The incident that sparked this initiative occurred on August 1&nbsp;when a fire appeared to start spontaneously in a Mercedes-Benz EV equipped with Farasis Energy batteries. The blaze, which took place in the city of Incheon, raged for more than eight hours, destroying or damaging approximately 140 cars and forcing some residents of the apartments above to evacuate to shelters. The aftermath revealed dozens of vehicles reduced to metal frames, highlighting the intensity of the fire. Officials reported that the situation was exacerbated by malfunctioning equipment, such as sprinklers, in the parking lot.

&nbsp;

This alarming event prompted the government to convene a series of meetings aimed at developing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. However, it's important to note that despite recent headlines, EVs do not appear to catch fire as frequently as one might assume.

&nbsp;

In the United States, a study conducted by insurance company AutoInsuranceEZ, using data from the National Transportation Safety Board, found that EVs caught fire at a rate of 25 per 100,000 units sold. This is significantly lower than the rate for gasoline-powered vehicles (1,530 per 100,000) and hybrids (3,475 per 100,000). In South Korea, there were 72 EV-related fires in 2022, a 200 per cent&nbsp;increase from the 24 incidents recorded in 2021, according to the National Fire Agency. However, the number of fires per 10,000 EVs in South Korea was 1.3 last year, compared to 1.9 for internal combustion engine vehicles, as reported by the Science &amp; Technology Policy Institute.

&nbsp;

The global EV market has been expanding rapidly, with nearly one in five cars sold globally in 2023 being electric. This translates to approximately 14 million EVs sold, primarily in China, Europe, and the United States, bringing the total number of EVs on the road to 40 million.

&nbsp;

Experts explain that EV battery fires differ from those in internal combustion engines, often lasting longer and being more challenging to extinguish due to their tendency to reignite. EVs are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which can store enormous amounts of energy. If a battery is damaged, has a design flaw, or experiences an internal short circuit, it can result in a chain reaction known as a thermal runaway. The flammable chemicals in these batteries can release their oxygen as they burn, allowing EV fires to reignite hours or even days after they appear to have been extinguished.

&nbsp;

South Korea's vulnerability to EV fires is partly due to its unique demographic and urban landscape. As one of the world's most densely populated nations, more than 60 per cent&nbsp;of its 50 million inhabitants live in apartments or other multi-household dwellings, often utilizing underground parking facilities equipped with EV charging stations. This concentration of vehicles in enclosed spaces can make fire containment more challenging.

&nbsp;

In response to these concerns, several automakers, including Hyundai Motor, Mercedes-Benz Korea, Kia Corp, and Volkswagen Korea, have begun identifying their battery suppliers. However, analysts argue that this measure alone is insufficient to reduce fire risks. They emphasize the need for improved battery management systems, more sophisticated early warning mechanisms, and enhanced fire safety measures for parking facilities.

&nbsp;

Some experts propose additional measures to mitigate risks. Moon Hak-hoon, an automotive engineering professor at Osan University, suggests creating a certification scheme to help guarantee the safety of EV batteries. Kim Jonghoon, a professor at Chungnam National University specializing in EVs, proposes limiting the maximum charge of EV batteries, noting that there are more cases of fires when batteries are over 90 per cent&nbsp;charged. However, he acknowledges that carmakers aiming for longer driving ranges might resist such a measure.

&nbsp;

While Kim anticipates a potential short-term negative impact on South Korean EV sales due to fire concerns, he remains optimistic about the long-term transition to electric vehicles. Interestingly, data from the used-car trading platform K Car shows that the number of applications by people wanting to sell EVs in South Korea rose by 184 per cent&nbsp;between August 1 and August 7, compared to the previous week, indicating a possible shift in consumer sentiment.

&nbsp;

As South Korea grapples with these challenges, the government and industry stakeholders continue to work towards finding effective solutions to ensure the safety and reliability of electric vehicles, balancing the need for innovation with public safety concerns.

South Korea is calling on automakers operating within its borders to disclose the manufacturers of batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs). This move comes as authorities attempt to address growing concerns over EV-related fires, following a recent incident in an underground parking lot that took eight hours to extinguish.

South Korea is calling on automakers operating within its borders to disclose the manufacturers of batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs). This move comes as authorities attempt to address growing concerns over EV-related fires, following a recent incident in an underground parking lot that took eight hours to extinguish. While experts acknowledge that identifying specific battery makers would offer consumers more choice, they note that there is a lack of conclusive data indicating which brands are most susceptible to fires. The incident that sparked this initiative occurred on August 1 when a fire appeared to start spontaneously in a Mercedes-Benz EV equipped with Farasis Energy batteries. The blaze, which took place in the city of Incheon, raged for more than eight hours, destroying or damaging approximately 140 cars and forcing some residents of the apartments above to evacuate to shelters. The aftermath revealed dozens of vehicles reduced to metal frames, highlighting the intensity of the fire. Officials reported that the situation was exacerbated by malfunctioning equipment, such as sprinklers, in the parking lot. This alarming event prompted the government to convene a series of meetings aimed at developing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. However, it's important to note that despite recent headlines, EVs do not appear to catch fire as frequently as one might assume. In the United States, a study conducted by insurance company AutoInsuranceEZ, using data from the National Transportation Safety Board, found that EVs caught fire at a rate of 25 per 100,000 units sold. This is significantly lower than the rate for gasoline-powered vehicles (1,530 per 100,000) and hybrids (3,475 per 100,000). In South Korea, there were 72 EV-related fires in 2022, a 200 per cent increase from the 24 incidents recorded in 2021, according to the National Fire Agency. However, the number of fires per 10,000 EVs in South Korea was 1.3 last year, compared to 1.9 for internal combustion engine vehicles, as reported by the Science & Technology Policy Institute. The global EV market has been expanding rapidly, with nearly one in five cars sold globally in 2023 being electric. This translates to approximately 14 million EVs sold, primarily in China, Europe, and the United States, bringing the total number of EVs on the road to 40 million. Experts explain that EV battery fires differ from those in internal combustion engines, often lasting longer and being more challenging to extinguish due to their tendency to reignite. EVs are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which can store enormous amounts of energy. If a battery is damaged, has a design flaw, or experiences an internal short circuit, it can result in a chain reaction known as a thermal runaway. The flammable chemicals in these batteries can release their oxygen as they burn, allowing EV fires to reignite hours or even days after they appear to have been extinguished. South Korea's vulnerability to EV fires is partly due to its unique demographic and urban landscape. As one of the world's most densely populated nations, more than 60 per cent of its 50 million inhabitants live in apartments or other multi-household dwellings, often utilizing underground parking facilities equipped with EV charging stations. This concentration of vehicles in enclosed spaces can make fire containment more challenging. In response to these concerns, several automakers, including Hyundai Motor, Mercedes-Benz Korea, Kia Corp, and Volkswagen Korea, have begun identifying their battery suppliers. However, analysts argue that this measure alone is insufficient to reduce fire risks. They emphasize the need for improved battery management systems, more sophisticated early warning mechanisms, and enhanced fire safety measures for parking facilities. Some experts propose additional measures to mitigate risks. Moon Hak-hoon, an automotive engineering professor at Osan University, suggests creating a certification scheme to help guarantee the safety of EV batteries. Kim Jonghoon, a professor at Chungnam National University specializing in EVs, proposes limiting the maximum charge of EV batteries, noting that there are more cases of fires when batteries are over 90 per cent charged. However, he acknowledges that carmakers aiming for longer driving ranges might resist such a measure. While Kim anticipates a potential short-term negative impact on South Korean EV sales due to fire concerns, he remains optimistic about the long-term transition to electric vehicles. Interestingly, data from the used-car trading platform K Car shows that the number of applications by people wanting to sell EVs in South Korea rose by 184 per cent between August 1 and August 7, compared to the previous week, indicating a possible shift in consumer sentiment. As South Korea grapples with these challenges, the government and industry stakeholders continue to work towards finding effective solutions to ensure the safety and reliability of electric vehicles, balancing the need for innovation with public safety concerns.

South Korea calls out local automakers on safety issues

A streak of super-hot tropical nights is set to break a century-old South Korean weather record, as the peninsula bakes in a prolonged heat wave. Watch in for more details!

South Korea swelters with 'tropical nights' record in sight

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