The South Korean health ministry announced on Tuesday (Feb 27) that nurses are now granted legal protection to perform certain medical procedures typically handled by doctors.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/south-korea-declares-severe-health-alert-amid-doctors-strike-693175">South Korea declares 'severe' health alert amid doctors' strike</a>

This decision aims to alleviate the strain on hospital staff caused by a recent walkout of trainee doctors.

Following the trainee doctors' protest last week against the government's plan to increase medical school admissions to address a shortage of doctors, nurses expressed concerns about the legal risks and increased workload they now face.

With more than two-thirds of the country's resident and intern doctors resigning from their posts, major hospitals experienced disruptions, including turned-away patients in emergency rooms and cancelled or postponed surgeries and procedures.

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-south-koreas-hospitals-on-red-alert-as-thousands-of-doctors-stage-walkout-over-proposed-reforms-692913">Explained: Proposed reforms that have led South Korea’s doctors to walk out</a>

In response to the situation, the government is expediting efforts to legislate legal protection for doctors, allowing patients to promptly receive compensation for injuries during medical procedures. This measure aims to enable doctors to focus on their work amid the ongoing healthcare crisis.

South Korea raised its public health alert to the highest level on February 23, declaring a health services crisis attributed to the mass resignation of thousands of doctors protesting proposed medical reforms.

The doctors argue that the government should address existing issues before increasing the number of physicians.

WATCH |&nbsp;Why are South Korean trainee doctors on strike?

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Park Min-soo, Seoul's Second Vice Health Minister, earlier revealed that 78.5 per cent of the trainee workforce, comprising over 8,890 junior doctors, has resigned in opposition to the government's plans to significantly boost medical school admissions.&nbsp;

Despite doctors being legally prohibited from striking as essential workers, the government deems the mass resignation illegal, asserting that illegal collective actions that threaten public health cannot be justified for any reason.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-trainee-doctors-stop-work-to-protest-medical-reforms-692126">South Korean trainee doctors stop work to protest medical reforms</a>

This collective action has resulted in the cancellation or postponement of surgeries for cancer patients and C-sections for pregnant women, leading to urgent appeals from patients with severe illnesses for the doctors to resume their duties.

(With inputs from agencies)

The South Korean health ministry announced on Tuesday (Feb 27) that nurses are now granted legal protection to perform certain medical procedures typically handled by doctors.

The South Korean health ministry announced on Tuesday (Feb 27) that nurses are now granted legal protection to perform certain medical procedures typically handled by doctors. Also read: South Korea declares 'severe' health alert amid doctors' strike This decision aims to alleviate the strain on hospital staff caused by a recent walkout of trainee doctors. Following the trainee doctors' protest last week against the government's plan to increase medical school admissions to address a shortage of doctors, nurses expressed concerns about the legal risks and increased workload they now face. With more than two-thirds of the country's resident and intern doctors resigning from their posts, major hospitals experienced disruptions, including turned-away patients in emergency rooms and cancelled or postponed surgeries and procedures. Also read | Explained: Proposed reforms that have led South Korea’s doctors to walk out In response to the situation, the government is expediting efforts to legislate legal protection for doctors, allowing patients to promptly receive compensation for injuries during medical procedures. This measure aims to enable doctors to focus on their work amid the ongoing healthcare crisis. South Korea raised its public health alert to the highest level on February 23, declaring a health services crisis attributed to the mass resignation of thousands of doctors protesting proposed medical reforms. The doctors argue that the government should address existing issues before increasing the number of physicians. WATCH | Why are South Korean trainee doctors on strike? × Park Min-soo, Seoul's Second Vice Health Minister, earlier revealed that 78.5 per cent of the trainee workforce, comprising over 8,890 junior doctors, has resigned in opposition to the government's plans to significantly boost medical school admissions. Despite doctors being legally prohibited from striking as essential workers, the government deems the mass resignation illegal, asserting that illegal collective actions that threaten public health cannot be justified for any reason. Also Read | South Korean trainee doctors stop work to protest medical reforms This collective action has resulted in the cancellation or postponement of surgeries for cancer patients and C-sections for pregnant women, leading to urgent appeals from patients with severe illnesses for the doctors to resume their duties. (With inputs from agencies)

Legal protection granted for South Korean nurses to conduct certain medical procedures

In South Korea, thousands of medical interns and residents have stayed off the job to mark their protest against a government plan. The junior doctors have now been given 4 days to return to work. How can essential workers who feel 'unheard' make themselves 'heard'? Molly Gambhir gets you the complete story.

Gravitas | Government urges South Korean doctors to return to work

South Korean doctors have continued their demonstrations against the government's plan to increase medical school admissions and at the center of this dispute is a recent government announcement that the colleges and the universities would admit 2,000 more medical students from the next academic year. Hundreds of senior doctors held a rally near the presidential office in Seoul. Watch to know more!

South Korea doctors' Strike: Doctors say higher admissions will lower medical education level

South Korea doctors protest creates chaos, causes cancellations of surgeries

Hospitals in South Korea are on a severe level alert for the very first time...Thousands of doctors have quit their jobs over medical reforms announced by the government. The government has issued an ultimatum to the protesters to return to work. This report tells why there is such a high resentment among South Korean doctors?

Yoon Suk Yeol's ratings rise amidst protest

South Korea doctors' protest: Government warn doctors to return to work or face legal action

Seoul Doctors Protest: Is South Korea facing a shortage of doctors?

South Korean doctors have continued their demonstrations against the government's plan to increase medical school admissions and at the center of this dispute is a recent government announcement that the colleges and the universities would admit 2,000 more medical students from the next academic year. Hundreds of senior doctors held a rally near the presidential office in Seoul.

South Korean doctors stage mass walkout against government's plan

South Korea: Doctors' walkouts disrupt medical operations

Raising children can be expensive, irrespective of which country you are residing or are a citizen of. However, as per a recent report from the YuWa Population Research Institute, China is one of the most expensive places to raise children. The report released on Wednesday says that the high costs have a disproportionate impact on women.

<h2>China and Children</h2>

China is facing a significant challenge with its declining birth rate. This problem has been exacerbated by the high cost of raising children in China.

As per the report by YuWa Population Research Institute, in China, on average, raising a child from birth to age 17 costs about $74,800. Furthermore, supporting an offspring through a bachelor's degree raises that cost to over $94,500.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-aging-fast-births-fall-by-10-to-an-all-time-low-raising-economic-concerns-645830">China ageing fast: Births fall by 10% to an all-time low, raising economic concerns</a>

This expense is roughly 6.3 times higher than China's GDP per capita, claims the report. This high cost is only second to South Korea, which not only has the world's lowest fertility rate but also the highest child-rearing costs that come up to 7.79 times the GDP per capita.

In comparison, this cost in Australia is just 2.08 times the GDP per capita. In France it is 2.24 time, and in the United States it is 4.11 times.

<h2>The burden on women</h2>

Women taking a maternity leave continue to face "unfair treatment" at work. Furthermore, many companies avoid recruiting women of childbearing age. Citing research from multiple papers, it further reports that women who have children may see up to 12 per cent to 17 per cent drop in their wages.

While earlier women were willing to make the sacrifice, with many choosing to stay at home to take care of the children, now, to many of them,&nbsp;the sacrifice doesn't seem worth the payoff, states the report.

Not just at work, their family life also contributed to the reluctance. Research has shown that in China, women continue to bear the primary responsibility for household tasks like cooking, cleaning, shopping, and child-rearing, etc.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-streamlines-marriage-registration-process-for-migrant-workers-amid-looming-population-crisis-594576">China eases marriage registration process for migrant workers to tackle population crisis</a>

According to the report, "Chinese people’s willingness to have children is almost the lowest in the world."

This, it says, is "Due to reasons such as the high cost of childbearing and the difficulty for women to balance family and work."

"It is no exaggeration to describe the current population situation as a collapse in the birth population."

<h2>China's population decline</h2>

For the past two years, China's population has been shrinking. In April 2023, this even led to India gaining the title of the world's most populous country.&nbsp;

In 2023, the nation recorded its lowest birth rate since the founding of Communist China in 1949, reports CNN.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: China's demographic disaster: Is this the end of China's dream?

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-demographic-disaster-is-this-the-end-of-chinas-dream-553606/embed" width="560"></iframe>

Despite efforts by the government to encourage more births, such as relaxing its stringent one-child birth policy and offering financial incentives, many women are still reluctant to have children.

"Because the current social environment in China is not conducive to women’s childbirth, the time cost and opportunity cost for women to have children are too high," it states.

The report warns that the falling birthrate could potentially impact economic growth, people's overall happiness and China’s global standing. It further urged the government to reduce the cost of childbirth "as soon as possible."

(With inputs from agencies)

Raising children can be expensive, irrespective of which country you are residing or are a citizen of. However, as per a recent report from the YuWa Population Research Institute, China is one of the most expensive places to raise children.

Raising children can be expensive, irrespective of which country you are residing or are a citizen of. However, as per a recent report from the YuWa Population Research Institute, China is one of the most expensive places to raise children. The report released on Wednesday says that the high costs have a disproportionate impact on women. China and Children China is facing a significant challenge with its declining birth rate. This problem has been exacerbated by the high cost of raising children in China. As per the report by YuWa Population Research Institute, in China, on average, raising a child from birth to age 17 costs about $74,800. Furthermore, supporting an offspring through a bachelor's degree raises that cost to over $94,500. Also read | China ageing fast: Births fall by 10% to an all-time low, raising economic concerns This expense is roughly 6.3 times higher than China's GDP per capita, claims the report. This high cost is only second to South Korea, which not only has the world's lowest fertility rate but also the highest child-rearing costs that come up to 7.79 times the GDP per capita. In comparison, this cost in Australia is just 2.08 times the GDP per capita. In France it is 2.24 time, and in the United States it is 4.11 times. The burden on women Women taking a maternity leave continue to face "unfair treatment" at work. Furthermore, many companies avoid recruiting women of childbearing age. Citing research from multiple papers, it further reports that women who have children may see up to 12 per cent to 17 per cent drop in their wages. While earlier women were willing to make the sacrifice, with many choosing to stay at home to take care of the children, now, to many of them, the sacrifice doesn't seem worth the payoff, states the report. Not just at work, their family life also contributed to the reluctance. Research has shown that in China, women continue to bear the primary responsibility for household tasks like cooking, cleaning, shopping, and child-rearing, etc. Also read | China eases marriage registration process for migrant workers to tackle population crisis According to the report, "Chinese people’s willingness to have children is almost the lowest in the world." This, it says, is "Due to reasons such as the high cost of childbearing and the difficulty for women to balance family and work." "It is no exaggeration to describe the current population situation as a collapse in the birth population." China's population decline For the past two years, China's population has been shrinking. In April 2023, this even led to India gaining the title of the world's most populous country. In 2023, the nation recorded its lowest birth rate since the founding of Communist China in 1949, reports CNN. Watch | Gravitas: China's demographic disaster: Is this the end of China's dream? Despite efforts by the government to encourage more births, such as relaxing its stringent one-child birth policy and offering financial incentives, many women are still reluctant to have children. "Because the current social environment in China is not conducive to women’s childbirth, the time cost and opportunity cost for women to have children are too high," it states. The report warns that the falling birthrate could potentially impact economic growth, people's overall happiness and China’s global standing. It further urged the government to reduce the cost of childbirth "as soon as possible." (With inputs from agencies)

The price of parenthood: China among the most expensive places to raise children, finds report

Emergency units at all hospitals in South Korea except for one, on Thursday (Feb 22) were on red alert as more than 8,000 trainee doctors continued their protest against the government’s proposed reforms to boost the country’s healthcare sector. The doctors have argued that Seoul needs to address existing issues before increasing the number of physicians.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Red alert’ in South Korea’s hospitals</h2>

As of Thursday, more than 8,400 doctors have joined the walkout – about 64 per cent of the entire resident and intern doctors in the country, reported Reuters citing the health ministry.&nbsp;

Around 300 doctors also took to the streets in the capital city of Seoul near the presidential office to call on the government to scrap its plan.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Why are South Korean trainee doctors on strike?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-are-south-korean-trainee-doctors-on-strike-692454/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The protests continued a day after South Korea’s government officially ordered thousands of striking doctors to get back to work immediately or face legal action. The walkouts left general hospitals, which heavily rely on trainees for emergency operations and surgeries, paralysed.&nbsp;

Around two-thirds of the country’s young doctors have joined the protests since they began earlier this week, raising fears of further disruptions to the medical system if the dispute over the reforms drags on.&nbsp;

<h2>About the proposed reforms</h2>

The government citing the low number of doctors and the country’s rapidly ageing society proposed several reforms in one of the largest shake-ups to South Korea’s medical training system.

The proposed reforms, announced earlier this month, would raise the number of students admitted to medical schools by 2,000 in the academic year 2025.&nbsp;

The government has sought to fill an expected shortfall of 15,000 doctors projected by 2035, said the health ministry, given that the ageing population would raise the demand for medical services in the future.&nbsp;

Since the medical community is also ageing, more doctors are expected to retire in the upcoming years, said the health ministry.

South Korea, with 2.6 doctors per 1,000 people, is ranked among the lowest in developed countries for its doctor-to-patient ratio, according to data from the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

The government’s plan has also sought to increase investment and lift pay for doctors in regional and rural areas to maintain healthcare in those regions.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-trainee-doctors-stop-work-to-protest-medical-reforms-692126">South Korean trainee doctors stop work to protest medical reforms</a>

The government has raised the fees for doctors in paediatrics, obstetrics and emergency medicine since last year, said South Korea’s Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. Seoul also plans to inject over $7.48 billion to further boost these fees.&nbsp;

Specialist doctors in South Korea, as per OECD, are some of the highest paid among developed countries, as opposed to the general practitioners who are comparatively paid less.&nbsp;

South Korea faces a shortage of specialists in certain key areas, such as paediatrics and cardiology, which has been attributed to misplaced financial incentives, national health insurance, and the risk of medical lawsuits.

Seoul has acknowledged that doctors in essential services are often subject to malpractice suits and prosecution and plans to introduce new legislation to expand legal protection for doctors.&nbsp;

<h2>What have the doctors said?</h2>

The doctors have said that universities aren’t ready to offer quality education to that many students, as the government has sought to bring the total to 5,000 students, as per its plan.&nbsp;

The 2,000 additional admissions “is a nonsensical figure,” said the Korea Interns and Residents Association, the body leading the strike, and called the plan a political ploy ahead of a general election in April.&nbsp;

The Korea Medical Association, which represents 140,000 doctors, said it supports the trainee doctors’ walkouts, but is yet to decide if they will join them.&nbsp;

As of Tuesday night, about 8,820 out of the country’s 13,000 trainee doctors have submitted resignations to their hospitals, but none of them have been accepted. Around 7,813 of the doctors have walked off, Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo told reporters&nbsp;on Wednesday.&nbsp;

South Korea’s medical community argues that there are already sufficient numbers of doctors saying that the real issue is the pay and working conditions.

The medical interns and resident doctors say they are underpaid and overworked and their protests show the flaws in the system. Trainee doctors typically work 80 to 100 hours, five days a week, supporting senior doctors during surgeries and dealing with inpatients.&nbsp;

They say more senior staff needs to be hired to address this issue and not increase the number of trainees.&nbsp;

Young doctors are also concerned that increasing the number of medical students would lead to more competition in the already cut-throat sector,&nbsp;a view which is not particularly popular.&nbsp;

“Opposing the expansion of medical school admissions to ensure greater profitability by reducing competition when they establish their own practices in the future is unlikely to garner public support,” Kim Jae-heon, head of an NGO advocating free medical care told AFP.&nbsp;

<h2>Government issues back-to-work order</h2>

The government, on Wednesday (Feb 21) issued the back-to-work and accused trainee doctors of putting their rights before the lives of patients. “A collective action taking the lives and safety of the people hostage cannot be justified for whatever reason,” said Safety Minister Lee Sang-min.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-orders-striking-doctors-back-to-work-as-emergency-units-turn-away-patients-692497">South Korea orders striking doctors back to work as emergency units turn away patients</a>

Seoul’s medical law allows the government to issue such back-to-work orders if there are grave concerns about public health. If not abided by, striking doctors can face up to three years in prison, $22,480 in fines, and punishment that could lead to them losing their medical licence.&nbsp;

“Everyone is angry and frustrated, so we are all leaving hospitals,” said Park Dan, head of the Korea Interns and Residents Association, adding that he was willing to be arrested if their demands were not heard.

<h2>Impact on hospitals and patients</h2>

The biggest hospitals across South Korea were forced to cancel operations and turn away patients who sought emergency care.&nbsp;

Five major hospitals in the country have cut surgeries by up to 50 per cent to deal with the stoppage of operations, reported news agency Yonhap citing industry sources.&nbsp;

Cancer patients and pregnant women needing C-sections have seen procedures cancelled or delayed, as per local media reports.

Social media and online communities were flooded with posts about people receiving phone calls about delays and cancellations.&nbsp;

“I’m really angry at both the government and the hospital,” wrote a patient with breast cancer whose operation was postponed indefinitely, as per AFP.&nbsp;

She added, “I hate both the government that created this situation and the doctors who pretend not to know that no cause is more important than their patients.”

A poll by Gallup Korea showed that most South Koreans (76 per cent) are in favour of the reforms&nbsp;amid concerns about an acute shortage of doctors for paediatrics, emergency units and clinics outside the greater Seoul area.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Emergency units at all hospitals in South Korea except for one, on Thursday (Feb 22) were on red alert as more than 8,000 trainee doctors continued their protest against the government’s proposed reforms to boost the country’s healthcare sector.

Emergency units at all hospitals in South Korea except for one, on Thursday (Feb 22) were on red alert as more than 8,000 trainee doctors continued their protest against the government’s proposed reforms to boost the country’s healthcare sector. The doctors have argued that Seoul needs to address existing issues before increasing the number of physicians. ‘Red alert’ in South Korea’s hospitals As of Thursday, more than 8,400 doctors have joined the walkout – about 64 per cent of the entire resident and intern doctors in the country, reported Reuters citing the health ministry. Around 300 doctors also took to the streets in the capital city of Seoul near the presidential office to call on the government to scrap its plan. WATCH | Why are South Korean trainee doctors on strike? The protests continued a day after South Korea’s government officially ordered thousands of striking doctors to get back to work immediately or face legal action. The walkouts left general hospitals, which heavily rely on trainees for emergency operations and surgeries, paralysed. Around two-thirds of the country’s young doctors have joined the protests since they began earlier this week, raising fears of further disruptions to the medical system if the dispute over the reforms drags on. About the proposed reforms The government citing the low number of doctors and the country’s rapidly ageing society proposed several reforms in one of the largest shake-ups to South Korea’s medical training system. The proposed reforms, announced earlier this month, would raise the number of students admitted to medical schools by 2,000 in the academic year 2025. The government has sought to fill an expected shortfall of 15,000 doctors projected by 2035, said the health ministry, given that the ageing population would raise the demand for medical services in the future. Since the medical community is also ageing, more doctors are expected to retire in the upcoming years, said the health ministry. South Korea, with 2.6 doctors per 1,000 people, is ranked among the lowest in developed countries for its doctor-to-patient ratio, according to data from the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The government’s plan has also sought to increase investment and lift pay for doctors in regional and rural areas to maintain healthcare in those regions. Also Read | South Korean trainee doctors stop work to protest medical reforms The government has raised the fees for doctors in paediatrics, obstetrics and emergency medicine since last year, said South Korea’s Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. Seoul also plans to inject over $7.48 billion to further boost these fees. Specialist doctors in South Korea, as per OECD, are some of the highest paid among developed countries, as opposed to the general practitioners who are comparatively paid less. South Korea faces a shortage of specialists in certain key areas, such as paediatrics and cardiology, which has been attributed to misplaced financial incentives, national health insurance, and the risk of medical lawsuits. Seoul has acknowledged that doctors in essential services are often subject to malpractice suits and prosecution and plans to introduce new legislation to expand legal protection for doctors. What have the doctors said? The doctors have said that universities aren’t ready to offer quality education to that many students, as the government has sought to bring the total to 5,000 students, as per its plan. The 2,000 additional admissions “is a nonsensical figure,” said the Korea Interns and Residents Association, the body leading the strike, and called the plan a political ploy ahead of a general election in April. The Korea Medical Association, which represents 140,000 doctors, said it supports the trainee doctors’ walkouts, but is yet to decide if they will join them. As of Tuesday night, about 8,820 out of the country’s 13,000 trainee doctors have submitted resignations to their hospitals, but none of them have been accepted. Around 7,813 of the doctors have walked off, Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo told reporters on Wednesday. South Korea’s medical community argues that there are already sufficient numbers of doctors saying that the real issue is the pay and working conditions. The medical interns and resident doctors say they are underpaid and overworked and their protests show the flaws in the system. Trainee doctors typically work 80 to 100 hours, five days a week, supporting senior doctors during surgeries and dealing with inpatients. They say more senior staff needs to be hired to address this issue and not increase the number of trainees. Young doctors are also concerned that increasing the number of medical students would lead to more competition in the already cut-throat sector, a view which is not particularly popular. “Opposing the expansion of medical school admissions to ensure greater profitability by reducing competition when they establish their own practices in the future is unlikely to garner public support,” Kim Jae-heon, head of an NGO advocating free medical care told AFP. Government issues back-to-work order The government, on Wednesday (Feb 21) issued the back-to-work and accused trainee doctors of putting their rights before the lives of patients. “A collective action taking the lives and safety of the people hostage cannot be justified for whatever reason,” said Safety Minister Lee Sang-min. Also Read | South Korea orders striking doctors back to work as emergency units turn away patients Seoul’s medical law allows the government to issue such back-to-work orders if there are grave concerns about public health. If not abided by, striking doctors can face up to three years in prison, $22,480 in fines, and punishment that could lead to them losing their medical licence. “Everyone is angry and frustrated, so we are all leaving hospitals,” said Park Dan, head of the Korea Interns and Residents Association, adding that he was willing to be arrested if their demands were not heard. Impact on hospitals and patients The biggest hospitals across South Korea were forced to cancel operations and turn away patients who sought emergency care. Five major hospitals in the country have cut surgeries by up to 50 per cent to deal with the stoppage of operations, reported news agency Yonhap citing industry sources. Cancer patients and pregnant women needing C-sections have seen procedures cancelled or delayed, as per local media reports. Social media and online communities were flooded with posts about people receiving phone calls about delays and cancellations. “I’m really angry at both the government and the hospital,” wrote a patient with breast cancer whose operation was postponed indefinitely, as per AFP. She added, “I hate both the government that created this situation and the doctors who pretend not to know that no cause is more important than their patients.” A poll by Gallup Korea showed that most South Koreans (76 per cent) are in favour of the reforms amid concerns about an acute shortage of doctors for paediatrics, emergency units and clinics outside the greater Seoul area. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: Proposed reforms that have led South Korea’s doctors to walk out

South Korea on Friday (Feb 23) elevated its public health alert to the highest level as authorities declared a health services crisis, attributing it to the resignation of thousands of doctors in protest against proposed medical reforms.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-south-koreas-hospitals-on-red-alert-as-thousands-of-doctors-stage-walkout-over-proposed-reforms-692913">Explained: Proposed reforms that have led South Korea’s doctors to walk out</a>

The doctors are protesting against the government’s proposed reforms to boost the country’s healthcare sector. The doctors have argued that Seoul needs to address existing issues before increasing the number of physicians.

According to Seoul's Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo, over 8,890 junior doctors, constituting 78.5 per cent of the trainee workforce, have resigned in opposition to the government's plans to significantly boost medical school admissions.

WATCH |&nbsp;Why are South Korean trainee doctors on strike?

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Park Min-soo stated in a press briefing that 7,863 of the resigned doctors have not reported for duty, though their resignation letters have not been officially accepted or processed. The government has issued orders for many of them to return to their hospitals.

In South Korea, doctors are legally prohibited from striking, being deemed essential workers. The government contends that the mass resignation is illegal, asserting, "Illegal collective actions that threaten public health cannot be justified for any reason."

The collective action has led to the cancellation or postponement of surgeries for cancer patients and C-sections for pregnant women, prompting urgent appeals from patients with severe illnesses for the doctors to resume work.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-trainee-doctors-stop-work-to-protest-medical-reforms-692126">South Korean trainee doctors stop work to protest medical reforms</a>

Park informed reporters that due to concerns about the damage to citizens' health caused by the collective actions of doctors, the health care disaster alert level has been upgraded from 'caution' to 'severe.' This is the first time the alert has been raised to the ‘severe’ level due to a health care service crisis.

It is worth mentioning that South Korea's general hospitals heavily rely on trainees for emergency operations and surgeries.

While addressing the situation, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assured that the government would ensure all public hospitals operate at ‘maximum’ capacity, extending weekday hours and enhancing service availability on weekends and holidays.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-orders-striking-doctors-back-to-work-as-emergency-units-turn-away-patients-692497">South Korea orders striking doctors back to work as emergency units turn away patients</a>

South Korea, with one of the lowest doctor-to-population ratios among developed countries, is aiming to admit an additional 2,000 students to medical schools annually from the next year.

Doctors argue against the government's plan, expressing concerns about its impact on service quality, while supporters of the reform claim doctors fear potential salary and status reductions.

Junior doctors argue that the new medical education reforms exacerbate the challenges they already face in a profession with demanding working conditions. Polls indicate that up to 75 per cent of the South Korean public supports the increase in medical school admissions, with those in remote areas struggling to access quality healthcare.

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korea on Friday (Feb 23) elevated its public health alert to the highest level as authorities declared a health services crisis, attributing it to the resignation of thousands of doctors in protest against proposed medical reforms.

South Korea on Friday (Feb 23) elevated its public health alert to the highest level as authorities declared a health services crisis, attributing it to the resignation of thousands of doctors in protest against proposed medical reforms. Also read | Explained: Proposed reforms that have led South Korea’s doctors to walk out The doctors are protesting against the government’s proposed reforms to boost the country’s healthcare sector. The doctors have argued that Seoul needs to address existing issues before increasing the number of physicians. According to Seoul's Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo, over 8,890 junior doctors, constituting 78.5 per cent of the trainee workforce, have resigned in opposition to the government's plans to significantly boost medical school admissions. WATCH | Why are South Korean trainee doctors on strike? × Park Min-soo stated in a press briefing that 7,863 of the resigned doctors have not reported for duty, though their resignation letters have not been officially accepted or processed. The government has issued orders for many of them to return to their hospitals. In South Korea, doctors are legally prohibited from striking, being deemed essential workers. The government contends that the mass resignation is illegal, asserting, "Illegal collective actions that threaten public health cannot be justified for any reason." The collective action has led to the cancellation or postponement of surgeries for cancer patients and C-sections for pregnant women, prompting urgent appeals from patients with severe illnesses for the doctors to resume work. Also Read | South Korean trainee doctors stop work to protest medical reforms Park informed reporters that due to concerns about the damage to citizens' health caused by the collective actions of doctors, the health care disaster alert level has been upgraded from 'caution' to 'severe.' This is the first time the alert has been raised to the ‘severe’ level due to a health care service crisis. It is worth mentioning that South Korea's general hospitals heavily rely on trainees for emergency operations and surgeries. While addressing the situation, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assured that the government would ensure all public hospitals operate at ‘maximum’ capacity, extending weekday hours and enhancing service availability on weekends and holidays. Also Read | South Korea orders striking doctors back to work as emergency units turn away patients South Korea, with one of the lowest doctor-to-population ratios among developed countries, is aiming to admit an additional 2,000 students to medical schools annually from the next year. Doctors argue against the government's plan, expressing concerns about its impact on service quality, while supporters of the reform claim doctors fear potential salary and status reductions. Junior doctors argue that the new medical education reforms exacerbate the challenges they already face in a profession with demanding working conditions. Polls indicate that up to 75 per cent of the South Korean public supports the increase in medical school admissions, with those in remote areas struggling to access quality healthcare. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea declares 'severe' health alert amid doctors' strike

A North Korean missile used by Russia and recovered in Ukraine had several hundred parts that could be sourced from overseas manufacturers, showing that Pyongyang is finding ways to evade sanctions on components, a report said.

North Korean missile made with US and European parts, report says

Heavy snowfall has blanketed the South Korean capital Seoul. After more than 8 centimeters of snow was dumped on Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi province. Cold temperatures and strong winds are forecast to persist in the region.

Snow blankets South Korea, disrupts traffic

South Korean trainee doctors collectively walked off their jobs to protest a government push to recruit more medical students, triggering cancelations of surgeries and other medical treatments at hospitals.

South Korea trainee doctors walk out to protest medical reforms

South Korea’s government officially ordered thousands of striking doctors to get back to work immediately after the biggest hospitals across the country were forced to cancel operations and turn away patients who sought emergency care, on Wednesday (Feb 21).&nbsp;

<h2>South Korea’s warning</h2>

South Korea officially ordered doctors and medical workers who have walked off the job over proposed reforms to get back to work, a step that could lead to legal punishments if they don’t.

WATCH |&nbsp;Why are South Korean trainee doctors on strike?

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More than 8,800 junior doctors – over 71 per cent of the trainee workforce – have quit, said South Korea’s Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo, on Wednesday.&nbsp;

On Wednesday alone, 7,813 trainee doctors had not shown up for work, a five-fold increase since the protests began on Monday, according to Park.

A recent plan proposed by the government to increase the number of medical students in a bid to boost healthcare staffing in remote areas of the country, as well as meet the demands of one of the world’s most rapidly ageing societies has led to widespread protests and criticism.&nbsp;

The government accused trainee doctors of putting their rights before the lives of patients. “The basic calling of medical professionals is to protect the health and lives of the people, and any group action that threatens this cannot be justified,” said Park.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-trainee-doctors-stop-work-to-protest-medical-reforms-692126">South Korean trainee doctors stop work to protest medical reforms</a>

He also called the walkout a violation of South Korean law, as medical workers cannot refuse the so-called return to work orders “without justifiable grounds”.&nbsp;

South Korea’s Safety Minister Lee Sang-min later threatened the protest leaders with possible arrest. “The police and the prosecutors’ office will consult and take measures against any group or individuals who are leading collective action, including arrest and investigation,” said Lee.&nbsp;

<h2>Impact on hospitals</h2>

As the protests grew, on Wednesday, South Korea’s general hospitals which heavily rely on trainees for emergency operations and surgeries were reportedly left paralysed.&nbsp;

Cancer patients and pregnant women needing C-sections have seen procedures cancelled or delayed, as per local media reports.&nbsp;

Around a third and a half of scheduled surgeries at the five major hospitals have reportedly been cancelled due to the walkout.&nbsp;

<h2>Why are the doctors protesting?</h2>

South Korea’s government has argued that the reforms are essential citing the low number of doctors in the country and the ageing population.&nbsp;

However, the doctors have said that universities aren’t ready to offer quality education since the government, as per its proposal, has sought to increase the nationwide medical school admissions cap by 2,000 from next year.&nbsp;

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The 2,000 additional admissions “is a nonsensical figure,” the Korean Intern Residents Association said in a statement Tuesday (Feb 20) and called the plan a political ploy ahead of a general election in April.&nbsp;

The protesters have also argued that South Korea has enough doctors and that the government needs to address working conditions and pay before recruiting more students.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

South Korea’s government officially ordered thousands of striking doctors to get back to work immediately after the biggest hospitals across the country were forced to cancel operations and turn away patients who sought emergency care, on Wednesday (Feb 21).

South Korea’s government officially ordered thousands of striking doctors to get back to work immediately after the biggest hospitals across the country were forced to cancel operations and turn away patients who sought emergency care, on Wednesday (Feb 21). South Korea’s warning South Korea officially ordered doctors and medical workers who have walked off the job over proposed reforms to get back to work, a step that could lead to legal punishments if they don’t. WATCH | Why are South Korean trainee doctors on strike? More than 8,800 junior doctors – over 71 per cent of the trainee workforce – have quit, said South Korea’s Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo, on Wednesday. On Wednesday alone, 7,813 trainee doctors had not shown up for work, a five-fold increase since the protests began on Monday, according to Park. A recent plan proposed by the government to increase the number of medical students in a bid to boost healthcare staffing in remote areas of the country, as well as meet the demands of one of the world’s most rapidly ageing societies has led to widespread protests and criticism. The government accused trainee doctors of putting their rights before the lives of patients. “The basic calling of medical professionals is to protect the health and lives of the people, and any group action that threatens this cannot be justified,” said Park. Also Read | South Korean trainee doctors stop work to protest medical reforms He also called the walkout a violation of South Korean law, as medical workers cannot refuse the so-called return to work orders “without justifiable grounds”. South Korea’s Safety Minister Lee Sang-min later threatened the protest leaders with possible arrest. “The police and the prosecutors’ office will consult and take measures against any group or individuals who are leading collective action, including arrest and investigation,” said Lee. Impact on hospitals As the protests grew, on Wednesday, South Korea’s general hospitals which heavily rely on trainees for emergency operations and surgeries were reportedly left paralysed. Cancer patients and pregnant women needing C-sections have seen procedures cancelled or delayed, as per local media reports. Around a third and a half of scheduled surgeries at the five major hospitals have reportedly been cancelled due to the walkout. Why are the doctors protesting? South Korea’s government has argued that the reforms are essential citing the low number of doctors in the country and the ageing population. However, the doctors have said that universities aren’t ready to offer quality education since the government, as per its proposal, has sought to increase the nationwide medical school admissions cap by 2,000 from next year. Also Read | Zelensky calls for urgent meet with Polish government to solve border blockade The 2,000 additional admissions “is a nonsensical figure,” the Korean Intern Residents Association said in a statement Tuesday (Feb 20) and called the plan a political ploy ahead of a general election in April. The protesters have also argued that South Korea has enough doctors and that the government needs to address working conditions and pay before recruiting more students. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea orders striking doctors back to work as emergency units turn away patients

South&nbsp;Korean hospitals turned away some patients and delayed surgeries on Tuesday as hundreds of trainee doctors stopped working in a protest against medical training reforms.

Almost 6,500 doctors submitted their resignations -- nearly half the junior workforce -- with 1,600 walking off the job, according to health ministry figures.

But&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol said the government would not back down over the "necessary" reforms, which he described as an essential measure to prepare for caring for the country's fast-ageing population.

The training reforms call for a 65 percent increase in the number of students admitted to medical schools -- an additional 2,000 people a year -- starting from 2025.

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Seoul has been trying to increase medical school enrolments for 30 years to no avail, he said, adding that the country was at a point where "we can't withstand another failure".

"This increase is far short of necessary numbers to prepare the future of our nation," he said, urging doctors not to "hold people's lives and health hostage" with work stoppages.

The government has ordered the doctors back to work, and police have warned of arrests for instigators of the work stoppages.&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean law limits the ability of medical staff to strike.

Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo told reporters that the walkouts had already resulted in cancellations of surgeries and disruptions in medical services.

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The government's top priority is to "maintain medical emergency&nbsp;services and treatment for serious cases&nbsp;at major hospitals", he said, to "avoid situations in which patients with serious conditions are prevented from accessing treatment".

The Asan Medical Center in Seoul, one of the biggest general hospitals in the country, told AFP that its emergency room was operating as normal on Tuesday but "some adjustments" were being made.

"Some surgeries have been postponed due to the ongoing&nbsp;situation," the hospital's PR wing said.

<h2>Opposition from doctors&nbsp;</h2>

South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;says it has one of the lowest doctor-to-population ratios among developed countries, and the government is pushing hard to increase the number of physicians.

Doctors have voiced fierce opposition to the government's plan to sharply raise medical school admissions, claiming it would hurt the quality of service.

Proponents of the plan say doctors are mainly concerned reforms could erode their salaries and social status.

The plan is popular with the public, who experts suggest are tired of long wait times at hospitals, with a recent Korean Gallup poll showing over 75 percent of respondents in favour, regardless of political affiliation.

The Korean Medical Association said the government's threats of legal action were akin to a "witch hunt" and&nbsp;claimed the plan would create a "Cuban-style socialist medical system".

The&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;Association of Medical Colleges has called for a significantly lower admissions increase of 11 percent, a demand the government has rejected.

"I have submitted my resignation letter," Park Dan, head of the&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;Interns and Residents Association, wrote Monday on Facebook.

"I am now able to abandon my dream of becoming a specialist in paediatric emergency medicine without any regrets. I have no intention of going back."

South Korean hospitals turned away some patients and delayed surgeries on Tuesday as hundreds of trainee doctors stopped working in a protest against medical training reforms.

South Korean hospitals turned away some patients and delayed surgeries on Tuesday as hundreds of trainee doctors stopped working in a protest against medical training reforms. Almost 6,500 doctors submitted their resignations -- nearly half the junior workforce -- with 1,600 walking off the job, according to health ministry figures. But South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol said the government would not back down over the "necessary" reforms, which he described as an essential measure to prepare for caring for the country's fast-ageing population. The training reforms call for a 65 percent increase in the number of students admitted to medical schools -- an additional 2,000 people a year -- starting from 2025. Also read: Alexei Navalny’s death: White House to impose more sanctions on Russia Seoul has been trying to increase medical school enrolments for 30 years to no avail, he said, adding that the country was at a point where "we can't withstand another failure". "This increase is far short of necessary numbers to prepare the future of our nation," he said, urging doctors not to "hold people's lives and health hostage" with work stoppages. The government has ordered the doctors back to work, and police have warned of arrests for instigators of the work stoppages. South Korean law limits the ability of medical staff to strike. Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo told reporters that the walkouts had already resulted in cancellations of surgeries and disruptions in medical services. Also read: Yale University apologises for its deep links with slavery The government's top priority is to "maintain medical emergency services and treatment for serious cases at major hospitals", he said, to "avoid situations in which patients with serious conditions are prevented from accessing treatment". The Asan Medical Center in Seoul, one of the biggest general hospitals in the country, told AFP that its emergency room was operating as normal on Tuesday but "some adjustments" were being made. "Some surgeries have been postponed due to the ongoing situation," the hospital's PR wing said. Opposition from doctors South Korea says it has one of the lowest doctor-to-population ratios among developed countries, and the government is pushing hard to increase the number of physicians. Doctors have voiced fierce opposition to the government's plan to sharply raise medical school admissions, claiming it would hurt the quality of service. Proponents of the plan say doctors are mainly concerned reforms could erode their salaries and social status. The plan is popular with the public, who experts suggest are tired of long wait times at hospitals, with a recent Korean Gallup poll showing over 75 percent of respondents in favour, regardless of political affiliation. The Korean Medical Association said the government's threats of legal action were akin to a "witch hunt" and claimed the plan would create a "Cuban-style socialist medical system". The Korea Association of Medical Colleges has called for a significantly lower admissions increase of 11 percent, a demand the government has rejected. "I have submitted my resignation letter," Park Dan, head of the Korea Interns and Residents Association, wrote Monday on Facebook. "I am now able to abandon my dream of becoming a specialist in paediatric emergency medicine without any regrets. I have no intention of going back."

South Korean trainee doctors stop work to protest medical reforms

More South Korea doctors join protest, authorities warn patients at risk. The government wants to increase medical school admissions from 3,000 now to 5,000 from the 2025 academic year, and then add 10,000 more by 2035.

Why are South Korean trainee doctors on strike?

A South Korean pastor who for decades was hailed as hero for helping North Koreans escape the country has been handed jail sentence for sexually abusing minors. Chun Ki-won (67), founder of the NGO Durihana in South Korean capital Seoul has been helping people escape the hardline rule in North Korea for decades through routes in China. But now, a court in South Korea has found him guilty of sexually harassing minors at the school he founded at his NGO.

"The victims are making consistent statements and it includes content that cannot be stated without first-hand experience of the circumstances", said Judge Seung-jeong Kim of the Seoul Central District Court, as reported by BBC.

The judge noted that Chun committed the crime from a position of influence he had on account of rescue of these minors.

Chun, who faces allegations of molesting six North Korean teenagers, was arrested in September. He had denied sexual assault charges but the court held him guilty.

Watch | North Korea tests new rocket launcher amid tensions in Korean peninsula

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The pastor was often called the 'Asian Schindler' after Oskar Schindler who rescued 1,100 Jews during Holocaust.

Over the years, he made a positive reputation for himself and North Korea has in the past taken his name and objected to his activities.&nbsp;

In 2002, Chun Ki-won made headlines when he was jailed in China for seven months while he was on a rescue mission.

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Chun's work has been widely covered global media houses like the BBC, The New York Times and the CNN.

NK News reported citing information in court documents that the sexual abuse took place between 2016 and 2023. The victims reportedly include 'five children and adolescent'. The news outlet reported that a volunteer at the school helped the children press charges against Chun Ki-won after the person witnessed the sexual abuse.

(With inputs from agencies)

A South Korean pastor who for decades was hailed as hero for helping North Koreans escape the country has been handed jail sentence for sexually abusing minors. Chun Ki-won (67), founder of the NGO Durihana in South Korean capital Seoul has been helping people escape the hardline rule in North Korea for decades through routes in China.

A South Korean pastor who for decades was hailed as hero for helping North Koreans escape the country has been handed jail sentence for sexually abusing minors. Chun Ki-won (67), founder of the NGO Durihana in South Korean capital Seoul has been helping people escape the hardline rule in North Korea for decades through routes in China. But now, a court in South Korea has found him guilty of sexually harassing minors at the school he founded at his NGO. "The victims are making consistent statements and it includes content that cannot be stated without first-hand experience of the circumstances", said Judge Seung-jeong Kim of the Seoul Central District Court, as reported by BBC. The judge noted that Chun committed the crime from a position of influence he had on account of rescue of these minors. Chun, who faces allegations of molesting six North Korean teenagers, was arrested in September. He had denied sexual assault charges but the court held him guilty. Watch | North Korea tests new rocket launcher amid tensions in Korean peninsula × The pastor was often called the 'Asian Schindler' after Oskar Schindler who rescued 1,100 Jews during Holocaust. Over the years, he made a positive reputation for himself and North Korea has in the past taken his name and objected to his activities. In 2002, Chun Ki-won made headlines when he was jailed in China for seven months while he was on a rescue mission. Also Read | Korean scientists develop 'non-vegetarian' rice, claim it to be much more eco-friendly source of protein Chun's work has been widely covered global media houses like the BBC, The New York Times and the CNN. NK News reported citing information in court documents that the sexual abuse took place between 2016 and 2023. The victims reportedly include 'five children and adolescent'. The news outlet reported that a volunteer at the school helped the children press charges against Chun Ki-won after the person witnessed the sexual abuse. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korean pastor, hailed for years as 'Asian Schindler', jailed for sexual abuse

North Korea on Wednesday (Feb 14) morning fired multiple cruise missiles off its east coast, the South Korean military claimed.

Wednesday's missile launch took place around 9 am local time (0000 GMT) off the eastern coastal city of Wonsan which is the&nbsp;latest in a string of weapons tests conducted by Pyongyang this year.&nbsp;

"Our military detected several unknown cruise missiles over the waters northeast of Wonsan around 09:00 today and South Korea-US intelligence authorities are conducting a detailed analysis,"&nbsp;the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement.

"While strengthening surveillance and vigilance, our military is cooperating closely with the United States and closely monitoring additional signs and activities from North Korea," it added.

Pyongyang is yet to confirm the claims made by the Seoul military.&nbsp;

Notably, earlier this week, North Korea claimed it had tested a new control system for a&nbsp;multiple rocket launcher which would have an "increased" battlefield role. Experts believe that the fresh missile launches may have been conducted using the new system.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-claims-to-have-tested-new-strategic-cruise-missile-pulhwasal-3-31-683422" target="_blank">North Korea claims to have tested new strategic cruise missile ‘Pulhwasal-3-31’</a>

<h2>Previous missile launches</h2>

The multiple missile launch comes in the backdrop of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un overseeing the launch of Pulhwasal-3-31 missiles from a submarine last month.&nbsp;

The two Pulhwasal-3-31 missiles were fired off the east coast on January 28 and&nbsp;remained in the air for 7,421 seconds and 7,445 seconds, according to&nbsp;state-run news agency KCNA.

Prior to that, Pyongyang conducted cruise missile tests on January 24 and January 14, which were the country’s first solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missiles.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-launches-several-cruise-missiles-686326">Watch |&nbsp;North Korea launches several cruise missiles</a>

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Last week, Kim reiterated that his country would not hesitate to&nbsp;"put an end" to South Korea if attacked, calling Seoul the North's "most dangerous and first enemy state and invariable arch-enemy".

"The historic time has come at last when we should define as a state most hostile toward the Democratic People's Republic of Korea the entity called the Republic of Korea (South Korea)," said Kim.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, South Korean President&nbsp;Yoon Suk Yeol has vowed&nbsp;a strong response if Pyongyang does indeed cross the line. Yoon has urged his military to&nbsp;"act first, report later" if provoked.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea on Wednesday (Feb 14) morning fired multiple cruise missiles off its east coast, the South Korean military claimed. Wednesday's missile launch took place around 9 am local time (0000 GMT) off the eastern coastal city of Wonsan which is the latest in a string of weapons tests conducted by Pyongyang this year.

North Korea on Wednesday (Feb 14) morning fired multiple cruise missiles off its east coast, the South Korean military claimed. Wednesday's missile launch took place around 9 am local time (0000 GMT) off the eastern coastal city of Wonsan which is the latest in a string of weapons tests conducted by Pyongyang this year. "Our military detected several unknown cruise missiles over the waters northeast of Wonsan around 09:00 today and South Korea-US intelligence authorities are conducting a detailed analysis," the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement. "While strengthening surveillance and vigilance, our military is cooperating closely with the United States and closely monitoring additional signs and activities from North Korea," it added. Pyongyang is yet to confirm the claims made by the Seoul military. Notably, earlier this week, North Korea claimed it had tested a new control system for a multiple rocket launcher which would have an "increased" battlefield role. Experts believe that the fresh missile launches may have been conducted using the new system. Also read | North Korea claims to have tested new strategic cruise missile ‘Pulhwasal-3-31’ Previous missile launches The multiple missile launch comes in the backdrop of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un overseeing the launch of Pulhwasal-3-31 missiles from a submarine last month. The two Pulhwasal-3-31 missiles were fired off the east coast on January 28 and remained in the air for 7,421 seconds and 7,445 seconds, according to state-run news agency KCNA. Prior to that, Pyongyang conducted cruise missile tests on January 24 and January 14, which were the country’s first solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missiles. Watch | North Korea launches several cruise missiles × Last week, Kim reiterated that his country would not hesitate to "put an end" to South Korea if attacked, calling Seoul the North's "most dangerous and first enemy state and invariable arch-enemy". "The historic time has come at last when we should define as a state most hostile toward the Democratic People's Republic of Korea the entity called the Republic of Korea (South Korea)," said Kim. Meanwhile, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has vowed a strong response if Pyongyang does indeed cross the line. Yoon has urged his military to "act first, report later" if provoked. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea launches multiple cruise missiles in fresh escalation, claims Seoul military

North Korea, in a bid to bring about a "qualitative change" in its defence capabilities, on Monday (Feb 12) said that it has developed a new ballistic control system for a multiple rocket launcher.

Pyongyang's Academy of Defense Science successfully carried out a "ballistic control test firing of 240-mm calibre multiple rocket launcher shells" on Saturday (Feb 10) to develop a "controllable shell and ballistic control system" for the launcher, reported state news agency KCNA.

According to the report, the new rocket launcher would now be "reevaluated" and its battlefield role would also be "increased" due to what it termed "rapid technical improvement."

Earlier this year, North Korea released a statement declaring South Korea as its "principal enemy", shutting down the agencies dedicated to reunification and outreach, and further threatening war over "even 0.001 millimetres" of territorial infringement.

Kim Jong Un on Friday (Feb 9) called Seoul Pyongyang's "most dangerous and first enemy state and invariable arch-enemy", warning that the North would not hesitate to "put an end" to South Korea.

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<h2>North Korea fires multiple cruise missiles into West Sea</h2>

Earlier, in January, the North fired multiple cruise missiles near two South Korean border islands which prompted the South to launch a live-fire drill and release evacuation orders for the residents.

Pyongyang had also conducted live-fire exercises on its western coast for three consecutive days last month.

The South had then issued a stern warning stating that the nuclear action around the Korean Peninsula would lead to the escalation of tensions.

Seoul's military had said that "the repeated artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone by North Korea poses a threat to the peace on the Korean Peninsula and escalates tensions".

"North Korea, following its claim of the complete nullification of the 'September 19 Military Agreement', continues to threaten our citizens with ongoing artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone," the JCS said, referring to the 2018 deal.&nbsp;

"In response, our military will take appropriate measures," it said.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea, in a bid to bring about a "qualitative change" in its defence capabilities, on Monday (Feb 12) said that it has developed a new ballistic control system for a multiple rocket launcher.

North Korea, in a bid to bring about a "qualitative change" in its defence capabilities, on Monday (Feb 12) said that it has developed a new ballistic control system for a multiple rocket launcher. Pyongyang's Academy of Defense Science successfully carried out a "ballistic control test firing of 240-mm calibre multiple rocket launcher shells" on Saturday (Feb 10) to develop a "controllable shell and ballistic control system" for the launcher, reported state news agency KCNA. According to the report, the new rocket launcher would now be "reevaluated" and its battlefield role would also be "increased" due to what it termed "rapid technical improvement." Earlier this year, North Korea released a statement declaring South Korea as its "principal enemy", shutting down the agencies dedicated to reunification and outreach, and further threatening war over "even 0.001 millimetres" of territorial infringement. Kim Jong Un on Friday (Feb 9) called Seoul Pyongyang's "most dangerous and first enemy state and invariable arch-enemy", warning that the North would not hesitate to "put an end" to South Korea. Also read: Hamas tunnel under UN agency headquarters in Gaza? Israel levels fresh allegations North Korea fires multiple cruise missiles into West Sea Earlier, in January, the North fired multiple cruise missiles near two South Korean border islands which prompted the South to launch a live-fire drill and release evacuation orders for the residents. Pyongyang had also conducted live-fire exercises on its western coast for three consecutive days last month. The South had then issued a stern warning stating that the nuclear action around the Korean Peninsula would lead to the escalation of tensions. Seoul's military had said that "the repeated artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone by North Korea poses a threat to the peace on the Korean Peninsula and escalates tensions". "North Korea, following its claim of the complete nullification of the 'September 19 Military Agreement', continues to threaten our citizens with ongoing artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone," the JCS said, referring to the 2018 deal. "In response, our military will take appropriate measures," it said. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea develops new control system for multiple rocket launcher

In his first public response to the recent release of the hidden camera footage where South Korea's first lady, Kim Keon Hee, was seen accepting a luxury designer handbag as a gift, President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday (Feb 8) called it a "political manoeuvre".

However, he assured that clearer lines would be drawn in order to ensure such incidents do not happen in future.

During his interview with broadcaster KBS, Yoon stated&nbsp;that the footage, which was filmed in September 2022, and released in November 2023, just before elections in the country, should be considered as "a political manoeuvre".

"However, it's not important whether to call it a political manoeuvre or not," he said. "What's important is to set clearer boundaries with others to prevent something like this from happening in the future."

The pastor, who offered the Dior handbag worth 3 million won ($2,250) and secretly captured the act, claimed to have ties with Kim's father who passed away when she was a child, claimed Yoon.

He further said that the fact&nbsp;he was living in their private home ahead of shifting to a newly constructed presidential residence may also have added to the confusion about how the gifts should have been handled.

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<h2>'Dior bag scandal'</h2>

The pastor, Reverend Abraham Choi, who presented the gift to the first lady, earlier told the news agency Reuters that he wanted to raise concerns about Yoon's hawkish North Korea policies and that offering expensive gifts seemed to be the way to secure a meeting with Kim Keon Hee.

Choi used a wristwatch to record himself presenting the designer handbag to Hee, who is heard saying "please don't buy an expensive item like this" in the footage.

However, she is not seen returning the handbag.&nbsp;

Accepting the gift is a breach of South Korean law where public officials and their spouses cannot accept gifts worth more than $750.&nbsp;

News agency AFP, citing a report from Yonhap News Agency, said that the gift was being "stored according to the relevant regulations".

After the incident came to light, members of Yoon's conservative People Power Party (PPP) urged the president and his wife to issue an apology and admit that receiving the gift was inappropriate.

(With inputs from agencies)

In his first public response to the recent release of the hidden camera footage where South Korea's first lady, Kim Keon Hee, was seen accepting a luxury designer handbag as a gift, President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday (Feb 8) called it a "political manoeuvre".

In his first public response to the recent release of the hidden camera footage where South Korea's first lady, Kim Keon Hee, was seen accepting a luxury designer handbag as a gift, President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday (Feb 8) called it a "political manoeuvre". However, he assured that clearer lines would be drawn in order to ensure such incidents do not happen in future. During his interview with broadcaster KBS, Yoon stated that the footage, which was filmed in September 2022, and released in November 2023, just before elections in the country, should be considered as "a political manoeuvre". "However, it's not important whether to call it a political manoeuvre or not," he said. "What's important is to set clearer boundaries with others to prevent something like this from happening in the future." The pastor, who offered the Dior handbag worth 3 million won ($2,250) and secretly captured the act, claimed to have ties with Kim's father who passed away when she was a child, claimed Yoon. He further said that the fact he was living in their private home ahead of shifting to a newly constructed presidential residence may also have added to the confusion about how the gifts should have been handled. Also read: Joe Biden gets ridiculed online after struggling to recall Hamas' name during speech 'Dior bag scandal' The pastor, Reverend Abraham Choi, who presented the gift to the first lady, earlier told the news agency Reuters that he wanted to raise concerns about Yoon's hawkish North Korea policies and that offering expensive gifts seemed to be the way to secure a meeting with Kim Keon Hee. Choi used a wristwatch to record himself presenting the designer handbag to Hee, who is heard saying "please don't buy an expensive item like this" in the footage. However, she is not seen returning the handbag. Accepting the gift is a breach of South Korean law where public officials and their spouses cannot accept gifts worth more than $750. News agency AFP, citing a report from Yonhap News Agency, said that the gift was being "stored according to the relevant regulations". After the incident came to light, members of Yoon's conservative People Power Party (PPP) urged the president and his wife to issue an apology and admit that receiving the gift was inappropriate. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea's Yoon calls wife's 'Dior bag scandal' a political manoeuvre

Russia’s deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko visited South Korea to discuss the Ukrainian war and bilateral ties, Seoul’s foreign ministry said on Sunday, as the two countries trade increasingly heated rhetoric over the nuclear-armed North.

Russian deputy foreign minister in Seoul, diplomatic row over North Korea comments

<o:p></o:p>Samsung's top executive, Lee Jae-yong, popularly known as Jay Y. Lee, was acquitted by a South Korean court on Monday, with charges of stock price manipulation and accounting fraud. <o:p></o:p>

According to a New York Times report, the court's decision adds a new twist to the billionaire's legal saga linked to a merger that solidified his control over Samsung, the nation's largest conglomerate.<o:p></o:p>

Prosecutors had sought a five-year prison sentence and a fine of 500 million won, but Lee, who denies any wrongdoing, emerged victorious. <o:p></o:p>

Samsung Electronics, the group's electronics arm, represents about one-sixth of South Korea's exports, underscoring the significance of Lee's role.<o:p></o:p>

Lee's legal troubles began in the wake of massive protests in Seoul leading to the 2016 impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, who faced charges related to bribes from Samsung and other chaebols. <o:p></o:p>

Lee was arrested in 2017, accused of bribing President Park and her confidante to gain government support for a 2015 merger. <o:p></o:p>

The merger was seen as a crucial step in Lee's bid to transfer control of Samsung from his father, Lee Kun-hee. <o:p></o:p>

A New York-based hedge fund, Elliott Management, opposed the merger, but the National Pension Service, a major shareholder, voted in favour, allegedly due to Lee's bribes. The legal journey involved multiple sentences, retrials, and a complex web of charges.<o:p></o:p>

In 2017, a Seoul district court sentenced Lee to five years in prison for offering bribes. <o:p></o:p>

However, the sentence was reduced, and he was released in 2018. The Supreme Court ordered a retrial in 2019. <o:p></o:p>

During this period, Lee faced another indictment related to stock price manipulation and accounting fraud in the 2015 merger. <o:p></o:p>

However, a court had refused to issue an arrest warrant, preventing prosecutors from detaining him.<o:p></o:p>

Business analysts differed on the impact of Lee's time in prison on Samsung, with the company maintaining its position as the world's most profitable technology company during his incarceration.<o:p></o:p>

While Lee was granted parole in 2021, along with 800 other prisoners, on a national holiday, the legal challenges continued. <o:p></o:p>

The retrial on bribery charges in 2021 resulted in a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence. His release came with a five-year ban on employment at Samsung. <o:p></o:p>

However, in 2022, President Yoon Suk Yeol granted him a pardon, lifting the employment ban. <o:p></o:p>

Two months later, Samsung Electronics appointed Lee as executive chairman, marking a swift return to a prominent role. <o:p></o:p>

The acquittal now adds a layer of legal reprieve for Lee Jae-yong, allowing him to continue his leadership at Samsung.<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:
8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;mso-fareast-font-family:
&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;display:none;mso-hide:all;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Top of Form<o:p></o:p>

Samsung's top executive, Lee Jae-yong, popularly known as Jay Y. Lee, was acquitted by a South Korean court on Monday, with charges of stock price manipulation and accounting fraud.

Samsung's top executive, Lee Jae-yong, popularly known as Jay Y. Lee, was acquitted by a South Korean court on Monday, with charges of stock price manipulation and accounting fraud. According to a New York Times report, the court's decision adds a new twist to the billionaire's legal saga linked to a merger that solidified his control over Samsung, the nation's largest conglomerate. Prosecutors had sought a five-year prison sentence and a fine of 500 million won, but Lee, who denies any wrongdoing, emerged victorious. Samsung Electronics, the group's electronics arm, represents about one-sixth of South Korea's exports, underscoring the significance of Lee's role. Lee's legal troubles began in the wake of massive protests in Seoul leading to the 2016 impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, who faced charges related to bribes from Samsung and other chaebols. Lee was arrested in 2017, accused of bribing President Park and her confidante to gain government support for a 2015 merger. The merger was seen as a crucial step in Lee's bid to transfer control of Samsung from his father, Lee Kun-hee. A New York-based hedge fund, Elliott Management, opposed the merger, but the National Pension Service, a major shareholder, voted in favour, allegedly due to Lee's bribes. The legal journey involved multiple sentences, retrials, and a complex web of charges. In 2017, a Seoul district court sentenced Lee to five years in prison for offering bribes. However, the sentence was reduced, and he was released in 2018. The Supreme Court ordered a retrial in 2019. During this period, Lee faced another indictment related to stock price manipulation and accounting fraud in the 2015 merger. However, a court had refused to issue an arrest warrant, preventing prosecutors from detaining him. Business analysts differed on the impact of Lee's time in prison on Samsung, with the company maintaining its position as the world's most profitable technology company during his incarceration. While Lee was granted parole in 2021, along with 800 other prisoners, on a national holiday, the legal challenges continued. The retrial on bribery charges in 2021 resulted in a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence. His release came with a five-year ban on employment at Samsung. However, in 2022, President Yoon Suk Yeol granted him a pardon, lifting the employment ban. Two months later, Samsung Electronics appointed Lee as executive chairman, marking a swift return to a prominent role. The acquittal now adds a layer of legal reprieve for Lee Jae-yong, allowing him to continue his leadership at Samsung.Top of Form

Samsung's Lee Jae-yong acquitted in stock and accounting fraud case: Report

Son Heung-min stepped up in extra time for South Korea with a sumptuous free-kick to see off Australia 2-1 on Friday and set up an Asian Cup semi-final with Jordan.

Jordan sealed their place in the last four for the first time in their history with a nervy 1-0 victory that brought Tajikistan's fairytale journey in Qatar to an end.

South Korea and Tottenham skipper Son had yet to fully stamp his mark on the tournament but he delivered when it counted, also winning a penalty for Hwang Hee-chan to level deep in second-half stoppage time.

Jurgen Klinsmann's side took a significant step towards lifting the Asian Cup for the first time since 1960.

"Fatigue, whatever –- there are no excuses. We're just trying to win the trophy and bring it back home," said Son after his sparkling man-of-the-match display.

Australia opened the scoring in the 42nd minute when Hwang In-beom gave the ball away in defence and Connor Metcalfe floated the ball to the back post for Craig Goodwin to volley home.

South Korea looked dead and buried but Son was fouled in the box by Lewis Miller and Hwang held his nerve from the spot for a 96th-minute leveller.

South Korea were in the ascendancy now and Son curled in a sublime free-kick from the edge of the box in the 104th minute to win them the quarter-final.

Australia finished the match with 10 men after Aiden O'Neill was red-carded for lunging at Hwang at the end of the first period of extra time.

Klinsmann, who has been under fire for South Korea's performances in Qatar, led his team in a wild celebration at the end.

"We're still here and we're going to be here to the very end," he declared.

Australia's coach Graham Arnold felt his side had the chances when leading to bury their opponents.

"We're devastated at the moment, quite emotional for all the players and the staff," he said.

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"For the first 90-odd minutes we did very well until giving that penalty away. It's been a great tournament for a lot of my players."

He added: "We were up 1-0, we had chances for 2-0, 3-0, and if you don't take your chances, you get punished."

<h2>Jordan make history</h2>

In the other quarter-final on the day, a deflected second-half own goal was just about enough for Jordan.

It was tough on charismatic Croatian coach Petar Segrt and his Tajikistan team, who were the lowest-ranked side left in Qatar and won plenty of new friends in their first Asian Cup.

But it was a piece of history for Jordan under their Moroccan coach Hussein Ammouta, the country having been defeated in their previous quarter-finals in 2004 and 2011.

"We were rewarded for our efforts and our ambitions are getting bigger and bigger," said defender Yazan Al-Arab, who was named man of the match.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-kevin-pietersen-backs-shubman-gill-despite-shaky-form-compares-to-this-legendary-player-686479">IND vs ENG: Kevin Pietersen backs Shubman Gill despite shaky form, compares to THIS legendary player</a>

"This was history. We are into the semi-finals and we rely on our fans to keep supporting us no matter who we play.

"We need now to forget the Tajikistan match and concentrate on the semi-finals and our dream of reaching the final."

A cagey game was decided on 66 minutes when Jordan defender Abdallah Nasib rose at a corner and his header deflected off Tajikistan's Vahdat Hanonov and into his own goal.

Both sides had chances after that but Jordan held on.

"Nobody expected this (to go so far) at the tournament," said Segrt.

"I was dreaming of something more, but now we see our limit.

"Tajikistan are going home but we can go home with honour and pride."&nbsp;

In Saturday's remaining quarter-finals, holders Qatar face Uzbekistan while pre-tournament favourites Japan play Iran.

Son Heung-min stepped up in extra time for South Korea with a sumptuous free-kick to see off Australia 2-1 on Friday and set up an Asian Cup semi-final with Jordan.

Son Heung-min stepped up in extra time for South Korea with a sumptuous free-kick to see off Australia 2-1 on Friday and set up an Asian Cup semi-final with Jordan. Jordan sealed their place in the last four for the first time in their history with a nervy 1-0 victory that brought Tajikistan's fairytale journey in Qatar to an end. South Korea and Tottenham skipper Son had yet to fully stamp his mark on the tournament but he delivered when it counted, also winning a penalty for Hwang Hee-chan to level deep in second-half stoppage time. Jurgen Klinsmann's side took a significant step towards lifting the Asian Cup for the first time since 1960. "Fatigue, whatever –- there are no excuses. We're just trying to win the trophy and bring it back home," said Son after his sparkling man-of-the-match display. Australia opened the scoring in the 42nd minute when Hwang In-beom gave the ball away in defence and Connor Metcalfe floated the ball to the back post for Craig Goodwin to volley home. South Korea looked dead and buried but Son was fouled in the box by Lewis Miller and Hwang held his nerve from the spot for a 96th-minute leveller. South Korea were in the ascendancy now and Son curled in a sublime free-kick from the edge of the box in the 104th minute to win them the quarter-final. Australia finished the match with 10 men after Aiden O'Neill was red-carded for lunging at Hwang at the end of the first period of extra time. Klinsmann, who has been under fire for South Korea's performances in Qatar, led his team in a wild celebration at the end. "We're still here and we're going to be here to the very end," he declared. Australia's coach Graham Arnold felt his side had the chances when leading to bury their opponents. "We're devastated at the moment, quite emotional for all the players and the staff," he said. × "For the first 90-odd minutes we did very well until giving that penalty away. It's been a great tournament for a lot of my players." He added: "We were up 1-0, we had chances for 2-0, 3-0, and if you don't take your chances, you get punished." Jordan make history In the other quarter-final on the day, a deflected second-half own goal was just about enough for Jordan. It was tough on charismatic Croatian coach Petar Segrt and his Tajikistan team, who were the lowest-ranked side left in Qatar and won plenty of new friends in their first Asian Cup. But it was a piece of history for Jordan under their Moroccan coach Hussein Ammouta, the country having been defeated in their previous quarter-finals in 2004 and 2011. "We were rewarded for our efforts and our ambitions are getting bigger and bigger," said defender Yazan Al-Arab, who was named man of the match. ALSO READ | IND vs ENG: Kevin Pietersen backs Shubman Gill despite shaky form, compares to THIS legendary player "This was history. We are into the semi-finals and we rely on our fans to keep supporting us no matter who we play. "We need now to forget the Tajikistan match and concentrate on the semi-finals and our dream of reaching the final." A cagey game was decided on 66 minutes when Jordan defender Abdallah Nasib rose at a corner and his header deflected off Tajikistan's Vahdat Hanonov and into his own goal. Both sides had chances after that but Jordan held on. "Nobody expected this (to go so far) at the tournament," said Segrt. "I was dreaming of something more, but now we see our limit. "Tajikistan are going home but we can go home with honour and pride." In Saturday's remaining quarter-finals, holders Qatar face Uzbekistan while pre-tournament favourites Japan play Iran.

Asian Cup: Son Heung-min magic takes South Korea into semis after late show; to face Jordan

An American F-16 fighter jet crashed in waters off South Korea’s west coast after experiencing an “in-flight emergency”&nbsp;on Wednesday (Jan 31), reported news agency Yonhap, in a second crash involving the aircraft in just over a month. The pilot was rescued, said the United States Air Force unit stationed in the country.&nbsp;

<h2>About the incident</h2>

The F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing in Kunsan Air Base experienced “an in-flight emergency,” about 180 kilometres south of the capital Seoul and crashed at approximately 8:41 am (local time), said the US forces in South Korea in a statement.&nbsp;

The pilot, who had ejected safely, was recovered at around 9:30 am (local time) following a joint rescue effort by South Korean and US officials, reported Yonhap. “He is conscious and was transported to a medical facility for assessment,” said the US military.&nbsp;

The Korea Coast Guard told AFP the fighter jet had crashed near Mokdeok island, which is off South Korea’s west coast.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-f-16-fighter-jet-crashes-in-south-korea-during-training-exercise-reports-668319">American F-16 fighter jet crashes in South Korea during training exercise, says US Air Force</a>

The statement also hailed the joined efforts and close cooperation between the US and South Korea during the operation.&nbsp;

“We are very thankful to the Republic of Korea rescue forces and all of our teammates who made the swift recovery of our pilot possible,” said Colonel Matthew C Gaetke, 8th Fighter Wing commander.&nbsp;

He said that the US forces are now focusing on the search and recovery of the aircraft. “Information on the cause of the in-flight emergency will not be made available until the conclusion of thorough safety and accident investigations,” the military official added.&nbsp;

The incident took place off the coast of the South Korean city of Gunsan, which is home to two main air bases used by the US military in South Korea. This was the third crash of an American F-16 fighter jet in South Korea since May last year.&nbsp;

<h2>Previous crashes</h2>

An American F-16 fighter jet crashed in December during a routine training exercise. The pilot had been rescued.&nbsp;

ALSO&nbsp;READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jordan-drone-attack-biden-has-decided-on-response-doesnt-want-wider-war-in-middle-east-685262">Jordan drone attack: Biden has decided on response, doesn't want wider war in Middle East</a>

This was after another jet crashed during a routine training exercise in a farming area south of Seoul, in May.&nbsp;The pilot had ejected safely&nbsp;during this incident as well and the accident did not lead to&nbsp;any other casualties.

Washington, Seoul’s key security ally, has stationed around 28,500 American troops in South Korea.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

An American F-16 fighter jet crashed in waters off South Korea’s west coast after experiencing an “in-flight emergency” on Wednesday (Jan 31), reported news agency Yonhap, in a second crash involving the aircraft in just over a month.

An American F-16 fighter jet crashed in waters off South Korea’s west coast after experiencing an “in-flight emergency” on Wednesday (Jan 31), reported news agency Yonhap, in a second crash involving the aircraft in just over a month. The pilot was rescued, said the United States Air Force unit stationed in the country. About the incident The F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing in Kunsan Air Base experienced “an in-flight emergency,” about 180 kilometres south of the capital Seoul and crashed at approximately 8:41 am (local time), said the US forces in South Korea in a statement. The pilot, who had ejected safely, was recovered at around 9:30 am (local time) following a joint rescue effort by South Korean and US officials, reported Yonhap. “He is conscious and was transported to a medical facility for assessment,” said the US military. The Korea Coast Guard told AFP the fighter jet had crashed near Mokdeok island, which is off South Korea’s west coast. ALSO READ | American F-16 fighter jet crashes in South Korea during training exercise, says US Air Force The statement also hailed the joined efforts and close cooperation between the US and South Korea during the operation. “We are very thankful to the Republic of Korea rescue forces and all of our teammates who made the swift recovery of our pilot possible,” said Colonel Matthew C Gaetke, 8th Fighter Wing commander. He said that the US forces are now focusing on the search and recovery of the aircraft. “Information on the cause of the in-flight emergency will not be made available until the conclusion of thorough safety and accident investigations,” the military official added. The incident took place off the coast of the South Korean city of Gunsan, which is home to two main air bases used by the US military in South Korea. This was the third crash of an American F-16 fighter jet in South Korea since May last year. Previous crashes An American F-16 fighter jet crashed in December during a routine training exercise. The pilot had been rescued. ALSO READ | Jordan drone attack: Biden has decided on response, doesn't want wider war in Middle East This was after another jet crashed during a routine training exercise in a farming area south of Seoul, in May. The pilot had ejected safely during this incident as well and the accident did not lead to any other casualties. Washington, Seoul’s key security ally, has stationed around 28,500 American troops in South Korea. (With inputs from agencies)

US F-16 fighter jet crashes off South Korea’s west coast after ‘in-flight emergency’

South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has issued a stark warning, raising concerns about potential provocations from North Korea. Ahead of the nation's parliamentary elections in April.

Yoon Suk Yeol warns North Korea may try to disrupt April polls

North Korea fired several cruise missiles into waters off its west coast on Tuesday (Jan 30), said South Korea’s military, marking the third time that Pyongyang has tested cruise missiles in less than a week.

<h2>What did South Korea say?</h2>

South Korea’s military “detected several unknown cruise missiles launched into the West Sea of North Korea around 07:00 (local time)”, said Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS)&nbsp;in a statement. However, the number of missiles was not specified.

“While strengthening our monitoring and vigilance, our military has been closely coordinating with the United States to monitor additional signs of North Korea’s provocations,” the JCS told reporters, as quoted by the South Korean news agency Yonhap.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;North Korea fires 200 artillery shells; South Korea evacuates 2 border islands

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The launch comes amid a rise in tensions in the Korean peninsula.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>North Korea’s recent missile tests</h2>

North Korea’s state-run news agency KCNA, on Monday (Jan 29) said its leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of Pulhwasal-3-31 missiles from a submarine&nbsp;a day prior.&nbsp;

On Sunday (Jan 28), the South Korean military said its neighbour had fired an unidentified cruise missile around the Sinpo area, days after it staged live-fire exercises near the tense maritime border.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/day-after-seouls-claims-n-korea-confirms-kim-oversaw-launch-of-cruise-missiles-from-submarine-684638">Day after Seoul's claims, N Korea confirms Kim oversaw launch of cruise missiles from submarine</a>

Earlier on Sunday, Pyongyang denounced a series of military drills conducted by American and South Korean troops in recent weeks and warned of “merciless” consequences.&nbsp;

North Korea, on Wednesday (Jan 24), claimed to have tested its new strategic cruise missile dubbed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-claims-to-have-tested-new-strategic-cruise-missile-pulhwasal-3-31-683422">‘Pulhwasal-3-31’</a> which it said was currently under development.&nbsp;

At the time, KCNA had also reported that the test-firing had no impact on the security of neighbouring countries, and it had “nothing” to do with the regional situation.

Notably, the testing of cruise missiles, which are jet-propelled and fly at lower altitudes, is not banned under current United Nations sanctions on North Korea, unlike their ballistic counterparts.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-kim-jong-un-reportedly-tears-down-fathers-reunification-monument-why-is-it-a-big-deal-684814">Explained | Kim Jong Un reportedly tears down father’s reunification monument. Why is it a big deal?</a>

Cruise missiles are also more sophisticated ballistic missiles, making them harder to detect and intercept.

The rise in tensions in the Korean peninsula is marked by the North Korean leader’s weapons test and increasingly hostile rhetoric against South Korea, including calling for Seoul to be branded as its “primary foe”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea fired several cruise missiles into waters off its west coast on Tuesday (Jan 30), said South Korea’s military, marking the third time that Pyongyang has tested cruise missiles in less than a week.

North Korea fired several cruise missiles into waters off its west coast on Tuesday (Jan 30), said South Korea’s military, marking the third time that Pyongyang has tested cruise missiles in less than a week. What did South Korea say? South Korea’s military “detected several unknown cruise missiles launched into the West Sea of North Korea around 07:00 (local time)”, said Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) in a statement. However, the number of missiles was not specified. “While strengthening our monitoring and vigilance, our military has been closely coordinating with the United States to monitor additional signs of North Korea’s provocations,” the JCS told reporters, as quoted by the South Korean news agency Yonhap. WATCH | North Korea fires 200 artillery shells; South Korea evacuates 2 border islands The launch comes amid a rise in tensions in the Korean peninsula. North Korea’s recent missile tests North Korea’s state-run news agency KCNA, on Monday (Jan 29) said its leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of Pulhwasal-3-31 missiles from a submarine a day prior. On Sunday (Jan 28), the South Korean military said its neighbour had fired an unidentified cruise missile around the Sinpo area, days after it staged live-fire exercises near the tense maritime border. ALSO READ | Day after Seoul's claims, N Korea confirms Kim oversaw launch of cruise missiles from submarine Earlier on Sunday, Pyongyang denounced a series of military drills conducted by American and South Korean troops in recent weeks and warned of “merciless” consequences. North Korea, on Wednesday (Jan 24), claimed to have tested its new strategic cruise missile dubbed ‘Pulhwasal-3-31’ which it said was currently under development. At the time, KCNA had also reported that the test-firing had no impact on the security of neighbouring countries, and it had “nothing” to do with the regional situation. Notably, the testing of cruise missiles, which are jet-propelled and fly at lower altitudes, is not banned under current United Nations sanctions on North Korea, unlike their ballistic counterparts. ALSO READ | Explained | Kim Jong Un reportedly tears down father’s reunification monument. Why is it a big deal? Cruise missiles are also more sophisticated ballistic missiles, making them harder to detect and intercept. The rise in tensions in the Korean peninsula is marked by the North Korean leader’s weapons test and increasingly hostile rhetoric against South Korea, including calling for Seoul to be branded as its “primary foe”. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea fires 'several' cruise missiles off its west coast, says South Korea’s military

South Korea's special parliamentary committee on Tuesday (Jan 30) passed a revision to the Public Official Election Act which called for a ban on political campaign videos that use AI-generated deepfakes in the election season.

As per the revised law, individuals can be sentenced to a maximum of seven years of imprisonment or a fine of nearly 50 million won ($37,618) if they are found showing or distributing political campaign videos which have been created using deepfake technology in the 90 days before an election.&nbsp;

The creators have also been mandated to notify viewers regarding synthetic information which is present in the deepfake videos, even if such videos are posted before the 90-day window, according to the revision.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-several-cruise-missiles-off-its-west-coast-says-south-koreas-military-684936">North Korea fires 'several' cruise missiles off its west coast, says South Korea’s military</a>

If the law is passed by the parliament, it will come into effect from January 11, 2024, before the general elections will be held in April.

<h2>Deepfake's deepening roots in political elections</h2>

The government has adopted the step in accordance with a global trend to regulate political ads which use deepfake technology amid increasing concerns that such content can be misleading and carries the chance of confusing the voters on a mass scale.

Watch:&nbsp;North Korea launches cruise missiles, South Korean military reports multiple launches

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Big tech companies like Google LLC and Facebook's parent company Meta Platforms Inc. have updated their policies which require users to add a disclaimer in the deepfake generated political ads.&nbsp;

The US Federal Election Commission has also started the procedure to regulate such campaign videos before the 2024 elections begin, as per the reports.&nbsp;

The use of fake audio and images in political advertisements is not new in South Korea.&nbsp;

In the 2022 presidential elections, the current main opposition leader Lee Jae-myung and then candidate President Yoon Suk Yeol both had an AI-generated replica of themselves included in their campaign videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korea's special parliamentary committee on Tuesday (Jan 30) passed a revision to the Public Official Election Act which called for a ban on political campaign videos that use AI-generated deepfakes in the election season.

South Korea's special parliamentary committee on Tuesday (Jan 30) passed a revision to the Public Official Election Act which called for a ban on political campaign videos that use AI-generated deepfakes in the election season. As per the revised law, individuals can be sentenced to a maximum of seven years of imprisonment or a fine of nearly 50 million won ($37,618) if they are found showing or distributing political campaign videos which have been created using deepfake technology in the 90 days before an election. The creators have also been mandated to notify viewers regarding synthetic information which is present in the deepfake videos, even if such videos are posted before the 90-day window, according to the revision. Also read: North Korea fires 'several' cruise missiles off its west coast, says South Korea’s military If the law is passed by the parliament, it will come into effect from January 11, 2024, before the general elections will be held in April. Deepfake's deepening roots in political elections The government has adopted the step in accordance with a global trend to regulate political ads which use deepfake technology amid increasing concerns that such content can be misleading and carries the chance of confusing the voters on a mass scale. Watch: North Korea launches cruise missiles, South Korean military reports multiple launches Big tech companies like Google LLC and Facebook's parent company Meta Platforms Inc. have updated their policies which require users to add a disclaimer in the deepfake generated political ads. The US Federal Election Commission has also started the procedure to regulate such campaign videos before the 2024 elections begin, as per the reports. The use of fake audio and images in political advertisements is not new in South Korea. In the 2022 presidential elections, the current main opposition leader Lee Jae-myung and then candidate President Yoon Suk Yeol both had an AI-generated replica of themselves included in their campaign videos. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea imposes 90-day ban on deepfake political campaign videos

North Korea has reportedly demolished a major monument which symbolised the goal of reconciliation with South Korea following the orders of their leader Kim Jong Un who called the massive structure that his father constructed in the capital city Pyongyang, an “eyesore,” earlier this month.&nbsp;

While the move seems to be in line with the North Korean leader’s rhetoric and volatile temperament, and given the rise of tensions between Pyongyang and Seoul, it is important to know what the monument symbolised and why it’s reported razing is making the headlines.&nbsp;

<h2>About the Arch of Reunification</h2>

The Arch of Reunification, officially known as the Monument to the Three-Point Charter for National Reunification, is said to be one of the major monuments in the North Korean capital city and is located on the Pyongyang-Kaesong (reunification highway).&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;North Korea says Arch of Reunification disappeared from Pyongyang

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However, satellite imagery of Pyongyang, last week, showed that the 30 metre-tall and 61.5- metre&nbsp;wide symbol was no longer there, according to a report by NK News, an online outlet that monitors North Korea.

The American website in its report also stressed that the images are ‘hazy’ at best and one snapshot was taken Tuesday (Jan 23) by an inter-Korean rail crossing at Kaesong did not clearly show any construction crews. Therefore, a higher-definition picture is needed to be certain that the monument has in fact disappeared.&nbsp;

The arch was unveiled a year after the 2000 inter-Korea summit between Kim’s father North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, and former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung. The summit resulted in a joint declaration, in which both countries agreed to pursue reunification through peaceful means.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-calls-for-more-practical-offensive-war-deterrence-to-counter-us-south-korea-581166">North Korea’s Kim calls for more ‘practical, offensive’ war deterrence to counter US, South Korea</a>

The 30-metre-tall monument was symbolic of the three charters – self-reliance, peace and national cooperation, according to South Korean government records. The arch symbolised reunification plans through diplomacy put forward by Kim’s father.&nbsp;

Since Kim Jong Un’s grandfather, Kim Il-Sung took over the premiership of the newly formed Democratic People’s Republic of Korea &nbsp;(DPRK), North Korea’s official name, in 1948, he had hoped to reunify with South Korea. However, he took a different approach.&nbsp;

Kim Il-Sung unlike his son tried to reunify Korea by force and launched an invasion of South Korea triggering the Korean War, which ended in a stalemate three years later.&nbsp;

<h2>Rise in tensions between the two Koreas</h2>

Earlier this month, in a speech at North Korea’s rubber-stamp parliament, Kim called for the country’s constitution to be changed to ensure that South Korea is defined as “the most hostile state,” reported the state media KCNA.&nbsp;

According to Kim, the constitution should be amended to educate North Koreans that South Korea is a “primary foe and invariable principal enemy”.&nbsp;

During the same speech, on January 15, he had also called the massive monument that his father constructed in Pyongyang an “eyesore” and vowed to get rid of it.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nkoreas-kim-calls-for-skorea-to-be-seen-as-the-most-hostile-state-threatens-war-680451">&nbsp;North Korea’s Kim calls for South Korea to be seen as ‘the most hostile state’, threatens war</a>

It was around the same time that North Korea had abolished agencies that oversaw cooperation and reunification, indicating that Kim was no longer interested in seeking reconciliation with South Korea.&nbsp;

Additionally, three organisations dealing with unification and inter-Korean tourism were also shut down, the state media had reported, earlier this month. On January 15, Kim said Pyongyang would not recognise the two countries’ de facto maritime border, the Northern Limit Line (NLL).&nbsp;

Last year, in April, the South Korean Unification Ministry said that North Korea had not responded to their regularly held calls, adding that this is the first time since October 2021 that all inter-Korean military lines or liaison calls have stopped for more than a day.&nbsp;

The communication lines were first opened in 2018 when the two countries set up hotlines after a series of summits aimed at decreasing tensions in the region. However, it was not the first time that North Korea unilaterally shut down the communications links in a display of anger.

The line was restored in July 2021 following North Korea’s shutdown for nearly a year after its anger over South Korean activists sending leaflets critical of Kim’s regime across the border by balloon.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/day-after-seouls-claims-n-korea-confirms-kim-oversaw-launch-of-cruise-missiles-from-submarine-684638">Day after Seoul's claims, N Korea confirms Kim oversaw launch of cruise missiles from submarine</a>

The communication&nbsp;was cut off in 2023 also around the time when South Korea was holding drills with the United States, which North Korea has long viewed as an enemy. Pyongyang, which reportedly has nuclear weapons, also tested a record number of missiles last year.&nbsp;

It also seems like it is going to be more of the same in 2024, as within the first month of the year, North Korea has already tested a number of missiles, including a cruise missile dubbed Pulhwasal-3-3, on January 24 and again on January 28.&nbsp;

This was after North Korea had fired more than 200 artillery rounds near a disputed maritime border with South Korea prompting Seoul to take “corresponding” action with live fire drills. The exchange prompted the evacuation of nearly 2,000 residents of two remote South Korean islands to bomb shelters.&nbsp;

<h2>An ‘unachieved wish’</h2>

Kim Jong Un was 26 years old when he took over North Korea, days after his father’s death, and like his predecessors, he too has ruled the country with an iron fist ever since. However, unlike his father and grandfather, the incumbent leader does not seem to be interested in the idea of reunification.&nbsp;

Cho Han-bum, a researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification told AFP, earlier this month, that the North Korean system has long been grounded on the idea of reunification, an unachieved wish of the country’s founding leader and Kim’s grandfather Kim II Sung.

“Now he is denying everything that his predecessors have done,” said Cho.

Therefore, if confirmed, getting rid of his father’s monument would be a big step for Kim, who was known to be his favourite son and hence became his successor.

However, it seems as though since his grandfather’s invasion and his father’s diplomacy did not work, Kim is charting his own course, which involves ramping up military rhetoric and posturing.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-us-south-korea-nuclear-weapons-deal-about-is-this-end-of-peace-in-korean-peninsula-586684">Explained | What is US-South Korea nuclear weapons deal about? Is this end of peace in Korean Peninsula?</a>

While reunification has long been on the North Korean agenda, Kim, earlier this month said that he had concluded that unification with the South was no longer possible and accused Seoul of seeking the collapse of his regime and unification by absorption.&nbsp;

The Korea Institute for National Unification, a think-tank, said Kim has all but removed the ‘concept of unity’ from North Korean policy, reported Metro newspaper.&nbsp;

Therefore, by reportedly removing the Arch of Reunification ‘the history of inter-Korean relations was completely denied’ and the ‘geopolitical risks’ to South Korea will continue to rise, analysts added.

<h2>The US factor</h2>

Pyongyang’s hatred towards Washington can be traced back to the Korean War where then-US President Harry Truman’s declaration prompted nearly two dozen countries to send troops and medical units to back South Korea, during the war.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-thousands-of-north-koreans-holds-rallies-denouncing-us-609023">'Vow of revenge': North Koreans rally to mark 73rd anniversary of Korean War, denounce US</a>

Meanwhile, North Korea was supported by both the Soviet Union and China. Therefore, the alliances over the years have not changed all that much. Even today, Pyongyang maintains good relations with Beijing and Moscow.&nbsp;

Except for Kim’s brief “bromance” with former US President Donald Trump when he was the commander-in-chief, not like the much-awaited meeting between the two leaders produced any tangible results.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the US and South Korea&nbsp;have conducted a number of drills amid Kim’s increasing military rhetoric and posturing. Last year, Washington, for the first time since the 1980s also deployed a nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) to a South Korean port.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

North Korea has reportedly demolished a major monument which symbolised the goal of reconciliation with South Korea following the orders of their leader Kim Jong Un who called the massive structure that his father constructed in the capital city Pyongyang, an “eyesore,” earlier this month.

North Korea has reportedly demolished a major monument which symbolised the goal of reconciliation with South Korea following the orders of their leader Kim Jong Un who called the massive structure that his father constructed in the capital city Pyongyang, an “eyesore,” earlier this month. While the move seems to be in line with the North Korean leader’s rhetoric and volatile temperament, and given the rise of tensions between Pyongyang and Seoul, it is important to know what the monument symbolised and why it’s reported razing is making the headlines. About the Arch of Reunification The Arch of Reunification, officially known as the Monument to the Three-Point Charter for National Reunification, is said to be one of the major monuments in the North Korean capital city and is located on the Pyongyang-Kaesong (reunification highway). WATCH | North Korea says Arch of Reunification disappeared from Pyongyang However, satellite imagery of Pyongyang, last week, showed that the 30 metre-tall and 61.5- metre wide symbol was no longer there, according to a report by NK News, an online outlet that monitors North Korea. The American website in its report also stressed that the images are ‘hazy’ at best and one snapshot was taken Tuesday (Jan 23) by an inter-Korean rail crossing at Kaesong did not clearly show any construction crews. Therefore, a higher-definition picture is needed to be certain that the monument has in fact disappeared. The arch was unveiled a year after the 2000 inter-Korea summit between Kim’s father North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, and former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung. The summit resulted in a joint declaration, in which both countries agreed to pursue reunification through peaceful means. ALSO READ | North Korea’s Kim calls for more ‘practical, offensive’ war deterrence to counter US, South Korea The 30-metre-tall monument was symbolic of the three charters – self-reliance, peace and national cooperation, according to South Korean government records. The arch symbolised reunification plans through diplomacy put forward by Kim’s father. Since Kim Jong Un’s grandfather, Kim Il-Sung took over the premiership of the newly formed Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), North Korea’s official name, in 1948, he had hoped to reunify with South Korea. However, he took a different approach. Kim Il-Sung unlike his son tried to reunify Korea by force and launched an invasion of South Korea triggering the Korean War, which ended in a stalemate three years later. Rise in tensions between the two Koreas Earlier this month, in a speech at North Korea’s rubber-stamp parliament, Kim called for the country’s constitution to be changed to ensure that South Korea is defined as “the most hostile state,” reported the state media KCNA. According to Kim, the constitution should be amended to educate North Koreans that South Korea is a “primary foe and invariable principal enemy”. During the same speech, on January 15, he had also called the massive monument that his father constructed in Pyongyang an “eyesore” and vowed to get rid of it. ALSO READ | North Korea’s Kim calls for South Korea to be seen as ‘the most hostile state’, threatens war It was around the same time that North Korea had abolished agencies that oversaw cooperation and reunification, indicating that Kim was no longer interested in seeking reconciliation with South Korea. Additionally, three organisations dealing with unification and inter-Korean tourism were also shut down, the state media had reported, earlier this month. On January 15, Kim said Pyongyang would not recognise the two countries’ de facto maritime border, the Northern Limit Line (NLL). Last year, in April, the South Korean Unification Ministry said that North Korea had not responded to their regularly held calls, adding that this is the first time since October 2021 that all inter-Korean military lines or liaison calls have stopped for more than a day. The communication lines were first opened in 2018 when the two countries set up hotlines after a series of summits aimed at decreasing tensions in the region. However, it was not the first time that North Korea unilaterally shut down the communications links in a display of anger. The line was restored in July 2021 following North Korea’s shutdown for nearly a year after its anger over South Korean activists sending leaflets critical of Kim’s regime across the border by balloon. ALSO READ | Day after Seoul's claims, N Korea confirms Kim oversaw launch of cruise missiles from submarine The communication was cut off in 2023 also around the time when South Korea was holding drills with the United States, which North Korea has long viewed as an enemy. Pyongyang, which reportedly has nuclear weapons, also tested a record number of missiles last year. It also seems like it is going to be more of the same in 2024, as within the first month of the year, North Korea has already tested a number of missiles, including a cruise missile dubbed Pulhwasal-3-3, on January 24 and again on January 28. This was after North Korea had fired more than 200 artillery rounds near a disputed maritime border with South Korea prompting Seoul to take “corresponding” action with live fire drills. The exchange prompted the evacuation of nearly 2,000 residents of two remote South Korean islands to bomb shelters. An ‘unachieved wish’ Kim Jong Un was 26 years old when he took over North Korea, days after his father’s death, and like his predecessors, he too has ruled the country with an iron fist ever since. However, unlike his father and grandfather, the incumbent leader does not seem to be interested in the idea of reunification. Cho Han-bum, a researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification told AFP, earlier this month, that the North Korean system has long been grounded on the idea of reunification, an unachieved wish of the country’s founding leader and Kim’s grandfather Kim II Sung. “Now he is denying everything that his predecessors have done,” said Cho. Therefore, if confirmed, getting rid of his father’s monument would be a big step for Kim, who was known to be his favourite son and hence became his successor. However, it seems as though since his grandfather’s invasion and his father’s diplomacy did not work, Kim is charting his own course, which involves ramping up military rhetoric and posturing. ALSO READ | Explained | What is US-South Korea nuclear weapons deal about? Is this end of peace in Korean Peninsula? While reunification has long been on the North Korean agenda, Kim, earlier this month said that he had concluded that unification with the South was no longer possible and accused Seoul of seeking the collapse of his regime and unification by absorption. The Korea Institute for National Unification, a think-tank, said Kim has all but removed the ‘concept of unity’ from North Korean policy, reported Metro newspaper. Therefore, by reportedly removing the Arch of Reunification ‘the history of inter-Korean relations was completely denied’ and the ‘geopolitical risks’ to South Korea will continue to rise, analysts added. The US factor Pyongyang’s hatred towards Washington can be traced back to the Korean War where then-US President Harry Truman’s declaration prompted nearly two dozen countries to send troops and medical units to back South Korea, during the war. ALSO READ | 'Vow of revenge': North Koreans rally to mark 73rd anniversary of Korean War, denounce US Meanwhile, North Korea was supported by both the Soviet Union and China. Therefore, the alliances over the years have not changed all that much. Even today, Pyongyang maintains good relations with Beijing and Moscow. Except for Kim’s brief “bromance” with former US President Donald Trump when he was the commander-in-chief, not like the much-awaited meeting between the two leaders produced any tangible results. Meanwhile, the US and South Korea have conducted a number of drills amid Kim’s increasing military rhetoric and posturing. Last year, Washington, for the first time since the 1980s also deployed a nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) to a South Korean port. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Kim Jong Un reportedly tears down father’s reunification monument. Why is it a big deal?

A day after South Korea claimed its notorious neighbour fired "several unidentified cruise missiles" off its east coast on Sunday (Jan 28), North Korea's state-run news agency KCNA confirmed its leader Kim Jong Un indeed oversaw the launch of Pulhwasal-3-31 missiles from a submarine.

A day after South Korea claimed its notorious neighbour fired "several unidentified cruise missiles" off its east coast on Sunday (Jan 28), North Korea's state-run news agency KCNA confirmed its leader Kim Jong Un indeed oversaw the launch of Pulhwasal-3-31 missiles from a submarine. The two Pulhwasal-3-31 missiles remained in the air for 7,421 seconds and 7,445 seconds, added KCNA, but refused to divulge how far they flew or whether they had been launched from above or below the water. North Korea said Sunday's test from the submarine "had no impact on the security of a neighbouring country and has nothing to do with the regional situation". The KCNA report mentioned Kim "expressed great satisfaction" with the launch. Sunday’s launches were North Korea’s third-known launch event of 2024, following a previous round of cruise missile tests on January 24 and January 14, which were the country’s first solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missiles. Also watch: Why did North Korea's Kim Jong Un not celebrate his 40th birthday? What did S Korea claim? On Sunday (Jan 28), the South Korean military said its neighbour had fired an unidentified cruise missile around the Sinpo area, days after it staged live-fire exercises near the tense maritime border. “Our military detected several unidentified cruise missiles fired near waters around North Korea's Sinpo area at 8:00 am today,” said the Joint Chiefs of Staff in a statement, as quoted by AFP. North Korea denounces US-South Korea drills Earlier on Sunday, Pyongyang denounced a series of military drills conducted by the US and South Korean troops in recent weeks and warned of “merciless” consequences. Also read | North Korea claims to have tested new strategic cruise missile ‘Pulhwasal-3-31’ “The reality that nuclear war exercises against our republic have been going on like crazy since the beginning of the New Year demands that we be fully prepared for a deadly war,” the dispatch said, as per Reuters. The launch also comes after Kim branded South Korea his principal enemy and warned he would not hesitate to annihilate Seoul, as he toured major weapons factories earlier this month. "The historic time has come at last when we should define as a state most hostile toward the Democratic People's Republic of Korea the entity called the Republic of Korea (South Korea)," said Kim. (With inputs from agencies)

Day after Seoul's claims, N Korea confirms Kim oversaw launch of cruise missiles from submarine

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