<p>Tourism-related stocks in Japan and South Korea surged on Thursday (August 10) after China announced it would relax Covid pandemic-era restrictions on tour groups travelling to dozens of countries, the Financial Times reported. On Thursday, the Chinese tourism ministry said it was lifting restrictions on group travel to 78 countries which included Japan, South Korea, the United States (US), and the United Kingdom (UK).&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the Financial Times report, shares in department stores in Tokyo climbed sharply, while those of Japan Airport Terminal rose by more than nine per cent. Kyoritsu Maintenance, which runs a hotel chain favoured by mainland Chinese tourists, gained over 11 per cent, the report added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In South Korea's capital city Seoul, shares in Lotte Tour Development rose to nearly 30 per cent, and shares in Paradise Group were rallying more than 18 per cent. Shares of AmorePacific, a cosmetics conglomerate, increased seven per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report also said that airline stocks in China, Japan and South Korea, rose between one and five per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, China had mostly closed its borders to international travel for almost three years. However this year, the government resumed flights to 62 countries, 10 fewer than before.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday, South Korea's Culture and Tourism Minister Park Bo-gyoon said the resumption of Chinese tour groups would breathe new life into airline and retail sectors damaged by the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

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Tourism-related stocks in Japan and South Korea surged on Thursday (August 10) after China announced it would relax Covid pandemic-era restrictions on tour groups travelling to dozens of countries, the Financial Times reported.

Tourism-related stocks in Japan and South Korea surged on Thursday (August 10) after China announced it would relax Covid pandemic-era restrictions on tour groups travelling to dozens of countries, the Financial Times reported. On Thursday, the Chinese tourism ministry said it was lifting restrictions on group travel to 78 countries which included Japan, South Korea, the United States (US), and the United Kingdom (UK). As per the Financial Times report, shares in department stores in Tokyo climbed sharply, while those of Japan Airport Terminal rose by more than nine per cent. Kyoritsu Maintenance, which runs a hotel chain favoured by mainland Chinese tourists, gained over 11 per cent, the report added. In South Korea's capital city Seoul, shares in Lotte Tour Development rose to nearly 30 per cent, and shares in Paradise Group were rallying more than 18 per cent. Shares of AmorePacific, a cosmetics conglomerate, increased seven per cent. The report also said that airline stocks in China, Japan and South Korea, rose between one and five per cent. Since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, China had mostly closed its borders to international travel for almost three years. However this year, the government resumed flights to 62 countries, 10 fewer than before. On Thursday, South Korea's Culture and Tourism Minister Park Bo-gyoon said the resumption of Chinese tour groups would breathe new life into airline and retail sectors damaged by the pandemic. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Stocks surge in Japan, S Korea after China announces relaxation in curbs for group tour to 78 nations

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Diplomatic cables reveal US pressured Pakistan to remove Imran Khan, What is direct-to-mobile technology?, Pakistan man cleans world's second tallest peak to pay tribute to his father, Why is South Korean government arranging blind dates?

US pressured Pakistan to remove Imran Khan | What is direct-to-mobile technology?

Cities in South Korea are organising blind-dating events to promote marriage and family life among young adults. But why? South Korea has seen the world's lowest fertility rate for 3 straight years. Fertility rate refers to the number of children that a woman has during her reproductive years. And for South Korea, it was 0.78 in 2022.

Why is the South Korean government arranging blind dates?

Heavy rains due to Typhoon Khanun have lashed the mountainous parts of the country. The intense downpour has led to floods and landslides that have blocked roads and stranded hundreds of people. Reports suggest that two people were missing and more than 460 people were stuck due to the rains.

South Korea on high alert as Typhoon Khanun approaches | Portugal battle wildfires

Local South Korean governments are setting up the country's youth on dates. As the authorities play matchmaker, dating giant Tinder seems to be going off track. It is set to launch a $ 500 monthly subscription. Are you willing to pay that price for love? Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: South Korean government sets up singles on blind date

<p>South Korea is grappling with the challenge of increasing its fertility rate, which has been the lowest in the world for three consecutive years.</p>

<p>In response to this crisis, a growing number of cities are organising blind-dating events, hoping to encourage young adults to pursue marriage and family life, according to&nbsp;an exclusive report by&nbsp;the New York Times.</p>

<h2><strong>Cities take the initiative</strong></h2>

<p>Local governments assert that the core issue lies in the declining desire for marriage among the younger generation.</p>

<p>The mayor of Seongnam, a city near Seoul, believes that fostering conditions for potential life partners is the responsibility of city administrations.</p>

<p>Despite the popularity of blind-dating events, many young South Koreans contend that the real hindrances to raising the birthrate are the exorbitant costs of childcare, unaffordable housing, limited job prospects, and overwhelming work hours. Female participants express concerns about discrimination against working mothers, adding to the reluctance to start families.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-this-chinese-city-local-govt-turns-matchmaker-to-boost-marriage-rate-574322">In this Chinese city, local govt turns matchmaker to boost marriage rate</a></p>

<h2><strong>Mixed reactions to matchmaking initiatives</strong></h2>

<p>While blind-dating events draw considerable interest, some criticise the government's intervention in personal reproductive choices.</p>

<p>Critics argue that addressing systemic issues, such as work-life balance, affordable housing, and gender equality, should take precedence over matchmaking efforts.</p>

<h2><strong>Alarming fertility rate decline</strong></h2>

<p>The decline in marriage rates is a global trend, but South Korea has experienced a more dramatic decrease.</p>

<p>The United States saw six marriages per 1,000 people in 2021, compared to 3.8 per 1,000 people in South Korea. Consequently, the country's fertility rate dropped to a concerning 0.78 in 2022, marking the seventh consecutive year of decline.</p>

<p>As South Korea faces the challenge of a shrinking population, officials are keen on maintaining interest in government-sponsored matchmaking. The city of Seongnam, with a population of approximately one million people, has allocated $192,000 from its budget for these events and plans to host more throughout the year.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;North Korean hackers attacked systems of Russian missile maker: Report</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>International parallels</strong></h2>

<p>Other countries with low birth rates, such as China and Japan, have also experimented with similar programmes. South Korea's smaller cities have been conducting such events for years, targeting individuals between 27 and 39 years old residing or working in their communities.</p>

<p>Results from previous matchmaking events in different cities have been mixed. While some cities have successfully facilitated marriages through these events, others have seen limited success or require more time to produce meaningful matches.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-marriages-fell-to-a-new-record-low-last-year-572779">South Korean marriages fell to a new record low last year</a></p>

<p>Experts studying South Korea's population decline emphasise that reduced working hours, a family-friendly work culture, and gender equality within families would be more effective in addressing the root causes of the low fertility rate than solely relying on matchmaking events.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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South Korea is grappling with the challenge of increasing its fertility rate, which has been the lowest in the world for three consecutive years. In response to this crisis, a growing number of cities are organising blind-dating events, hoping to encourage young adults to pursue marriage and family life, according to an exclusive report by the New York Times.

South Korea is grappling with the challenge of increasing its fertility rate, which has been the lowest in the world for three consecutive years. In response to this crisis, a growing number of cities are organising blind-dating events, hoping to encourage young adults to pursue marriage and family life, according to an exclusive report by the New York Times. Cities take the initiative Local governments assert that the core issue lies in the declining desire for marriage among the younger generation. The mayor of Seongnam, a city near Seoul, believes that fostering conditions for potential life partners is the responsibility of city administrations. Despite the popularity of blind-dating events, many young South Koreans contend that the real hindrances to raising the birthrate are the exorbitant costs of childcare, unaffordable housing, limited job prospects, and overwhelming work hours. Female participants express concerns about discrimination against working mothers, adding to the reluctance to start families. Also read | In this Chinese city, local govt turns matchmaker to boost marriage rate Mixed reactions to matchmaking initiatives While blind-dating events draw considerable interest, some criticise the government's intervention in personal reproductive choices. Critics argue that addressing systemic issues, such as work-life balance, affordable housing, and gender equality, should take precedence over matchmaking efforts. Alarming fertility rate decline The decline in marriage rates is a global trend, but South Korea has experienced a more dramatic decrease. The United States saw six marriages per 1,000 people in 2021, compared to 3.8 per 1,000 people in South Korea. Consequently, the country's fertility rate dropped to a concerning 0.78 in 2022, marking the seventh consecutive year of decline. As South Korea faces the challenge of a shrinking population, officials are keen on maintaining interest in government-sponsored matchmaking. The city of Seongnam, with a population of approximately one million people, has allocated $192,000 from its budget for these events and plans to host more throughout the year. Also watch | North Korean hackers attacked systems of Russian missile maker: Report International parallels Other countries with low birth rates, such as China and Japan, have also experimented with similar programmes. South Korea's smaller cities have been conducting such events for years, targeting individuals between 27 and 39 years old residing or working in their communities. Results from previous matchmaking events in different cities have been mixed. While some cities have successfully facilitated marriages through these events, others have seen limited success or require more time to produce meaningful matches. Also read | South Korean marriages fell to a new record low last year Experts studying South Korea's population decline emphasise that reduced working hours, a family-friendly work culture, and gender equality within families would be more effective in addressing the root causes of the low fertility rate than solely relying on matchmaking events. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

South Korean cities play cupid, host blind-dating events to up fertility rate

<p>The 25th <strong>World Scout Jamboree </strong>event is being held in South Korea’s Buan County from August 1 to 12, but&nbsp;for the first time ever, extreme weather conditions have ruined the joy for its more than 40,000 participants.</p>

<p>Of them, more than 37,000 are scouts, mostly teenagers, who arrived earlier in South Korea from 156 countries around the globe.</p>

<p>In the initial days, extreme heatwaves piled misery on the event’s organisers as well as the participants. The soaring temperatures even prompted the parents of the participants to raise multiple complaints with the organisers.</p>

<p>It also led to the early withdrawal of American and some European contingents, including the British, from the event.</p>

<p>And now, South Korea’s weather agency has reported that the campsite could fall in the way of the raging typhoon ‘Khanun.’ The typhoon is expected to hit South Korea Thursday morning (August 10). Some areas in the south, including Buan, could be affected as early as Wednesday evening.</p>

<p>The storm is approaching South Korea after wreaking havoc on Japan’s Okinawa, killing at least one and injuring 70 others, along with knocking out power of hundreds of homes and disrupting flights and railways.</p>

<h2><strong>Evacuation ordered from the campsite</strong></h2>

<p>South Korean authorities were rushing more than 1,000 buses to the campsite in Buan to evacuate the scouts to safer locations across the country, including the capital Seoul.</p>

<p>South Korea’s Interior Minister Lee Sang-min on Tuesday (August 8) said that more than 128 sites have been earmarked for accommodating the visiting scouts.</p>

<p>“The local governments are checking the cleanliness of the accommodations and toilets and are preparing medical measures so that participants can have a safe and comfortable stay as soon as they arrive,” Lee said.</p>

<p>Evacuation started at 9 am local time, with a bus carrying Taiwan contingents from the campsite. Police said one helicopter and more than 250 police cars will escort the participants to safety.</p>

<p>Earlier, hundreds of American scouts were rushed to Camp Humphreys, a major US military base 70km (45 miles) south of Seoul, after a prolonged week of extreme heatwaves.</p>

<p>It was also reported in European media that 1,500 scouts from Sweden, Norway and Denmark were also to be moved to the US base.</p>

<p>"This is the first time in more than 100 years of World Scout Jamborees that we have had to face such compounded challenges," Ahmad Alhendawi, Secretary-General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, said in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>South Korean authorities apologise for the disruption</strong></h2>

<p>The governor of North Jeolla province, where the event is taking place, has expressed apologies to the participants for causing concerns. He mentioned that efforts have been made to enhance sanitary conditions, including improvements to toilet facilities. Additionally, numerous water trucks and air conditioners have been deployed to ensure participants remain comfortable.</p>

<p>Kim Gi-hyeon, the leader of South Korea's ruling People Power Party, also issued a public apology on Monday. He acknowledged the event's less-than-smooth execution and proposed an investigation to assess the appropriate use of taxpayers' funds in the event's preparations.</p>

<p>A meeting of organisers is scheduled for Saturday to deliberate on whether to proceed, cancel, or reduce the scale of the event, as reported by South Korea's Yonhap news agency.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-lok-sabha-passes-digital-personal-data-protection-bill-insights-on-privacy-and-centres-authority-623342"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Explained | Lok Sabha passes Digital Personal Data Protection Bill. All you need to know</strong></a></p>

<p>However, Minister Lee Sang-min said the government was looking for alternative locations to hold the events.</p>

<p>Gender equality minister Kim Hyun-sook, whose department is running the event, also assured that the event was still continuing. “I can say that it is the location that is only changing because of the natural disaster, but it is still continuing," Kim said.</p>

<p>She also added that officials are trying to arrange new cultural events and activities for the scouts before they leave, including a possible K-pop concert at a Seoul soccer stadium on Friday to go with the closing ceremony.</p>

<h2><strong>Extreme weather continues to batter South Korea</strong></h2>

<p>Asia continues to grapple with severe weather conditions, as South Korea and Japan witness casualties due to the scorching heat. Both nations have issued alerts in response.</p>

<p>On August 1, the South Korean government escalated its heat alert to the highest level, a step not taken since 2019. This week, certain regions in South Korea experienced temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius), intensified by elevated humidity levels.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Japan, South Korea to link radars via US systems</strong></p>

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<p>The toll from heat-related incidents in South Korea has reached at least 23 since late May, as estimated by the country's fire authorities. Among these cases, two fatalities occurred on August 1, involving elderly individuals engaged in outdoor agricultural activities.</p>

<p>This summer's death count surpasses that of the corresponding period in the previous year, marking more than a threefold increase, as reported by South Korea's Yonhap News Agency.</p>

<p>President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea has called for a comprehensive strategy to prevent heat-related ailments, especially among the elderly and outdoor workers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The 25th World Scout Jamboree event is being held in South Korea’s Buan County from August 1 to 12, but for the first time ever, extreme weather conditions have ruined the joy for its more than 40,000 participants.

The 25th World Scout Jamboree event is being held in South Korea’s Buan County from August 1 to 12, but for the first time ever, extreme weather conditions have ruined the joy for its more than 40,000 participants. Of them, more than 37,000 are scouts, mostly teenagers, who arrived earlier in South Korea from 156 countries around the globe. In the initial days, extreme heatwaves piled misery on the event’s organisers as well as the participants. The soaring temperatures even prompted the parents of the participants to raise multiple complaints with the organisers. It also led to the early withdrawal of American and some European contingents, including the British, from the event. And now, South Korea’s weather agency has reported that the campsite could fall in the way of the raging typhoon ‘Khanun.’ The typhoon is expected to hit South Korea Thursday morning (August 10). Some areas in the south, including Buan, could be affected as early as Wednesday evening. The storm is approaching South Korea after wreaking havoc on Japan’s Okinawa, killing at least one and injuring 70 others, along with knocking out power of hundreds of homes and disrupting flights and railways. Evacuation ordered from the campsite South Korean authorities were rushing more than 1,000 buses to the campsite in Buan to evacuate the scouts to safer locations across the country, including the capital Seoul. South Korea’s Interior Minister Lee Sang-min on Tuesday (August 8) said that more than 128 sites have been earmarked for accommodating the visiting scouts. “The local governments are checking the cleanliness of the accommodations and toilets and are preparing medical measures so that participants can have a safe and comfortable stay as soon as they arrive,” Lee said. Evacuation started at 9 am local time, with a bus carrying Taiwan contingents from the campsite. Police said one helicopter and more than 250 police cars will escort the participants to safety. Earlier, hundreds of American scouts were rushed to Camp Humphreys, a major US military base 70km (45 miles) south of Seoul, after a prolonged week of extreme heatwaves. It was also reported in European media that 1,500 scouts from Sweden, Norway and Denmark were also to be moved to the US base. "This is the first time in more than 100 years of World Scout Jamborees that we have had to face such compounded challenges," Ahmad Alhendawi, Secretary-General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, said in a statement. South Korean authorities apologise for the disruption The governor of North Jeolla province, where the event is taking place, has expressed apologies to the participants for causing concerns. He mentioned that efforts have been made to enhance sanitary conditions, including improvements to toilet facilities. Additionally, numerous water trucks and air conditioners have been deployed to ensure participants remain comfortable. Kim Gi-hyeon, the leader of South Korea's ruling People Power Party, also issued a public apology on Monday. He acknowledged the event's less-than-smooth execution and proposed an investigation to assess the appropriate use of taxpayers' funds in the event's preparations. A meeting of organisers is scheduled for Saturday to deliberate on whether to proceed, cancel, or reduce the scale of the event, as reported by South Korea's Yonhap news agency. Also read: Explained | Lok Sabha passes Digital Personal Data Protection Bill. All you need to know However, Minister Lee Sang-min said the government was looking for alternative locations to hold the events. Gender equality minister Kim Hyun-sook, whose department is running the event, also assured that the event was still continuing. “I can say that it is the location that is only changing because of the natural disaster, but it is still continuing," Kim said. She also added that officials are trying to arrange new cultural events and activities for the scouts before they leave, including a possible K-pop concert at a Seoul soccer stadium on Friday to go with the closing ceremony. Extreme weather continues to batter South Korea Asia continues to grapple with severe weather conditions, as South Korea and Japan witness casualties due to the scorching heat. Both nations have issued alerts in response. On August 1, the South Korean government escalated its heat alert to the highest level, a step not taken since 2019. This week, certain regions in South Korea experienced temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius), intensified by elevated humidity levels. Watch: Japan, South Korea to link radars via US systems × The toll from heat-related incidents in South Korea has reached at least 23 since late May, as estimated by the country's fire authorities. Among these cases, two fatalities occurred on August 1, involving elderly individuals engaged in outdoor agricultural activities. This summer's death count surpasses that of the corresponding period in the previous year, marking more than a threefold increase, as reported by South Korea's Yonhap News Agency. President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea has called for a comprehensive strategy to prevent heat-related ailments, especially among the elderly and outdoor workers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Explained: How extreme weather ruined World Scout Jamboree in South Korea 

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<p>At least 37,000 global scouts are currently being evacuated from South Korea's World Scout Jamboree as Typhoon Khanun continues to near the country. More than 1,000 vehicles have been pressed into service to escort 37,000 scouts, mostly teenagers from the coastal area to inland venues, according to news agency AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The majority of the evacuees are being&nbsp;accommodated in Seoul and the capital's metropolitan area.&nbsp;More than 270 police cars and four helicopters have been deployed to escort the buses that began departing the site at 9 am, local time, according to Lee Sang-min, South Korea’s Minister of the Interior and Safety. The evacuation is expected to take six hours or more.</p>

<p>“Local governments are checking the sanitation of the accommodation venues and restrooms and are preparing medical measures to ensure that the (Scouts) would be safe and comfortable after they arrive,” said Lee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The event opened last week in Buan, a county on South Korea's southwestern coast and was expected to be a celebration of South Korea's rich cultural heritage but soon turned chaotic due to the news of the approaching storm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Japan Meteorological Agency, the storm was currently centred 350 kilometres (217 miles) south of Kagoshima, a city on the southwestern tip of Japan’s main southern island of Kyushu. Khanun had winds of 108 kph (67 mph) with gusts to 144 kph (89 mph) and was moving slowly north.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-uk-scouts-being-removed-from-world-scout-jamboree-in-south-korea-amid-heatwave-622668" target="_blank"><strong>US, UK Scouts being removed from World Scout Jamboree in South Korea amid heatwave</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Lawmaker urges BTS to intervene&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>While the evacuation brings national embarrassment to the authorities, a South Korean lawmaker has urged K-pop group BTS to intervene. Lawmaker Sung Il-jong said South Korea's military should grant leave passes to BTS members so that they can reunite and perform for the scouts, left stranded by the jamboree fiasco.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For these precious guests, it is necessary to fill the lack of schedule... with the power of Korean culture," said Sung on his Facebook page.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sung, who is also part of the parliament's national defence committee, said the jamboree had "tarnished our country's reputation due to inadequate preparation and poor management".</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;South Korea issues 'serious' weather warning</strong></p>

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<p>On Monday, South Korea's presidential office said that President Yoon Suk Yeol was informed about the contingency plan for the Jamboree in the wake of the typhoon approaching, hinting that the scouts are likely to stay in Seoul for the remainder of their stay.</p>

<p>"By 'contingency plan', it means the scouts' accommodation and the remaining schedule can be moved to the metropolitan area including Seoul," said Yoon's office, in a statement.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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At least 37,000 global scouts are currently being evacuated from South Korea's World Scout Jamboree as Typhoon Khanun continues to near the country. More than 1,000 vehicles have been pressed into service to escort 37,000 scouts, mostly teenagers from the coastal area to inland venues, according to news agency AFP.

At least 37,000 global scouts are currently being evacuated from South Korea's World Scout Jamboree as Typhoon Khanun continues to near the country. More than 1,000 vehicles have been pressed into service to escort 37,000 scouts, mostly teenagers from the coastal area to inland venues, according to news agency AFP. The majority of the evacuees are being accommodated in Seoul and the capital's metropolitan area. More than 270 police cars and four helicopters have been deployed to escort the buses that began departing the site at 9 am, local time, according to Lee Sang-min, South Korea’s Minister of the Interior and Safety. The evacuation is expected to take six hours or more. “Local governments are checking the sanitation of the accommodation venues and restrooms and are preparing medical measures to ensure that the (Scouts) would be safe and comfortable after they arrive,” said Lee. The event opened last week in Buan, a county on South Korea's southwestern coast and was expected to be a celebration of South Korea's rich cultural heritage but soon turned chaotic due to the news of the approaching storm. According to Japan Meteorological Agency, the storm was currently centred 350 kilometres (217 miles) south of Kagoshima, a city on the southwestern tip of Japan’s main southern island of Kyushu. Khanun had winds of 108 kph (67 mph) with gusts to 144 kph (89 mph) and was moving slowly north. Also read | US, UK Scouts being removed from World Scout Jamboree in South Korea amid heatwave Lawmaker urges BTS to intervene While the evacuation brings national embarrassment to the authorities, a South Korean lawmaker has urged K-pop group BTS to intervene. Lawmaker Sung Il-jong said South Korea's military should grant leave passes to BTS members so that they can reunite and perform for the scouts, left stranded by the jamboree fiasco. "For these precious guests, it is necessary to fill the lack of schedule... with the power of Korean culture," said Sung on his Facebook page. Sung, who is also part of the parliament's national defence committee, said the jamboree had "tarnished our country's reputation due to inadequate preparation and poor management". WATCH | South Korea issues 'serious' weather warning On Monday, South Korea's presidential office said that President Yoon Suk Yeol was informed about the contingency plan for the Jamboree in the wake of the typhoon approaching, hinting that the scouts are likely to stay in Seoul for the remainder of their stay. "By 'contingency plan', it means the scouts' accommodation and the remaining schedule can be moved to the metropolitan area including Seoul," said Yoon's office, in a statement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

South Korea: Over 1,000 buses deployed to evacuate 37,000 scouts as typhoon nears

<p>South Korea's World Scout Jamboree is now set to end early because of an approaching typhoon, said organisers on Monday (August 7), as they appealed to the government to provide help “urgently” with efforts being made to send tens of thousands of children home.<br />
<br />
Around 43,000 people participated in the jamboree which started in North Jeolla province last week.&nbsp;However, hundreds of scouts fell ill because of an extreme heatwave which forced Seoul to provide air-conditioned buses and deploy military doctors. The government vowed an all-out effort to salvage the event.</p>

<h2><strong>American and British scout groups withdraw</strong></h2>

<p>Over the weekend, American and British scout groups withdrew citing concerns over the extreme weather as the organisers stated that the jamboree would continue appealing to participants to see it as a "platform for overcoming challenges".<br />
<br />
However, with the forecast of a typhoon ahead which is likely to hit most of South Korea, which includes the campsite, the Jamboree was forced to end early.<br />
<br />
"The World Organisation of the Scout Movement received confirmation this morning from the Government of the Republic of Korea that due to the expected impact of Typhoon Khanun, an early departure will be planned for all participants," said the scout body, in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-uk-scouts-being-removed-from-world-scout-jamboree-in-south-korea-amid-heatwave-622668">US, UK Scouts being removed from World Scout Jamboree in South Korea amid heatwave</a></p>

<p>"We urgently call on the Government to expedite the plan for departure and provide all necessary resources and support for participants during their stay and until they return to their home countries," the scout body added.<br />
<br />
No details were shared where the participants of the event will stay until they return home. On Monday, South Korea's presidential office said that President Yoon Suk Yeol was informed about the contingency plan for the Jamboree in the wake of the typhoon approaching, hinting that the scouts are likely to stay in Seoul for the remainder of their stay.<br />
<br />
"By 'contingency plan', it means the scouts' accommodation and the remaining schedule can be moved to the metropolitan area including Seoul," said Yoon's office, in a statement.<br />
<br />
It was reported by the Yonhap news agency that all afternoon activities were cancelled and the participants will start leaving the campsite on Tuesday morning.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;South Korea issues 'serious' weather warning</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>A moment of national disgrace?</strong></h2>

<p>This week, the highest-level hot weather warning was issued by South Korea. The exit of British, American and other scout troops has been a setback for the government of South Korea which on Friday held an emergency cabinet meeting and mobilised aid.<br />
<br />
The presidential office sanctioned 6.9 billion won ($5.3 million) in spending for supporting the jamboree, and Yoon also held telephonic conversations with camp organisers, appealing to them to offer more tourism programmes to the scouts.<br />
<br />
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said that the organisers would "create and operate a tour program featuring South Korea's industry, culture, history, and nature". However, the situation has been described by the local media as a “national disgrace”, considering the time the country had to make preparations for the global event, which takes place once every four years.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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South Korea's World Scout Jamboree is now set to end early because of an approaching typhoon, said organisers on Monday (August 7), as they appealed to the government to provide help “urgently” with efforts being made to send tens of thousands of children home.

South Korea's World Scout Jamboree is now set to end early because of an approaching typhoon, said organisers on Monday (August 7), as they appealed to the government to provide help “urgently” with efforts being made to send tens of thousands of children home. Around 43,000 people participated in the jamboree which started in North Jeolla province last week. However, hundreds of scouts fell ill because of an extreme heatwave which forced Seoul to provide air-conditioned buses and deploy military doctors. The government vowed an all-out effort to salvage the event. American and British scout groups withdraw Over the weekend, American and British scout groups withdrew citing concerns over the extreme weather as the organisers stated that the jamboree would continue appealing to participants to see it as a "platform for overcoming challenges". However, with the forecast of a typhoon ahead which is likely to hit most of South Korea, which includes the campsite, the Jamboree was forced to end early. "The World Organisation of the Scout Movement received confirmation this morning from the Government of the Republic of Korea that due to the expected impact of Typhoon Khanun, an early departure will be planned for all participants," said the scout body, in a statement. ALSO READ | US, UK Scouts being removed from World Scout Jamboree in South Korea amid heatwave "We urgently call on the Government to expedite the plan for departure and provide all necessary resources and support for participants during their stay and until they return to their home countries," the scout body added. No details were shared where the participants of the event will stay until they return home. On Monday, South Korea's presidential office said that President Yoon Suk Yeol was informed about the contingency plan for the Jamboree in the wake of the typhoon approaching, hinting that the scouts are likely to stay in Seoul for the remainder of their stay. "By 'contingency plan', it means the scouts' accommodation and the remaining schedule can be moved to the metropolitan area including Seoul," said Yoon's office, in a statement. It was reported by the Yonhap news agency that all afternoon activities were cancelled and the participants will start leaving the campsite on Tuesday morning. WATCH | South Korea issues 'serious' weather warning A moment of national disgrace? This week, the highest-level hot weather warning was issued by South Korea. The exit of British, American and other scout troops has been a setback for the government of South Korea which on Friday held an emergency cabinet meeting and mobilised aid. The presidential office sanctioned 6.9 billion won ($5.3 million) in spending for supporting the jamboree, and Yoon also held telephonic conversations with camp organisers, appealing to them to offer more tourism programmes to the scouts. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said that the organisers would "create and operate a tour program featuring South Korea's industry, culture, history, and nature". However, the situation has been described by the local media as a “national disgrace”, considering the time the country had to make preparations for the global event, which takes place once every four years. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Thousands of young scouts to depart from South Korean world jamboree amid typhoon warning

South Korea has raised its hot weather warning to the highest serious level for the first time in four years. The temperatures around the country are hovering between 35 and 38 degrees Celsius. Reports in fact suggest that at least about 23 people have died from heat-related illnesses across the country.

South Korea issues 'serious' weather warning

<p>China has executed a&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean&nbsp;national for drug trafficking, Beijing's foreign ministry said, the first time&nbsp;such a sentence has been carried out on a citizen of that country in almost a decade.</p>

<p>A court in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou "lawfully pronounced a verdict and executed the&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean&nbsp;defendant... for drug trafficking" on Friday, the foreign ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When defendants of different nationalities commit crimes on Chinese territory, Chinese law shall be applied equally", it added.</p>

<p>An official from Seoul's foreign ministry told reporters Friday that "the death penalty was carried out today for a&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean&nbsp;citizen who was sentenced to death for selling drugs in China".</p>

<p>Beijing said the individual, who Chinese officials named as Jiang -- which would be rendered Kang in&nbsp;Korean&nbsp;-- had had their "legitimate rights and interests" protected.</p>

<p>South&nbsp;Korea expressed "regret that the death penalty has been carried out against our citizen".</p>

<p>"The government has made multiple requests for reconsideration or postponement of the execution on humanitarian grounds through various channels since the death sentence was announced," the official said.</p>

<p>It is the first execution of a&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean&nbsp;drug offender by China in nine years,&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea's Yonhap news agency reported.</p>

<p>The individual was arrested in China in 2014 in possession of five kilograms of methamphetamine, according to Yonhap.</p>

<p>He was sentenced to death in 2019, the agency said.</p>

<p>China, the world's top executioner, frequently carries out the death penalty by lethal injection for very serious crimes.</p>

<p>The Chinese legal system is tightly controlled by the ruling Communist Party and courts have a near-100 percent conviction rate in criminal cases.</p>

<p>Like many countries in the region, China has strict drug laws, and several foreign nationals have been handed death penalties for trafficking in recent years.</p>

<p>In 2020, an Australian was sentenced to death in China for drug trafficking.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Chinese media, he was arrested at Guangzhou airport in December 2013 with more than 7.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in his luggage.</p>

<p>And in 2019, China sentenced two Canadian nationals accused of drug trafficking to death at a time when relations with Ottawa were nosediving.</p>

<p>Seoul said Friday's execution was "unrelated to the relationship between China and&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea".</p>

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China has executed a South Korean national for drug trafficking, Beijing's foreign ministry said, the first time such a sentence has been carried out on a citizen of that country in almost a decade.

China has executed a South Korean national for drug trafficking, Beijing's foreign ministry said, the first time such a sentence has been carried out on a citizen of that country in almost a decade. A court in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou "lawfully pronounced a verdict and executed the South Korean defendant... for drug trafficking" on Friday, the foreign ministry said in a statement. "When defendants of different nationalities commit crimes on Chinese territory, Chinese law shall be applied equally", it added. An official from Seoul's foreign ministry told reporters Friday that "the death penalty was carried out today for a South Korean citizen who was sentenced to death for selling drugs in China". Beijing said the individual, who Chinese officials named as Jiang -- which would be rendered Kang in Korean -- had had their "legitimate rights and interests" protected. South Korea expressed "regret that the death penalty has been carried out against our citizen". "The government has made multiple requests for reconsideration or postponement of the execution on humanitarian grounds through various channels since the death sentence was announced," the official said. It is the first execution of a South Korean drug offender by China in nine years, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported. The individual was arrested in China in 2014 in possession of five kilograms of methamphetamine, according to Yonhap. He was sentenced to death in 2019, the agency said. China, the world's top executioner, frequently carries out the death penalty by lethal injection for very serious crimes. The Chinese legal system is tightly controlled by the ruling Communist Party and courts have a near-100 percent conviction rate in criminal cases. Like many countries in the region, China has strict drug laws, and several foreign nationals have been handed death penalties for trafficking in recent years. In 2020, an Australian was sentenced to death in China for drug trafficking. According to Chinese media, he was arrested at Guangzhou airport in December 2013 with more than 7.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in his luggage. And in 2019, China sentenced two Canadian nationals accused of drug trafficking to death at a time when relations with Ottawa were nosediving. Seoul said Friday's execution was "unrelated to the relationship between China and South Korea". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China executes South Korean for drug trafficking

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<p>Scouts from the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) attending the World Scout Jamboree in are being removed from the official campsite in the southwestern county of Buan due to the heatwave. According to a report by The Guardian on Saturday (August 5), the event started this week and had drawn 43,000 young Scouts from 158 countries, with the UK having the most at 4,500.</p>

<p>In a statement, the UK Scouts said it would start moving young people and adult volunteers to hotel accommodation over the next two days. "As we are the largest contingent, our hope is that this helps alleviate the pressure on the site overall," the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement also said that while on the site, the UK volunteer team "worked extremely hard with the organisers, for our youth members and adult volunteers to have enough food and water to sustain them, shelter from the unusually hot weather, and toilets and washing facilities appropriate for an event of this scale.”</p>

<p>The US contingent, meanwhile, will take part in the jamboree program on Saturday before moving to the US Army’s Garrison Humphreys near the event site on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Withdrawal a big blow to Seoul</strong></h2>

<p>The pullout of US and UK scouts from the event will be a big blow to the South Korean authorities, which have been working all out to limit the fallout and negative coverage generated in recent days, The Guardian report also said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Responding to their withdrawal, the organising committee said, "We recognise their freedom to make decisions as Scouts and regret that they could not continue their Scouting activities [on site] to the end due to reasons such as a heatwave."</p>

<h2><strong>Hundreds of participants already ill due to searing temperatures</strong></h2>

<p>Hundreds of participants at the World Scout Jamboree have already fallen ill due to the searing temperatures, prompting complaints from parents over the safety of their children, the news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday, the World Organization of the Scout Movement said they should consider "alternative options to end the event earlier than scheduled", and support participants until they can return to their home countries.</p>

<p>And to calm the situation, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered officials to roll out tour programmes showcasing Korean culture and nature in Seoul and other cities, available for all scouts.</p>

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Scouts from the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) attending the World Scout Jamboree in are being removed from the official campsite in the southwestern county of Buan due to the heatwave.

Scouts from the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) attending the World Scout Jamboree in are being removed from the official campsite in the southwestern county of Buan due to the heatwave. According to a report by The Guardian on Saturday (August 5), the event started this week and had drawn 43,000 young Scouts from 158 countries, with the UK having the most at 4,500. In a statement, the UK Scouts said it would start moving young people and adult volunteers to hotel accommodation over the next two days. "As we are the largest contingent, our hope is that this helps alleviate the pressure on the site overall," the statement added. The statement also said that while on the site, the UK volunteer team "worked extremely hard with the organisers, for our youth members and adult volunteers to have enough food and water to sustain them, shelter from the unusually hot weather, and toilets and washing facilities appropriate for an event of this scale.” The US contingent, meanwhile, will take part in the jamboree program on Saturday before moving to the US Army’s Garrison Humphreys near the event site on Sunday. Withdrawal a big blow to Seoul The pullout of US and UK scouts from the event will be a big blow to the South Korean authorities, which have been working all out to limit the fallout and negative coverage generated in recent days, The Guardian report also said. Responding to their withdrawal, the organising committee said, "We recognise their freedom to make decisions as Scouts and regret that they could not continue their Scouting activities [on site] to the end due to reasons such as a heatwave." Hundreds of participants already ill due to searing temperatures Hundreds of participants at the World Scout Jamboree have already fallen ill due to the searing temperatures, prompting complaints from parents over the safety of their children, the news agency Reuters reported. On Friday, the World Organization of the Scout Movement said they should consider "alternative options to end the event earlier than scheduled", and support participants until they can return to their home countries. And to calm the situation, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered officials to roll out tour programmes showcasing Korean culture and nature in Seoul and other cities, available for all scouts. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US, UK Scouts being removed from World Scout Jamboree in South Korea amid heatwave

<p>Last week, two papers by South Korean scientists made an extraordinary claim that sparked a social media frenzy and pushed up prices of some stocks in China and South Korea: the discovery of a practical superconductor.</p>

<p>Superconductors are materials that allow electrical current to flow with no resistance, a property that would revolutionise power grids where energy is lost in transmission as well as advance fields such as computing chips, where electrical resistance acts as a speed limit.</p>

<p>The papers, which appeared on a website used by scientists to share research before formal peer review and publication, spurred researchers around the world - including in at least two U.S. national labs and three Chinese universities - to take a closer look at the proposed material.</p>

<p>Superconducting materials already exist in places like MRI machines for medical imaging and some quantum computers, but only display their superconducting properties at extremely low temperatures, making them impractical for wide use.</p>

<p>The South Korean researchers last week said they found a superconductor that works at room temperature, which has long been considered a holy grail for scientists in the field.</p>

<p>The researchers also published a recipe for making the material - dubbed LK-99 - which involves taking a relatively common mineral called lead apatite and introducing a small number of copper atoms into it.</p>

<p>The South Korean researchers published two papers - one initial paper with three authors and a second, more detailed paper with six authors that included only two of the authors from the first paper. None of the authors contacted by Reuters responded to a request for comment.</p>

<p>Physicists interviewed by Reuters said the good news is that there is no law of physics that says a room temperature superconductor cannot exist, and the material described by the South Korean team is easy to grow, meaning other researchers should be able to start getting results as soon as this week.</p>

<p>The gold standard for proof of discovery is other labs reliably replicating the South Korean researchers' findings.</p>

<p>Researchers from at least three Chinese universities have in recent days said they produced versions of LK-99 with varying results. One team from the Huazhong University of Science and Technology posted a video purporting to show the material levitating over a magnet, which is important because true superconductors can float over a magnet in any orientation, without spinning like a compass.</p>

<p>But another team, from Qufu Normal University, said they did not observe zero resistance, one of required characteristics of a superconductor. A third, from the Southeast University in the eastern Chinese city of Nanjing, said they measured zero resistance, but only at a temperature of 110 Kelvin (-163 degree Celsius).</p>

<p>On Thursday, South Korean experts said they would set up a committee to verify the claims.</p>

<p>Eric Toone, a scientist-turned investor at Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures, said he is monitoring any peer review and reproduction efforts by reputable labs.</p>

<p>"The measurements you need to verify or to demonstrate superconductivity are very difficult to make," said Toone. "It's completely game changing if it's right, but until we have more validation, we just have to be patient."</p>

<h2><strong>'You can be fooled'</strong></h2>

<p>The possible bad news for LK-99 is that the superconducting field is full of materials that hold promise at first but fall apart under scrutiny. Researchers even have a handy name for them - unidentified superconducting objects.</p>

<p>"We call them USOs," said Mike Norman, a condensed matter physicist at Argonne National Laboratory. "There's a long history of USOs going a long way back, including some very famous people who thought they had a superconductor and they didn't. It's like anything in science - you can be fooled. Even good people can be fooled."</p>

<p>Norman said the original papers had problems. Some may have been honest typographical mistakes from rushing to post the research, but more troubling was a lack of data over a broad temperature range to show how the material behaves when it is in a superconducting state and when it is not.</p>

<p>"People often use that method to show how much of the sample is actually a superconductor and how much of it is not," Norman said.</p>

<p>Other researchers have also found reasons for caution. Sinéad Griffin, a solid-state physicist and staff scientist Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, used a U.S. Department of Energy supercomputer to simulate the proposed material.</p>

<p>Griffin found that inserting copper atoms into lead apatite caused the material's atoms to rearrange in an unexpected way that resembles existing superconductors. But that effect depends on the copper atoms going to a spot that they don't naturally want to go, which could make it harder to produce the material in bulk quantities.</p>

<p>Griffin cautioned that her simulation has limits - it cannot conclusively prove that the material is a superconductor, and the work assumed that researchers can place copper atoms into the lead apatite with perfect precision. In the real world, that's unlikely and could have a big effect on the material.</p>

<p>And even if LK-99 does turn out to be a room temperature superconductor, it will still take time to determine how useful it might be, said Michael Fuhrer, a professor of physics at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. For example, Fuhrer said no data was provided on how much electrical current the material might be able to carry and still be a superconductor, a key question for improving power grids.</p>

<p>Still, Fuhrer and other physicists said the results are worth studying given all that remains unknown about superconductors and the possibility that they could be discovered serendipitously in a common material.</p>

<p>"There's lots and lots of minerals out there that we haven't looked at yet," said Argonne's Norman. "And there's probably some very interesting physics hiding in these minerals."<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Last week, two papers by South Korean scientists made an extraordinary claim that sparked a social media frenzy and pushed up prices of some stocks in China and South Korea: the discovery of a practical superconductor.

Last week, two papers by South Korean scientists made an extraordinary claim that sparked a social media frenzy and pushed up prices of some stocks in China and South Korea: the discovery of a practical superconductor. Superconductors are materials that allow electrical current to flow with no resistance, a property that would revolutionise power grids where energy is lost in transmission as well as advance fields such as computing chips, where electrical resistance acts as a speed limit. The papers, which appeared on a website used by scientists to share research before formal peer review and publication, spurred researchers around the world - including in at least two U.S. national labs and three Chinese universities - to take a closer look at the proposed material. Superconducting materials already exist in places like MRI machines for medical imaging and some quantum computers, but only display their superconducting properties at extremely low temperatures, making them impractical for wide use. The South Korean researchers last week said they found a superconductor that works at room temperature, which has long been considered a holy grail for scientists in the field. The researchers also published a recipe for making the material - dubbed LK-99 - which involves taking a relatively common mineral called lead apatite and introducing a small number of copper atoms into it. The South Korean researchers published two papers - one initial paper with three authors and a second, more detailed paper with six authors that included only two of the authors from the first paper. None of the authors contacted by Reuters responded to a request for comment. Physicists interviewed by Reuters said the good news is that there is no law of physics that says a room temperature superconductor cannot exist, and the material described by the South Korean team is easy to grow, meaning other researchers should be able to start getting results as soon as this week. The gold standard for proof of discovery is other labs reliably replicating the South Korean researchers' findings. Researchers from at least three Chinese universities have in recent days said they produced versions of LK-99 with varying results. One team from the Huazhong University of Science and Technology posted a video purporting to show the material levitating over a magnet, which is important because true superconductors can float over a magnet in any orientation, without spinning like a compass. But another team, from Qufu Normal University, said they did not observe zero resistance, one of required characteristics of a superconductor. A third, from the Southeast University in the eastern Chinese city of Nanjing, said they measured zero resistance, but only at a temperature of 110 Kelvin (-163 degree Celsius). On Thursday, South Korean experts said they would set up a committee to verify the claims. Eric Toone, a scientist-turned investor at Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures, said he is monitoring any peer review and reproduction efforts by reputable labs. "The measurements you need to verify or to demonstrate superconductivity are very difficult to make," said Toone. "It's completely game changing if it's right, but until we have more validation, we just have to be patient." 'You can be fooled' The possible bad news for LK-99 is that the superconducting field is full of materials that hold promise at first but fall apart under scrutiny. Researchers even have a handy name for them - unidentified superconducting objects. "We call them USOs," said Mike Norman, a condensed matter physicist at Argonne National Laboratory. "There's a long history of USOs going a long way back, including some very famous people who thought they had a superconductor and they didn't. It's like anything in science - you can be fooled. Even good people can be fooled." Norman said the original papers had problems. Some may have been honest typographical mistakes from rushing to post the research, but more troubling was a lack of data over a broad temperature range to show how the material behaves when it is in a superconducting state and when it is not. "People often use that method to show how much of the sample is actually a superconductor and how much of it is not," Norman said. Other researchers have also found reasons for caution. Sinéad Griffin, a solid-state physicist and staff scientist Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, used a U.S. Department of Energy supercomputer to simulate the proposed material. Griffin found that inserting copper atoms into lead apatite caused the material's atoms to rearrange in an unexpected way that resembles existing superconductors. But that effect depends on the copper atoms going to a spot that they don't naturally want to go, which could make it harder to produce the material in bulk quantities. Griffin cautioned that her simulation has limits - it cannot conclusively prove that the material is a superconductor, and the work assumed that researchers can place copper atoms into the lead apatite with perfect precision. In the real world, that's unlikely and could have a big effect on the material. And even if LK-99 does turn out to be a room temperature superconductor, it will still take time to determine how useful it might be, said Michael Fuhrer, a professor of physics at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. For example, Fuhrer said no data was provided on how much electrical current the material might be able to carry and still be a superconductor, a key question for improving power grids. Still, Fuhrer and other physicists said the results are worth studying given all that remains unknown about superconductors and the possibility that they could be discovered serendipitously in a common material. "There's lots and lots of minerals out there that we haven't looked at yet," said Argonne's Norman. "And there's probably some very interesting physics hiding in these minerals." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Superconductor claims spark investor frenzy, but scientists are sceptical

<p>An emergency cabinet meeting was called by South Korea's presidential office on Friday (August 4) and orders were given for deployment of air-conditioned buses and freezer trucks after it was reported that hundreds of scouts suffered heat-related illnesses at a massive jamboree.</p>

<p>An unlimited number of air-conditioned buses for scouts&nbsp;and refrigerator trucks to provide cold water were ordered by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, said presidential spokeswoman Kim Eun-hye.</p>

<p>South Korea has been battering tough climatic conditions because of a heatwave, which has led to a reported spike in heat-related deaths. The organisers at the World Scout Jamboree said on Wednesday (August 2) that hundreds of scouts at a massive jamboree in South Korea suffered heat exhaustion. In South Korea, at least 16 people have died because of the heat so far this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The organisers have sent dozens of military doctors and nurses to help out at the campsite, where around 43,000 people from across the world have gathered and taken part in the event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The World Scout Jamboree, known as the world's largest youth camp, is being held in North Jeolla province. In that particular region, a heatwave warning is in place, with temperatures reaching about 35 degrees Celsius daily.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/typhoon-khanun-leaves-two-dead-41-injured-in-japan-622079">Typhoon Khanun leaves 2 dead, 41 injured in Japan; over 220,000 homes sans power</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>As reported by news agencies, organisers have said that there were roughly 400 cases of heat exhaustion on the first night at the campsite. The organiser also said that people were being treated at a makeshift hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Malaysian scout told a South Korean newspaper that "it was so hot that I got a migraine" and he added that the weather was even hotter than in his home country.</p>

<p>According to the local media reports, scouts from the United States, Britain, Belgium, Bangladesh, Colombia, Poland and Sweden were affected.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-one-dead-and-several-injured-in-stabbing-incident-near-seoul-622083">One reported dead, several injured in stabbing, vehicle ramming near Seoul; suspect arrested</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Big tech firms promote toxic health cures for women&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>'Look out for each other please'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>A fire official in North Jeolla province, southwest of Seoul, told reporters: "Most of them were experiencing mild symptoms, such as headache, dizziness and nausea and all returned to their campsites."&nbsp;</p>

<p>British celebrity adventurer Bear Grylls urged attendees to stay hydrated. He kicked off the jamboree as Chief Scout.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an Instagram post, he said, "It's hot. Look out for each other please."&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the South Korean&nbsp;weather agency, the heatwave is expected to last until next week and the scout event is scheduled to end on August&nbsp;14.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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An emergency cabinet meeting was called by South Korea's presidential office on Friday (August 4) and orders were given for deployment of air-conditioned buses and freezer trucks after it was reported that hundreds of scouts suffered heat-related illnesses at a massive jamboree.

An emergency cabinet meeting was called by South Korea's presidential office on Friday (August 4) and orders were given for deployment of air-conditioned buses and freezer trucks after it was reported that hundreds of scouts suffered heat-related illnesses at a massive jamboree. An unlimited number of air-conditioned buses for scouts and refrigerator trucks to provide cold water were ordered by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, said presidential spokeswoman Kim Eun-hye. South Korea has been battering tough climatic conditions because of a heatwave, which has led to a reported spike in heat-related deaths. The organisers at the World Scout Jamboree said on Wednesday (August 2) that hundreds of scouts at a massive jamboree in South Korea suffered heat exhaustion. In South Korea, at least 16 people have died because of the heat so far this year. The organisers have sent dozens of military doctors and nurses to help out at the campsite, where around 43,000 people from across the world have gathered and taken part in the event. The World Scout Jamboree, known as the world's largest youth camp, is being held in North Jeolla province. In that particular region, a heatwave warning is in place, with temperatures reaching about 35 degrees Celsius daily. Also read: Typhoon Khanun leaves 2 dead, 41 injured in Japan; over 220,000 homes sans power As reported by news agencies, organisers have said that there were roughly 400 cases of heat exhaustion on the first night at the campsite. The organiser also said that people were being treated at a makeshift hospital. A Malaysian scout told a South Korean newspaper that "it was so hot that I got a migraine" and he added that the weather was even hotter than in his home country. According to the local media reports, scouts from the United States, Britain, Belgium, Bangladesh, Colombia, Poland and Sweden were affected. Also read: One reported dead, several injured in stabbing, vehicle ramming near Seoul; suspect arrested Watch: Big tech firms promote toxic health cures for women × 'Look out for each other please' A fire official in North Jeolla province, southwest of Seoul, told reporters: "Most of them were experiencing mild symptoms, such as headache, dizziness and nausea and all returned to their campsites." British celebrity adventurer Bear Grylls urged attendees to stay hydrated. He kicked off the jamboree as Chief Scout. In an Instagram post, he said, "It's hot. Look out for each other please." As per the South Korean weather agency, the heatwave is expected to last until next week and the scout event is scheduled to end on August 14. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

South Korea deploys air-conditioned buses, freezer as hundreds fall due to heat strokes

As areas of the nation baked in temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 F), South Korea elevated the hot weather warning to its maximum level, the first time in four years, the interior and safety ministry said on Wednesday. According to local media citing firefighting authorities, the intense heat is believed to have killed 23 people nationwide, more than double the previous record of seven during the same period last year.

South Korea raises heat alert to highest amid sweltering weather

In South Korea, a man went on a stabbing rampage near a subway station. The man first rammed his car into a passerby and then got out and went inside a shopping centre where he then started to stab people at random. The incident has resulted in the death of one individual 13 other people have been severely injured.

South Korea: A man goes on a stabbing rampage

<p>A stabbing incident in a South Korean town on Thursday (August 3) left at least one person dead, and over a dozen injured, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police and local media reported that a man rammed his car into passers-by, he then jumped out of the vehicle and went on a stabbing spree.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
A man drove a car onto a pedestrian walkway and went on a stabbing rampage at a department store in Seongnam, just south of Seoul, the Yonhap news agency said citing police officials.</p>

<p>The incident took place near the Seohyeon subway station in Bundang, which is about 20 kilometres southeast of Seoul.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The National Police Agency told news agency AFP that the suspect "had been arrested at the scene". The police told Yonhap that when the suspect was detained, he made some "incomprehensible statements". &nbsp;</p>

<p>Local reports have mentioned that the suspect appeared to be in his twenties. He stabbed nine people and wounded five others with his vehicle. According to a Yonhap report, at least eight of the stabbing victims are in critical condition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Witnesses told the South Korean news agency that the suspect wore a black outfit and sunglasses, and he brandished a knife estimated to be around 50 to 60 centimetres long.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Stabbing incident on July 21</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The incident happened around two weeks after a similar attack killed one person and injured three in the South Korean capital on July 21.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such stabbing incidents are quite unusual in South Korea as official statistics revealed that the nation is typically an extremely safe country, with a murder rate of 1.3 per 100,000 people in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States has 7.8 homicide deaths per 100,000 people. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A stabbing incident in a South Korean town on Thursday (August 3) left at least one person dead, and over a dozen injured, news agency Reuters reported. Police and local media reported that a man rammed his car into passers-by, he then jumped out of the vehicle and went on a stabbing spree.

A stabbing incident in a South Korean town on Thursday (August 3) left at least one person dead, and over a dozen injured, news agency Reuters reported. Police and local media reported that a man rammed his car into passers-by, he then jumped out of the vehicle and went on a stabbing spree. A man drove a car onto a pedestrian walkway and went on a stabbing rampage at a department store in Seongnam, just south of Seoul, the Yonhap news agency said citing police officials. The incident took place near the Seohyeon subway station in Bundang, which is about 20 kilometres southeast of Seoul. The National Police Agency told news agency AFP that the suspect "had been arrested at the scene". The police told Yonhap that when the suspect was detained, he made some "incomprehensible statements". Local reports have mentioned that the suspect appeared to be in his twenties. He stabbed nine people and wounded five others with his vehicle. According to a Yonhap report, at least eight of the stabbing victims are in critical condition. Witnesses told the South Korean news agency that the suspect wore a black outfit and sunglasses, and he brandished a knife estimated to be around 50 to 60 centimetres long. Stabbing incident on July 21 The incident happened around two weeks after a similar attack killed one person and injured three in the South Korean capital on July 21. Such stabbing incidents are quite unusual in South Korea as official statistics revealed that the nation is typically an extremely safe country, with a murder rate of 1.3 per 100,000 people in 2021. Meanwhile, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States has 7.8 homicide deaths per 100,000 people. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

South Korea: One reported dead, several injured in stabbing, vehicle ramming near Seoul; suspect arrested

15 people have died in Japan and South Korea due to extreme heat. At least 20 have been killed in China due to typhoon Doksuri. Is this climate karma catching up? Molly Gambhir tells you more

Gravitas: 15 die in Japan & South Korea due to extreme heat

<p>Different parts of the world have been battered by extreme climatic conditions.&nbsp;While some regions are slapped with heavy rains and subsequent floods, other parts of the world are facing extreme heat. The situation in some Asian nations is also worsening as at least 12 people have died from heat-related causes in South Korea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Local reports in Japan mentioned that a 13-year-old girl died from heatstroke on her way back from a school club. The Mainichi reported that the school had suspended the club gatherings an hour early due to concerns about the heat. According to the report, the school said that the students had taken breaks "every 20-25 minutes to rehydrate".&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by The Guardian mentioned that the death toll since Friday reached three after an elderly couple was found dead in their home in Tokyo. Police believe they died of heatstroke amid temperatures reaching 35.7C in the city. The deteriorating situation comes weeks after Japan set a target to halve the number of heat-related deaths by 2030.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Opinion:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/russia-must-stop-using-food-as-a-weapon-621418">Russia must stop using food as a weapon</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The Japan Times published a detailed report on heat-related deaths. Citing official statistics, it said that the number of heatstroke-related deaths increased from an average of 201 people a year between 1995 and 1999, to an average of 1295 from 2018 to 2022.</p>

<p>According to the report, the health ministry data showed that elderlies were most impacted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/relief-for-australia-as-great-barrier-reef-stays-off-unesco-danger-list-621258">Relief for Australia as Great Barrier Reef stays off UNESCO danger list</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, at least 20 people died and several were missing as heavy rainfall continued to batter Beijing. In China, the Doksuri typhoon forced officials to evacuate more than 52,000 people from the capital city. The authorities sealed over 100 mountain roads as a precautionary move.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns are indications of climate change. These changes are either natural or because of human activities, such as the excessive burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Concrete, asphalt and urban heat islands = heatwaves</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>As quoted by news agency Reuters, Dr Kevin Foster, who directs the Arizona Burn Center in Phoenix, said that it only takes a fraction of a second to suffer a pretty serious burn. Asphalt and concrete in direct sunlight can often reach surface temperatures as high as 82 Celsius on the hottest days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report further mentioned that doctors have treated numerous patients who suffered burns from falling on the ground or touching surfaces that were much hotter than the recorded air temperature due to the elevated temperatures in Phoenix.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Different parts of the world have been battered by extreme climatic conditions. While some regions are slapped with heavy rains and subsequent floods, other parts of the world are facing extreme heat.

Different parts of the world have been battered by extreme climatic conditions. While some regions are slapped with heavy rains and subsequent floods, other parts of the world are facing extreme heat. The situation in some Asian nations is also worsening as at least 12 people have died from heat-related causes in South Korea. Local reports in Japan mentioned that a 13-year-old girl died from heatstroke on her way back from a school club. The Mainichi reported that the school had suspended the club gatherings an hour early due to concerns about the heat. According to the report, the school said that the students had taken breaks "every 20-25 minutes to rehydrate". A report by The Guardian mentioned that the death toll since Friday reached three after an elderly couple was found dead in their home in Tokyo. Police believe they died of heatstroke amid temperatures reaching 35.7C in the city. The deteriorating situation comes weeks after Japan set a target to halve the number of heat-related deaths by 2030. Opinion: Russia must stop using food as a weapon The Japan Times published a detailed report on heat-related deaths. Citing official statistics, it said that the number of heatstroke-related deaths increased from an average of 201 people a year between 1995 and 1999, to an average of 1295 from 2018 to 2022. According to the report, the health ministry data showed that elderlies were most impacted. Watch this report: × Also read: Relief for Australia as Great Barrier Reef stays off UNESCO danger list Meanwhile, at least 20 people died and several were missing as heavy rainfall continued to batter Beijing. In China, the Doksuri typhoon forced officials to evacuate more than 52,000 people from the capital city. The authorities sealed over 100 mountain roads as a precautionary move. Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns are indications of climate change. These changes are either natural or because of human activities, such as the excessive burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas. Concrete, asphalt and urban heat islands = heatwaves As quoted by news agency Reuters, Dr Kevin Foster, who directs the Arizona Burn Center in Phoenix, said that it only takes a fraction of a second to suffer a pretty serious burn. Asphalt and concrete in direct sunlight can often reach surface temperatures as high as 82 Celsius on the hottest days. The report further mentioned that doctors have treated numerous patients who suffered burns from falling on the ground or touching surfaces that were much hotter than the recorded air temperature due to the elevated temperatures in Phoenix. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Climate change: Heat-related deaths rise in Japan and South Korea

The Russian and Chinese government delegations are set to attend a North Korean event marking the 70th anniversary of the Armistice that halted fighting in the Korean War in Pyongyang. Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu was welcomed at the airport by his North Korean counterpart. Russia's historic ally of Pyongyang is one of a handful of Nations that maintains friendly relations with the North.

Seoul and Washington keep a tab on celebrations in Pyongyang

South Korea's constitutional court on Tuesday overturned the impeachment of the Interior Minister. This comes after the minister was accused of washing up in response to a deadly Halloween Crush in Seoul last October. The ruling against the Parliamentary vote the court has also said that it was difficult to solely attribute the responsibility to Interior Minister Lee Sang-min as the incident was not caused by a single cause or by a specific person.

South Korean Court: Halloween incident 'not caused by specific person'

The Korean peninsula continues to simmer in tension as North Korea has fired two ballistic missiles into the sea of its East Coast. This comes hours after a nuclear-powered US submarine arrived in a naval base in South Korea.

Tensions in Korean Peninsula on rise: Pyongyang conducts third round of missile launches | WION

<p>South Korea lately has been grappling with a puzzling situation involving mysterious international parcels randomly sent from China. Some of these parcels have raised concerns due to their potential involvement with unknown hazardous materials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, both South Korean and Chinese authorities are working together to investigate the matter and ensure the safety of citizens.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How did it begin?</strong></h2>

<p>The ordeal began when South Korean authorities received reports of suspicious international parcels being delivered to various locations throughout the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alarm bells were sounded when three workers at a care center for the disabled in Ulsan fell ill with dizziness and breathing difficulties after opening a package. Authorities identified an invoice on the parcel suggesting it had been sent from Taiwan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Russian war reporter dead after alleged use of cluster munitions by Ukraine</strong></p>

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<p>However, an investigation by Taiwan's customs agency revealed that the parcel had actually originated from Shenzhen, China, and had reached South Korea via Taiwan.</p>

<h2><strong>What was found in those parcels?</strong></h2>

<p>Following the initial report, South Korean police received a staggering 2,793 additional reports of suspicious parcels from across the nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, investigations into 679 cases revealed no links to terrorism and no presence of toxic or hazardous substances. The South Korean prime minister's office confirmed that there were no indications of terrorism-related threats or intelligence, nor were there any casualties.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-beijing-helping-moscow-by-secretly-supplying-gear-to-the-russian-army-619197"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Is Beijing helping Moscow by secretly supplying gear to the Russian army?</strong></a></p>

<p>While some parcels contained harmless items like lip balm or other inexpensive products, others were found to be completely empty.</p>

<h2><strong>South Korea seeks China's assistance</strong></h2>

<p>Taking the matter seriously, South Korea has now sought China's assistance in solving the mysterious case. A joint investigation is currently underway, with the involvement of Interpol and other overseas agencies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The situation has also drawn the attention of Taiwan, which has suspended the receipt and delivery of stopover mail from Shenzhen as a precautionary measure.</p>

<h2>The 'Brushing Scam' Angle</h2>

<p>As the investigation continues, South Korean authorities are considering the possibility that these parcels might be part of a "brushing scam" carried out by Chinese online shopping malls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a brushing scam, packages are sent randomly from an international sender to manipulate business performance or generate fake positive reviews.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This practice, while not posing direct threats to recipients' safety, can lead to confusion, waste of resources, and, in this case, heightened health concerns.</p>

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South Korea lately has been grappling with a puzzling situation involving mysterious international parcels randomly sent from China. Some of these parcels have raised concerns due to their potential involvement with unknown hazardous materials.

South Korea lately has been grappling with a puzzling situation involving mysterious international parcels randomly sent from China. Some of these parcels have raised concerns due to their potential involvement with unknown hazardous materials. Now, both South Korean and Chinese authorities are working together to investigate the matter and ensure the safety of citizens. How did it begin? The ordeal began when South Korean authorities received reports of suspicious international parcels being delivered to various locations throughout the country. Alarm bells were sounded when three workers at a care center for the disabled in Ulsan fell ill with dizziness and breathing difficulties after opening a package. Authorities identified an invoice on the parcel suggesting it had been sent from Taiwan. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Russian war reporter dead after alleged use of cluster munitions by Ukraine × However, an investigation by Taiwan's customs agency revealed that the parcel had actually originated from Shenzhen, China, and had reached South Korea via Taiwan. What was found in those parcels? Following the initial report, South Korean police received a staggering 2,793 additional reports of suspicious parcels from across the nation. However, investigations into 679 cases revealed no links to terrorism and no presence of toxic or hazardous substances. The South Korean prime minister's office confirmed that there were no indications of terrorism-related threats or intelligence, nor were there any casualties. Also read: Is Beijing helping Moscow by secretly supplying gear to the Russian army? While some parcels contained harmless items like lip balm or other inexpensive products, others were found to be completely empty. South Korea seeks China's assistance Taking the matter seriously, South Korea has now sought China's assistance in solving the mysterious case. A joint investigation is currently underway, with the involvement of Interpol and other overseas agencies. The situation has also drawn the attention of Taiwan, which has suspended the receipt and delivery of stopover mail from Shenzhen as a precautionary measure. The 'Brushing Scam' Angle As the investigation continues, South Korean authorities are considering the possibility that these parcels might be part of a "brushing scam" carried out by Chinese online shopping malls. In a brushing scam, packages are sent randomly from an international sender to manipulate business performance or generate fake positive reviews. This practice, while not posing direct threats to recipients' safety, can lead to confusion, waste of resources, and, in this case, heightened health concerns. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Someone from China is sending hundreds of mysterious parcels to South Koreans

The Korean Peninsula continues to see my intentions as North Korea has found two ballistic missiles in the sea on the East Coast. This comes hours after a nuclear-powered US submarine arrived at a naval base in South Korea.

North Korea fires missiles after US submarines arrives in South

<p>The Chinese government is currently investigating reports from South Korea regarding the random sending of international parcels from China, reported South China Morning Post. Reports said that some of these parcels are suspected to contain unknown hazardous materials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mao Ning, a spokeswoman at China's foreign ministry, said they are actively looking into the matter.&nbsp;“We have received South Korea’s request for assistance in the investigation. The matter is being looked into. We will stay in touch with South Korea,” the spokeswoman said at a press conference on Monday.</p>

<h2><strong>Reports of suspicious parcels</strong></h2>

<p>South Korean authorities have received a significant number of reports from across the country regarding suspicious international parcels. As many as 2,793 such reports have been received.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/strategic-trust-eroded-indian-nsa-ajit-doval-minces-no-words-in-talks-with-china-619212">‘Strategic trust eroded,’ Indian NSA Ajit Doval minces no words in talks with China</a></p>

<p>However, investigations into 679 cases have shown no connections to terrorism, and no toxic or hazardous substances have been found in these parcels.</p>

<h2><strong>Joint investigation with Interpol, overseas agencies</strong></h2>

<p>The South Korean prime minister's office stated, “We have confirmed that there are no suspicions of terrorism, as there were no terrorism threats, related intelligence, or casualties." It also added that in order to further delve into the matter, a joint investigation will take place involving Interpol and other overseas agencies, to ensure a comprehensive examination of the situation.</p>

<h2><strong>Suspicious parcel at a care centre</strong></h2>

<p>The first report of a suspicious parcel came from a care center for disabled individuals in the South Korean city of Ulsan. Three workers at the care centre were hospitalised with dizziness and breathing difficulties after opening a package.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-banks-pressed-to-rectify-inaccurate-financial-statements-heres-why-619208">US banks pressed to rectify ‘inaccurate’ financial statements. Here's why</a></p>

<p>The parcel's invoice initially indicated it was sent from Taiwan. However, further investigation by Taiwan's customs agency revealed that the parcel originated from Shenzhen in southern China. As per the inquiry, Taiwan was only a stopover in the parcel's journey to South Korea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taiwan's Chunghwa Post, the island's postal agency, took swift action by suspending the receipt and delivery of stopover mail from Shenzhen.&nbsp;Additionally, they implemented various control and preventive measures to enhance cargo security. The use of stopover mail is common among Chinese online shopping malls as it reduces delivery costs compared to direct post service.</p>

<h2><strong>Nationwide alerts&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Following this incident, numerous reports of similar suspicious packages emerged throughout South Korea.&nbsp;In response, the South Korean government issued warnings to citizens, advising them not to open parcels unless the sender's identity is clearly displayed. In a separate incident at the Seoul Central Post Office, more than 1,700 people were temporarily evacuated after a suspicious parcel was found on the premises.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | UK: Boris Johnson's former aide gets life peerage; controversy over 'young' peers&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>South Korean investigators are exploring the possibility that the suspicious parcels may be linked to a "brushing scam" orchestrated by Chinese online shopping malls. Under the scam, businesses try to improve their online ratings by posting a fake positive review, which ultimately leads to more sales and a highly profits.</p>

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The Chinese government is currently investigating reports from South Korea regarding the random sending of international parcels from China, reported South China Morning Post.

The Chinese government is currently investigating reports from South Korea regarding the random sending of international parcels from China, reported South China Morning Post. Reports said that some of these parcels are suspected to contain unknown hazardous materials. Mao Ning, a spokeswoman at China's foreign ministry, said they are actively looking into the matter. “We have received South Korea’s request for assistance in the investigation. The matter is being looked into. We will stay in touch with South Korea,” the spokeswoman said at a press conference on Monday. Reports of suspicious parcels South Korean authorities have received a significant number of reports from across the country regarding suspicious international parcels. As many as 2,793 such reports have been received. Also Read | ‘Strategic trust eroded,’ Indian NSA Ajit Doval minces no words in talks with China However, investigations into 679 cases have shown no connections to terrorism, and no toxic or hazardous substances have been found in these parcels. Joint investigation with Interpol, overseas agencies The South Korean prime minister's office stated, “We have confirmed that there are no suspicions of terrorism, as there were no terrorism threats, related intelligence, or casualties." It also added that in order to further delve into the matter, a joint investigation will take place involving Interpol and other overseas agencies, to ensure a comprehensive examination of the situation. Suspicious parcel at a care centre The first report of a suspicious parcel came from a care center for disabled individuals in the South Korean city of Ulsan. Three workers at the care centre were hospitalised with dizziness and breathing difficulties after opening a package. Also Read | US banks pressed to rectify ‘inaccurate’ financial statements. Here's why The parcel's invoice initially indicated it was sent from Taiwan. However, further investigation by Taiwan's customs agency revealed that the parcel originated from Shenzhen in southern China. As per the inquiry, Taiwan was only a stopover in the parcel's journey to South Korea. Taiwan's Chunghwa Post, the island's postal agency, took swift action by suspending the receipt and delivery of stopover mail from Shenzhen. Additionally, they implemented various control and preventive measures to enhance cargo security. The use of stopover mail is common among Chinese online shopping malls as it reduces delivery costs compared to direct post service. Nationwide alerts Following this incident, numerous reports of similar suspicious packages emerged throughout South Korea. In response, the South Korean government issued warnings to citizens, advising them not to open parcels unless the sender's identity is clearly displayed. In a separate incident at the Seoul Central Post Office, more than 1,700 people were temporarily evacuated after a suspicious parcel was found on the premises. Watch | UK: Boris Johnson's former aide gets life peerage; controversy over 'young' peers × South Korean investigators are exploring the possibility that the suspicious parcels may be linked to a "brushing scam" orchestrated by Chinese online shopping malls. Under the scam, businesses try to improve their online ratings by posting a fake positive review, which ultimately leads to more sales and a highly profits. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Reports of suspicious parcels sent from China to South Korea, Beijing starts investigation

<p>North Korea fired two ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast, late Monday (July 24), said South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. The report was also confirmed by the Japanese defence ministry which said North Korea launched what it said could be a ballistic missile.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the launch</strong></h2>

<p>South Korea said that North Korea has fired at least two ballistic missiles towards&nbsp;the Sea of Japan. Meanwhile, the Japanese defence ministry said the projectile, which&nbsp;could be a ballistic missile, was believed to have fallen outside the country’s exclusive economic zone.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Japanese media later reported&nbsp;there may have been multiple missiles launched, citing a&nbsp;government source.</p>

<p>The launch comes amid a rise in tensions on the Korean peninsula where South Korea and its ally the United States have been ramping up military readiness against North Korea.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Hours after 2nd US submarine arrives</strong></h2>

<p><br />
The launch of the possible ballistic missile happened hours after the South Korean Navy announced that a second nuclear-armed American submarine had made port in the country. The USS Annapolis entered a naval base in the country’s southern island of Jeju, said the South Korean Navy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The two countries’ navies plan to strengthen the combined defence posture with the arrival of the USS Annapolis, and conduct exchange activities to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the alliance,” said Seoul’s navy, in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The USS Annapolis arrived less than a week after American nuclear submarine&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-nuclear-armed-submarine-docks-in-south-korea-for-first-time-since-1981-617148">USS Kentucky</a>&nbsp;docked in South Korea for the first time since 1981.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Chinese delegation to arrive in North Korea</strong></h2>

<p>The launch on Monday also came hours after North Korean state media KCNA reported that a high-level Chinese delegation will travel to Pyongyang&nbsp;this week, in what may be the first acknowledged visit of its kind since North Korea shut its borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chinese Communist Party politburo member Li Hongzhong will take part in celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, reported the KCNA.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>North Korea fired ‘several cruise missiles’ into sea</strong></h2>

<p>North Korea also fired <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/seoul-north-korea-fired-several-cruise-missiles-into-yellow-sea-618321">“several cruise missiles”</a> into the Yellow Sea between China and the Korean peninsula, the South Korean military reported, on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Seoul’s military, the launch, over the weekend, took place around 4:00 am (local time). “South Korean and US intelligence authorities were analysing the launches while monitoring signs of additional activities,” said the South Korean military.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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North Korea fired two ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast, late Monday (July 24), said South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. The report was also confirmed by the Japanese defence ministry which said North Korea launched what it said could be a ballistic missile.

North Korea fired two ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast, late Monday (July 24), said South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. The report was also confirmed by the Japanese defence ministry which said North Korea launched what it said could be a ballistic missile. About the launch South Korea said that North Korea has fired at least two ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan. Meanwhile, the Japanese defence ministry said the projectile, which could be a ballistic missile, was believed to have fallen outside the country’s exclusive economic zone. Japanese media later reported there may have been multiple missiles launched, citing a government source. The launch comes amid a rise in tensions on the Korean peninsula where South Korea and its ally the United States have been ramping up military readiness against North Korea. Hours after 2nd US submarine arrives The launch of the possible ballistic missile happened hours after the South Korean Navy announced that a second nuclear-armed American submarine had made port in the country. The USS Annapolis entered a naval base in the country’s southern island of Jeju, said the South Korean Navy. “The two countries’ navies plan to strengthen the combined defence posture with the arrival of the USS Annapolis, and conduct exchange activities to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the alliance,” said Seoul’s navy, in a statement. The USS Annapolis arrived less than a week after American nuclear submarine USS Kentucky docked in South Korea for the first time since 1981. Chinese delegation to arrive in North Korea The launch on Monday also came hours after North Korean state media KCNA reported that a high-level Chinese delegation will travel to Pyongyang this week, in what may be the first acknowledged visit of its kind since North Korea shut its borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chinese Communist Party politburo member Li Hongzhong will take part in celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, reported the KCNA. North Korea fired ‘several cruise missiles’ into sea North Korea also fired “several cruise missiles” into the Yellow Sea between China and the Korean peninsula, the South Korean military reported, on Saturday. According to Seoul’s military, the launch, over the weekend, took place around 4:00 am (local time). “South Korean and US intelligence authorities were analysing the launches while monitoring signs of additional activities,” said the South Korean military. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korea fires two ballistic missiles, say South Korea and Japan

Fears are raised by reports that parcels might include dangerous or hazardous materials. Over the past four days, police in South Korea have received about 2,000 reports of suspicious packages, they said on Sunday, amid worries that they may be filled with dangerous materials.

Over 1600 suspicious packages reported, says the South Korean police

<p>South Korea hit back at Pyongyang on Friday (July 21) assuring swift “end” of Kim Jong Un’s regime, a day after the latter threatened to use nuclear weapons in response to US nuclear submarine deployment.</p>

<p>As Seoul and Washington have "made clear" before, "any nuclear attack on the alliance will face an immediate, overwhelming and decisive response", Seoul's defence ministry said in a statement Friday.</p>

<p>Were this to happen, "the North Korean regime will face its end", it added, reported AFP news.</p>

<p>Seoul said that the visit of the US Ohio-class submarine — the first since 1981 — to the Busan port is a "legitimate defensive response" to North Korea’s ongoing nuclear threats.</p>

<p>The nuclear law is ambiguous, and claims Pyongyang can use its nukes if "an attack by nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction... is judged to draw near", it added.</p>

<p>The strong rebuttal came in response to North Korea’s defence minister warning on Thursday that this week’s port visit of the US nuclear-capable submarine could meet the legal threshold for the North to use its&nbsp;nuclear weapons.</p>

<h2><strong>Direct nuclear threat to North Korea</strong></h2>

<p>On Thursday, the North Korean defence minister warned that the presence of the submarine was an "undisguised and direct nuclear threat to the DPRK", and meant that "strategic nuclear weapons have been deployed on the Korean peninsula for the first time after 40 odd years".</p>

<p>"The armed forces of the DPRK will responsibly carry out their important mission for defending the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity and fundamental interests and preventing a nuclear war on the Korean peninsula," the minister said in a statement, according to state media KCNA.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-warns-nuclear-response-after-us-submarine-docks-in-south-617948">North Korea warns nuclear response after US submarine docks in South</a></p>

<p>Last year, North Korea adopted sweeping nuclear law, setting out an array of scenarios in which it could use its nukes, including pre-emptive nuclear strikes if threatened.</p>

<h2><strong>South-North ties on downward spiral</strong></h2>

<p>The relations between North and the South have nosedived as Kim Jong Un has been calling&nbsp;for increasing weapons development, including tactical nuclear weapons, while Seoul has been growing even more closer to Washington.</p>

<p>The port visit of US nuclear-capable submarine was in response to North Korea conducting a string of banned weapons test, including nuclear ballistic missiles.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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South Korea hit back at Pyongyang on Friday (July 21) assuring swift “end” of Kim Jong Un’s regime, a day after the latter threatened to use nuclear weapons in response to US nuclear submarine deployment.

South Korea hit back at Pyongyang on Friday (July 21) assuring swift “end” of Kim Jong Un’s regime, a day after the latter threatened to use nuclear weapons in response to US nuclear submarine deployment. As Seoul and Washington have "made clear" before, "any nuclear attack on the alliance will face an immediate, overwhelming and decisive response", Seoul's defence ministry said in a statement Friday. Were this to happen, "the North Korean regime will face its end", it added, reported AFP news. Seoul said that the visit of the US Ohio-class submarine — the first since 1981 — to the Busan port is a "legitimate defensive response" to North Korea’s ongoing nuclear threats. The nuclear law is ambiguous, and claims Pyongyang can use its nukes if "an attack by nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction... is judged to draw near", it added. The strong rebuttal came in response to North Korea’s defence minister warning on Thursday that this week’s port visit of the US nuclear-capable submarine could meet the legal threshold for the North to use its nuclear weapons. Direct nuclear threat to North Korea On Thursday, the North Korean defence minister warned that the presence of the submarine was an "undisguised and direct nuclear threat to the DPRK", and meant that "strategic nuclear weapons have been deployed on the Korean peninsula for the first time after 40 odd years". "The armed forces of the DPRK will responsibly carry out their important mission for defending the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity and fundamental interests and preventing a nuclear war on the Korean peninsula," the minister said in a statement, according to state media KCNA. Also read | North Korea warns nuclear response after US submarine docks in South Last year, North Korea adopted sweeping nuclear law, setting out an array of scenarios in which it could use its nukes, including pre-emptive nuclear strikes if threatened. South-North ties on downward spiral The relations between North and the South have nosedived as Kim Jong Un has been calling for increasing weapons development, including tactical nuclear weapons, while Seoul has been growing even more closer to Washington. The port visit of US nuclear-capable submarine was in response to North Korea conducting a string of banned weapons test, including nuclear ballistic missiles. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

South Korea promises swift ‘end’ of Kim Jong Un’s regime after North’s nuclear attack threat

<p>One person was killed and three were injured in a "stabbing rampage" near a subway station in the South Korean capital Seoul on Friday (July 21), news agencies reported citing local police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police said that the attack took place near the Sillim subway station in southwest Seoul. The authorities added that the suspect had been detained by officers at the scene.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The suspect is a man in his 30s and he did not look intoxicated. We are questioning him as to the motive of his crime," they said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Local broadcaster YTN reported that the man was arrested at the scene. So far, the motive behind the attack was not immediately clear.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-to-spread-poland-to-move-soldiers-to-east-due-to-wagner-risks-618116">Will this expand Ukraine war to other regions? Poland moving troops over Wagner risk from Belarus</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>A witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told YTN, "When the police came, he said something along the lines of he didn't want to live, that things weren't going as he wished."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yonhap news agency said that one of the injured victims in hospital was in critical condition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>YTN reported that the "man shouted he didn't want to live any more as he was being apprehended by the police".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video shown on the YTN appeared to show police apprehending the suspect, who had sat down on steps and seemed to sit passively as armed police approached him and placed him under arrest.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-russian-missiles-strike-odesa-grain-warehouses-618072">Ukraine says Russian missiles strike Odesa grain warehouses</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>According to a store owner in the area, "People ran into my store, telling me a man with a big knife was stabbing people. We locked the door."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported eyewitnesses as saying&nbsp;that the suspect stabbed a man who was talking on the phone in the back multiple times before running off and attacking more people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"All four victims are reportedly men," it added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
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One person was killed and three were injured in a "stabbing rampage" near a subway station in the South Korean capital Seoul on Friday (July 21), news agencies reported citing local police.

One person was killed and three were injured in a "stabbing rampage" near a subway station in the South Korean capital Seoul on Friday (July 21), news agencies reported citing local police. Police said that the attack took place near the Sillim subway station in southwest Seoul. The authorities added that the suspect had been detained by officers at the scene. "The suspect is a man in his 30s and he did not look intoxicated. We are questioning him as to the motive of his crime," they said. Local broadcaster YTN reported that the man was arrested at the scene. So far, the motive behind the attack was not immediately clear. Also read: Will this expand Ukraine war to other regions? Poland moving troops over Wagner risk from Belarus A witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told YTN, "When the police came, he said something along the lines of he didn't want to live, that things weren't going as he wished." Yonhap news agency said that one of the injured victims in hospital was in critical condition. YTN reported that the "man shouted he didn't want to live any more as he was being apprehended by the police". The video shown on the YTN appeared to show police apprehending the suspect, who had sat down on steps and seemed to sit passively as armed police approached him and placed him under arrest. Also read: Ukraine says Russian missiles strike Odesa grain warehouses According to a store owner in the area, "People ran into my store, telling me a man with a big knife was stabbing people. We locked the door." The Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported eyewitnesses as saying that the suspect stabbed a man who was talking on the phone in the back multiple times before running off and attacking more people. "All four victims are reportedly men," it added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Seoul: At least one dead, three injured as man goes on stabbing rampage, arrested

<p>North Korea on Thursday (July 20) warned that the visit of US nuclear-capable submarine to South Korea could “legally” force Pyongyang to use its nuclear weapons.</p>

<p>Speaking on the arrival of US Ohio-class submarine in Busan port, North Korean defence minister Kang Sun Nam threatened that it "may fall under the conditions of the use of nuclear weapons specified in the DPRK law on the&nbsp;nuclear force policy".</p>

<p>Democratic People's Republic of Korea&nbsp;(DPRK) is the official name of North Korea.</p>

<h2><strong>Direct nuclear threat to North Korea</strong></h2>

<p>The defence minister warned that the presence of the submarine was an "undisguised and direct nuclear threat to the DPRK", and meant that "strategic nuclear weapons have been deployed on the Korean peninsula for the first time after 40 odd years", reports state media KCNA.</p>

<p>"The armed forces of the DPRK will responsibly carry out their important mission for defending the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity and fundamental interests and preventing a nuclear war on the Korean peninsula," the minister said in a statement.</p>

<p>Last year, North Korea adopted sweeping nuclear law, setting out an array of scenarios in which it could use its nukes, including pre-emptive nuclear strikes if threatened.</p>

<h2><strong>South-North ties on downward spiral</strong></h2>

<p>The relations between North and the South have nosedived as Kim Jong Un has recently called for increasing weapons development, including tactical nuclear weapons, while Seoul has been growing even more closer to Washington.</p>

<p>The visit of US nuclear-capable submarine to South Korea for the first time since 1981 was in response to North Korea conducting test string of banned weapons test, including nuclear ballistic missiles.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol visited the Ohio-class submarine and its northern neighbour that if it attempts to use nuclear weapons against the South, "it will lead to the demise of its regime".</p>

<h2><strong>US, South Korea growing closer</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Ohio-class subs can carry up to 20 Trident II ballistic missiles. The US Navy typically does not confirm if a submarine is carrying nuclear weapons before it goes out to sea.</p>

<p>The allies also held their first Nuclear Consultative Group meeting in Seoul Tuesday, to improve their joint response to any nuclear attack by North Korea.</p>

<p>Seoul and Washington have ramped up defence cooperation in response, staging joint military exercises with advanced stealth jets and US strategic assets.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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North Korea on Thursday (July 20) warned that the visit of US nuclear-capable submarine to South Korea could “legally” force Pyongyang to use its nuclear weapons.

North Korea on Thursday (July 20) warned that the visit of US nuclear-capable submarine to South Korea could “legally” force Pyongyang to use its nuclear weapons. Speaking on the arrival of US Ohio-class submarine in Busan port, North Korean defence minister Kang Sun Nam threatened that it "may fall under the conditions of the use of nuclear weapons specified in the DPRK law on the nuclear force policy". Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is the official name of North Korea. Direct nuclear threat to North Korea The defence minister warned that the presence of the submarine was an "undisguised and direct nuclear threat to the DPRK", and meant that "strategic nuclear weapons have been deployed on the Korean peninsula for the first time after 40 odd years", reports state media KCNA. "The armed forces of the DPRK will responsibly carry out their important mission for defending the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity and fundamental interests and preventing a nuclear war on the Korean peninsula," the minister said in a statement. Last year, North Korea adopted sweeping nuclear law, setting out an array of scenarios in which it could use its nukes, including pre-emptive nuclear strikes if threatened. South-North ties on downward spiral The relations between North and the South have nosedived as Kim Jong Un has recently called for increasing weapons development, including tactical nuclear weapons, while Seoul has been growing even more closer to Washington. The visit of US nuclear-capable submarine to South Korea for the first time since 1981 was in response to North Korea conducting test string of banned weapons test, including nuclear ballistic missiles. On Wednesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol visited the Ohio-class submarine and its northern neighbour that if it attempts to use nuclear weapons against the South, "it will lead to the demise of its regime". US, South Korea growing closer Ohio-class subs can carry up to 20 Trident II ballistic missiles. The US Navy typically does not confirm if a submarine is carrying nuclear weapons before it goes out to sea. The allies also held their first Nuclear Consultative Group meeting in Seoul Tuesday, to improve their joint response to any nuclear attack by North Korea. Seoul and Washington have ramped up defence cooperation in response, staging joint military exercises with advanced stealth jets and US strategic assets. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

North Korea warns nuclear response after US submarine docks in South

<p>An American citizen has likely been detained by North Korea after crossing the military demarcation line separating the two Koreas without authorisation, said the United Nations Command, on Tuesday (July 18).</p>

<h2><strong>UN command about the incident</strong></h2>

<p>The person, who was later identified as a US soldier, was said to have been taking part in a tour of the Joint Security Area (JSA) which is a border village of Panmunjom in the demilitarised zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The village, where no civilians live, is located inside the 248-kilometre-long DMZ. The zone has been guarded by soldiers from both South Korea and North Korea&nbsp;since the end of the 1950-53 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-vows-to-punish-the-us-on-73rd-anniversary-of-korean-war-608664">Korean War</a>.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea has scaled back its security presence on its side of the border at the JSA&nbsp;significantly.</p>

<p>The United States-led UN Command took to Twitter and wrote, “A U.S. National on a JSA orientation tour crossed, without authorization, the Military Demarcation Line into the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).”</p>

<p>It added, “We believe he is currently in DPRK custody and are working with our KPA counterparts to resolve this incident,” referring to North Korea’s People’s Army.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A U.S. National on a JSA orientation tour crossed, without authorization, the Military Demarcation Line into the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). We believe he is currently in DPRK custody and are working with our KPA counterparts to resolve this incident. <a href="https://t.co/a6amvnJTuY">pic.twitter.com/a6amvnJTuY</a></p>
— United Nations Command 유엔군사령부/유엔사 (@UN_Command) <a href="https://twitter.com/UN_Command/status/1681241668622888960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>American soldier was facing&nbsp;disciplinary action</strong></h2>

<p>South Korea’s Dong-a Ilbo daily, citing South Korea’s army, identified the person as Travis King, a US army soldier with the rank of private second class. Similarly, a&nbsp;Pentagon official told NPR&nbsp;on the condition of anonymity, that the man was a US army serviceman&nbsp;in civilian clothes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A spokesperson for the US military in South Korea (USFK) and the UN Command,&nbsp;Colonel Isaac Taylor later confirmed that the man was an American soldier.</p>

<p>"A U.S. Service member on a JSA orientation tour willfully and without authorization crossed the Military Demarcation Line into the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)," said the Pentagon official, in a statement.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
He added, "We believe he is currently in DPRK custody and are working with our KPA counterparts to resolve this incident." However, the US officials are yet to identify&nbsp;the man&nbsp;reported to be&nbsp;Travis King.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
A report by Reuters&nbsp;citing two US officials, said the soldier had been due to face disciplinary action.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Eyewitness account</strong></h2>

<p>Prior to the incident, the soldier was being escorted back to the US for disciplinary reasons but somehow managed to escape after going through airport security and joined the border tour, according to a report by CBS.<br />
<br />
An eyewitness, who was reportedly on the same tour,&nbsp;told&nbsp;CBS News that the group was visiting one of the buildings at the site when&nbsp;“this man gives out a loud ‘ha ha ha’ and just runs in between some buildings”.</p>

<p>“I thought it was a bad joke at first but, when he didn’t come back, I realised it wasn’t a joke and then everybody reacted and things got crazy,” they said.</p>

<p>The US State Department travel advisory bans <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-thousands-of-north-koreans-holds-rallies-denouncing-us-609023/#war-of-revenge-against-us-609024">American nations</a> from entering North Korea “due to the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of US&nbsp;nationals.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The restriction was imposed in 2015&nbsp;after US college student Otto Warmbier was detained by North Korean authorities while he was on a tour of the country. He died in 2017, days after he was released from North Korean prison and returned to the US in a state of coma.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, cases of US or South Korean citizens defecting to North Korea are rare, while more than 30,000 North Koreans have fled to South Korea&nbsp;since the end of the Korean War to escape political oppression and economic difficulties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2017, North Korean soldiers fired 40 rounds as one of their colleagues raced for his freedom, reported the Associated Press. He was later found under a pile of leaves on the southern side of Panmunjom and is reportedly living in South Korea after surviving the attack.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Rise in tensions between US and North Korea</strong></h2>

<p>The border incident came amid a rise in tensions on the Korean peninsula and with the US sending&nbsp;a nuclear-armed submarine to South Korea, which also arrived on Tuesday, for the first time in decades as deterrence against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-launched-unidentified-ballistic-missile-says-south-korea-amid-live-fire-drills-with-us-604800">North Korea</a>.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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An American citizen has likely been detained by North Korea after crossing the military demarcation line separating the two Koreas without authorisation, said the United Nations Command, on Tuesday (July 18).

An American citizen has likely been detained by North Korea after crossing the military demarcation line separating the two Koreas without authorisation, said the United Nations Command, on Tuesday (July 18). UN command about the incident The person, who was later identified as a US soldier, was said to have been taking part in a tour of the Joint Security Area (JSA) which is a border village of Panmunjom in the demilitarised zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas. The village, where no civilians live, is located inside the 248-kilometre-long DMZ. The zone has been guarded by soldiers from both South Korea and North Korea since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea has scaled back its security presence on its side of the border at the JSA significantly. The United States-led UN Command took to Twitter and wrote, “A U.S. National on a JSA orientation tour crossed, without authorization, the Military Demarcation Line into the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).” It added, “We believe he is currently in DPRK custody and are working with our KPA counterparts to resolve this incident,” referring to North Korea’s People’s Army. A U.S. National on a JSA orientation tour crossed, without authorization, the Military Demarcation Line into the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). We believe he is currently in DPRK custody and are working with our KPA counterparts to resolve this incident. pic.twitter.com/a6amvnJTuY — United Nations Command 유엔군사령부/유엔사 (@UN_Command) July 18, 2023 × American soldier was facing disciplinary action South Korea’s Dong-a Ilbo daily, citing South Korea’s army, identified the person as Travis King, a US army soldier with the rank of private second class. Similarly, a Pentagon official told NPR on the condition of anonymity, that the man was a US army serviceman in civilian clothes. A spokesperson for the US military in South Korea (USFK) and the UN Command, Colonel Isaac Taylor later confirmed that the man was an American soldier. "A U.S. Service member on a JSA orientation tour willfully and without authorization crossed the Military Demarcation Line into the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)," said the Pentagon official, in a statement. He added, "We believe he is currently in DPRK custody and are working with our KPA counterparts to resolve this incident." However, the US officials are yet to identify the man reported to be Travis King. A report by Reuters citing two US officials, said the soldier had been due to face disciplinary action. Eyewitness account Prior to the incident, the soldier was being escorted back to the US for disciplinary reasons but somehow managed to escape after going through airport security and joined the border tour, according to a report by CBS. An eyewitness, who was reportedly on the same tour, told CBS News that the group was visiting one of the buildings at the site when “this man gives out a loud ‘ha ha ha’ and just runs in between some buildings”. “I thought it was a bad joke at first but, when he didn’t come back, I realised it wasn’t a joke and then everybody reacted and things got crazy,” they said. The US State Department travel advisory bans American nations from entering North Korea “due to the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of US nationals.” The restriction was imposed in 2015 after US college student Otto Warmbier was detained by North Korean authorities while he was on a tour of the country. He died in 2017, days after he was released from North Korean prison and returned to the US in a state of coma. Notably, cases of US or South Korean citizens defecting to North Korea are rare, while more than 30,000 North Koreans have fled to South Korea since the end of the Korean War to escape political oppression and economic difficulties. In 2017, North Korean soldiers fired 40 rounds as one of their colleagues raced for his freedom, reported the Associated Press. He was later found under a pile of leaves on the southern side of Panmunjom and is reportedly living in South Korea after surviving the attack. Rise in tensions between US and North Korea The border incident came amid a rise in tensions on the Korean peninsula and with the US sending a nuclear-armed submarine to South Korea, which also arrived on Tuesday, for the first time in decades as deterrence against North Korea. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US soldier likely detained by North Korea after crossing inter-Korean border during tour

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