Several reports have highlighted that marriage rates in South Korea have been declining. A recent Bloomberg report mentioned that marriages in the nation fell to a new record low last year. The report noted that the data showed that the fertility rate in the country saw a decline.&nbsp;

According to data released by the national statistics office on Thursday, South Korea's crude marriage rate, which is the number of marriages per 1,000 people, slid to 3.7 from 3.8 in 2021. About 191,700 marriages took place in 2022, down 0.4% from a year earlier.&nbsp;

Experts have noted that there is reluctance among South Koreans about marriage, which is alarming as it may lead to a further decline in&nbsp;fertility rate.&nbsp;

Marriage is closely associated with fertility in Korea and it is quite rare to see births outside marriage.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Here's America's 'Plan B' for Ukraine&nbsp;

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Last month, a Reuters report mentioned a boost in relationship reality TV shows, and their impact on the country's interest in romance.&nbsp;

Reuters stated that there are a large number of shows matchmaking young singles. However, it also mentioned the growth in acceptance of non-traditional relationships that don't revolve around marriage and starting a family.&nbsp;

"Living Together without Marriage", for example, focuses on couples who have chosen not to tie the knot, and "His Man" is one of two shows featuring LGBTQ people. Other shows throw the spotlight on divorced people searching for love again.

The recent report suggests that from high costs of housing to the difficulties of raising a child, there are several reasons behind Koreans' reluctance to marry.&nbsp;

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Several reports have highlighted that marriage rates in South Korea have been declining. A recent Bloomberg report mentioned that marriages in the nation fell to a new record low last year.

Several reports have highlighted that marriage rates in South Korea have been declining. A recent Bloomberg report mentioned that marriages in the nation fell to a new record low last year. The report noted that the data showed that the fertility rate in the country saw a decline. According to data released by the national statistics office on Thursday, South Korea's crude marriage rate, which is the number of marriages per 1,000 people, slid to 3.7 from 3.8 in 2021. About 191,700 marriages took place in 2022, down 0.4% from a year earlier. Experts have noted that there is reluctance among South Koreans about marriage, which is alarming as it may lead to a further decline in fertility rate. Marriage is closely associated with fertility in Korea and it is quite rare to see births outside marriage. WATCH | Gravitas: Here's America's 'Plan B' for Ukraine × Last month, a Reuters report mentioned a boost in relationship reality TV shows, and their impact on the country's interest in romance. Reuters stated that there are a large number of shows matchmaking young singles. However, it also mentioned the growth in acceptance of non-traditional relationships that don't revolve around marriage and starting a family. "Living Together without Marriage", for example, focuses on couples who have chosen not to tie the knot, and "His Man" is one of two shows featuring LGBTQ people. Other shows throw the spotlight on divorced people searching for love again. The recent report suggests that from high costs of housing to the difficulties of raising a child, there are several reasons behind Koreans' reluctance to marry. 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 Korean marriages fell to a new record low last year

North Korea claimed that it test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile known called Hwasong-17 on Thursday, reported the state news agency KCNA.

The missile, whose test-firing was reported earlier by the South Korean government, was fired amid "provocative and aggressive" military drills jointly being conducted by the United States and South Korea, stated the agency on Friday.

The launch of the missile on Thursday was the third show of force by North Korea since Sunday and took place hours before South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was headed to Tokyo to attend the summit aimed at boosting ties in the face of growing aggression of Pyongyang.

The drill "serves as an occasion to give a stronger warning to the enemies intentionally escalating the tension in the Korean peninsula," stated KCNA.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-is-ready-for-its-seventh-nuclear-test-us-warns-571833">North Korea preparing for its seventh nuclear test, would be dangerous provocation, US warns</a>

Pyongyang confirmed that the missile was able to travel at a maximum altitude of some 6,000 km (3,700 miles) and flew almost 1,000 km (620 miles) "before accurately landing on the preset area in the open waters off the East Sea of Korea”, which is also called the Sea of Japan, as per the KCNA report.

"The launching drill of the strategic weapon serves as an occasion to give a stronger warning to the enemies intentionally escalating the tension in the Korean peninsula while persistently resorting to irresponsible and reckless military threats," stated the state news agency KCNA.

The government of South Korea claimed that the missile was launched on a lofted trajectory, upwards instead of outwards, which is generally done to prevent the missile from overflying neighbouring countries.

The defence co-operation between Seoul and Washington has been ramped up in the face of increasing nuclear and military threats from North Korea, which has conducted numerous provocative banned weapons tests recently.

North Korea on Tuesday fired two short-range ballistic missiles after launching two strategic cruise missiles on Sunday from a submarine, hours before the US-South Korea exercises started.

WATCH | N Korea fires another ballistic missile; Chile confirms first case of bird flu

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The drills, known as Freedom Shield, started Monday and will continue for 10 days. The Freedom Shield exercises emphasise the "changing security environment" due to redoubled aggression of North Korea, the allies had stated.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un has accused South Korea and the United States of escalating tensions with the military drills.

He "stressed the need to strike fear into the enemies, really deter war and reliably guarantee the peaceful life of our people and their struggle for socialist construction by irreversibly bolstering up the nuclear war deterrent," reported KCNA.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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North Korea claimed that it test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile known called Hwasong-17 on Thursday, reported the state news agency KCNA. The missile, whose test-firing was reported earlier by the South Korean government, was fired amid "provocative and aggressive" military drills jointly being conducted by the United States and South Korea, stated the agency on Friday.

North Korea claimed that it test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile known called Hwasong-17 on Thursday, reported the state news agency KCNA. The missile, whose test-firing was reported earlier by the South Korean government, was fired amid "provocative and aggressive" military drills jointly being conducted by the United States and South Korea, stated the agency on Friday. The launch of the missile on Thursday was the third show of force by North Korea since Sunday and took place hours before South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was headed to Tokyo to attend the summit aimed at boosting ties in the face of growing aggression of Pyongyang. The drill "serves as an occasion to give a stronger warning to the enemies intentionally escalating the tension in the Korean peninsula," stated KCNA. ALSO READ | North Korea preparing for its seventh nuclear test, would be dangerous provocation, US warns Pyongyang confirmed that the missile was able to travel at a maximum altitude of some 6,000 km (3,700 miles) and flew almost 1,000 km (620 miles) "before accurately landing on the preset area in the open waters off the East Sea of Korea”, which is also called the Sea of Japan, as per the KCNA report. "The launching drill of the strategic weapon serves as an occasion to give a stronger warning to the enemies intentionally escalating the tension in the Korean peninsula while persistently resorting to irresponsible and reckless military threats," stated the state news agency KCNA. The government of South Korea claimed that the missile was launched on a lofted trajectory, upwards instead of outwards, which is generally done to prevent the missile from overflying neighbouring countries. The defence co-operation between Seoul and Washington has been ramped up in the face of increasing nuclear and military threats from North Korea, which has conducted numerous provocative banned weapons tests recently. North Korea on Tuesday fired two short-range ballistic missiles after launching two strategic cruise missiles on Sunday from a submarine, hours before the US-South Korea exercises started. WATCH | N Korea fires another ballistic missile; Chile confirms first case of bird flu The drills, known as Freedom Shield, started Monday and will continue for 10 days. The Freedom Shield exercises emphasise the "changing security environment" due to redoubled aggression of North Korea, the allies had stated. North Korea's Kim Jong Un has accused South Korea and the United States of escalating tensions with the military drills. He "stressed the need to strike fear into the enemies, really deter war and reliably guarantee the peaceful life of our people and their struggle for socialist construction by irreversibly bolstering up the nuclear war deterrent," reported KCNA. (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

North Korea claims ICBM test-fired on Thursday: KCNA

Japanese and South Korean business leaders are taking steps towards better ties. Business leaders have pledged greater economic cooperation, as they seek to pivot away from years of strain and acrimony over compensation for forced wartime labour. The head of Japan's Keidanren business lobby met with members of its South Korean counterpart, the federation of Korean industries, and the South Korean president. The two business lobbies agreed to launch foundations aimed at forward-looking bilateral relations. The lack of cooperation between Japan and South Korea has long undercut U.S-led efforts to present a united front against China and North Korea. Signs of a breakthrough came last week when Seoul announced a plan for its companies to compensate former forced labourers.

Japan and South Korea move to mend ties; Business leaders pledge greater economic cooperation

North Korea has fired a ballistic missile into its eastern waters, just hours before South Korea’s president was due to fly to Japan for the first summit between the two countries in years.

North Korea launches intercontinental ballistic missile ahead of South Korea-Japan summit

North Korea launches missile ahead of South Korea-Japan summit

A ballistic missile was fired by North Korea into the sea between Japan and the Korean peninsula, said South Korea's military on Thursday, hours before South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is scheduled to fly to Tokyo to attend a rare summit.

This week, North Korea has been launching missiles on a daily basis amid ongoing joint military drills between South Korea and the United States that have been condemned by Pyongyang as hostile actions.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a statement on Thursday, said that at least one ballistic missile of an unknown type has been fired by North Korea off its east coast.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-is-ready-for-its-seventh-nuclear-test-us-warns-571833">North Korea preparing for its seventh nuclear test, would be dangerous provocation, US warns</a>

Yoon will be visiting Japan to attend a summit with Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the first-of-its-kind summit being held in more than a decade as part of the two governments' efforts to overcome economic, political and historical disputes in the name of better co-operation to counter different challenges.

The two US allies also agreed to provide each other with real-time tracking of missile launches by North Korea and have promised to deepen military co-operation.

Two short-range ballistic missiles were fired by North Korea on Tuesday in its first launch since the manoeuvres, the biggest in five years, started as per the South Korean military.

Two strategic cruise missiles were launched by Pyongyang on Sunday from a submarine apparently to protest against the US-South Korea exercises.

WATCH | North Korea adopts war deterrent measures; US, South Korea to kick off freedom shield

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The drills, called Freedom Shield, started on Monday and will continue for 10 days. Seoul's military, in a rare move, revealed this month that military exercises called "Teak Knife" are being staged by the two allies, which includes simulating precision strikes on important facilities in North Korea, before the Freedom Shield.

The focus of Freedom Shield exercises is on the "changing security environment" because of redoubled aggression of North Korea, the allies said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A ballistic missile was fired by North Korea into the sea between Japan and the Korean peninsula, said South Korea's military on Thursday, hours before South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is scheduled to fly to Tokyo to attend a rare summit.

A ballistic missile was fired by North Korea into the sea between Japan and the Korean peninsula, said South Korea's military on Thursday, hours before South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is scheduled to fly to Tokyo to attend a rare summit. This week, North Korea has been launching missiles on a daily basis amid ongoing joint military drills between South Korea and the United States that have been condemned by Pyongyang as hostile actions. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a statement on Thursday, said that at least one ballistic missile of an unknown type has been fired by North Korea off its east coast. ALSO READ | North Korea preparing for its seventh nuclear test, would be dangerous provocation, US warns Yoon will be visiting Japan to attend a summit with Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the first-of-its-kind summit being held in more than a decade as part of the two governments' efforts to overcome economic, political and historical disputes in the name of better co-operation to counter different challenges. The two US allies also agreed to provide each other with real-time tracking of missile launches by North Korea and have promised to deepen military co-operation. Two short-range ballistic missiles were fired by North Korea on Tuesday in its first launch since the manoeuvres, the biggest in five years, started as per the South Korean military. Two strategic cruise missiles were launched by Pyongyang on Sunday from a submarine apparently to protest against the US-South Korea exercises. WATCH | North Korea adopts war deterrent measures; US, South Korea to kick off freedom shield The drills, called Freedom Shield, started on Monday and will continue for 10 days. Seoul's military, in a rare move, revealed this month that military exercises called "Teak Knife" are being staged by the two allies, which includes simulating precision strikes on important facilities in North Korea, before the Freedom Shield. The focus of Freedom Shield exercises is on the "changing security environment" because of redoubled aggression of North Korea, the allies said. (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

North Korea fires ballistic missile hours before South Korea-Japan summit

North Korea fired a suspected intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the sea between the Korean peninsula and Japan on Thursday, hours before South Korea’s president flew to Tokyo for a summit that discussed ways to counter the nuclear-armed North.

South Korean&nbsp;government rolled back an upcoming policy initiative which entailed a&nbsp;rise in the working hours. The roll back came&nbsp;after a backlash from the young South Koreans who said the move would destroy their work-life balance and put their health at risk.

The government had intended to raise the maximum weekly working time to 69 hours after business groups complained that the current cap of 52 hours was making it difficult to meet deadlines.

However, as&nbsp;protests from the country’s millennials and Gen-Z, both on and off the social media&nbsp;prompted the president, Yoon Suk-yeol, to order his administration to&nbsp; reconsider the measure and "communicate better with the public, especially with generation z and millennials,"&nbsp;his press secretary, Kim Eun-hye, said.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Work-Life Balance | At this IT Firm, the computer tells you to 'Go Home'

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"The core of [Yoon’s] labour market policy is to protect the rights and interests of underprivileged workers, such as the MZ generation, workers not in a union and those working in small and medium-sized businesses," Kim said, according to the Korea Herald.

Earlier, President Yoon had expressed his support to raise the work hours to give employers greater flexibility. Union leaders, however, had said it would force people to work longer hours, in a country where workplaces are known to push tough work-life balance.

According to a recent employment outlook of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development average (OECD), South Koreans worked an average of 1,915 hours in 2021, 199 hours more than the group's average.

As per the policy decision&nbsp;announced earlier this month,&nbsp;a legislation introduced in 2018 by the liberal Democratic party that limits the working week to 52 hours: 40 of regular work plus 12 of overtime, was supposed to be overturned. But the bill is less likely to proceed for the immediate future.&nbsp;

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South Korean government rolled back an upcoming policy initiative which entailed a rise in the working hours. The roll back came after a backlash from the young South Koreans who said the move would destroy their work-life balance and put their health at risk.

South Korean government rolled back an upcoming policy initiative which entailed a rise in the working hours. The roll back came after a backlash from the young South Koreans who said the move would destroy their work-life balance and put their health at risk. The government had intended to raise the maximum weekly working time to 69 hours after business groups complained that the current cap of 52 hours was making it difficult to meet deadlines. However, as protests from the country’s millennials and Gen-Z, both on and off the social media prompted the president, Yoon Suk-yeol, to order his administration to reconsider the measure and "communicate better with the public, especially with generation z and millennials," his press secretary, Kim Eun-hye, said. ALSO WATCH | Work-Life Balance | At this IT Firm, the computer tells you to 'Go Home' × "The core of [Yoon’s] labour market policy is to protect the rights and interests of underprivileged workers, such as the MZ generation, workers not in a union and those working in small and medium-sized businesses," Kim said, according to the Korea Herald. Earlier, President Yoon had expressed his support to raise the work hours to give employers greater flexibility. Union leaders, however, had said it would force people to work longer hours, in a country where workplaces are known to push tough work-life balance. According to a recent employment outlook of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development average (OECD), South Koreans worked an average of 1,915 hours in 2021, 199 hours more than the group's average. As per the policy decision announced earlier this month, a legislation introduced in 2018 by the liberal Democratic party that limits the working week to 52 hours: 40 of regular work plus 12 of overtime, was supposed to be overturned. But the bill is less likely to proceed for the immediate future. 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.

Millennials, Gen-Z force South Korea govt against imposing 69-hour work week

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Tokyo on Thursday in what was the first official bilateral meeting between the leaders of the two countries in over 12 years.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Tokyo on Thursday in what was the first official bilateral meeting between the leaders of the two countries in over 12 years. Post the meeting, both nations agreed to resume 'shuttle diplomacy,' whilst announcing relaxation in trade controls. "We agreed on the resumption of shuttle diplomacy by leaders of Japan and South Korea, no matter what the format of the trips," Kishida told reporters. Japanese media has reported that Kishida may invite Yoon to the G7 summit in Hiroshima in May and later return the favour by visiting the capital city of Seoul. Meanwhile, Tokyo's trade ministry announced it will restore the status quo after restricting exports to South Korea, nearly four years ago. Under the restriction, S Korea could not get its hands on key materials needed for building semiconductors. The thaw in the relationship is a welcome change after over 100 years of hostility kept the two nations at bay. The Japanese occupation of the Korean peninsula for over 35 years was the primary reason for the distance in communication. However, with an increasingly buoyant China and a rogue North Korea in the neighbourhood, both Asian economies were forced to band together and form a united front. Hours before the meeting of the two leaders, North Korea fired a long-range ballistic missile to flex its muscles and suggest it didn't approve of the marriage. WATCH | North Korea launches missile ahead of South Korea-Japan summit × "As seen from North Korea's long-range ballistic missile launch this morning before I left for Tokyo, North Korea's ever-increasing nuclear missile threat poses a great threat to peace and stability. Korea and Japan must closely cooperate in solidarity to wisely deal with these illegal threats," said Yoon. US, the mutual ally of Tokyo and Seoul had long been batting for the alliance to come to fruition. If the two countries manage to remain cordial, it may prove to be a key element in US and Biden's quest for superiority in the Indo-Pacific against China. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Thaw in relations? Japan and S Korea agree to end hostilities, start shuttle diplomacy

South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol is in japan and he is currently holding talks with the Japanese prime minister Fumo Kishida. This is the first formal meeting since 2011. The visit aims for thaw in relations as it faces threat from North Korea and china.

South Korean president meets Japanese PM

Fans cheered in support as a brand-new South Korean K-pop female band enters the stage. This South Korean K-pop girl band is known as MAVE. Less than two months ago, the first music video by the South Korean girl quartet MAVE went viral.

MAVE, a South Korean virtual pop group offers glimpse into metaverse future

A ballistic missile was fired by North Korea on Tuesday, said Seoul. This is the second launch by Pyongyang in three days and the first since the United States and South Korea began their largest joint military drills in a span of five years.

The defence co-operation has been ramped up by Washington and Seoul in the face of growing nuclear and military threats from the North, which has conducted multiple provocative banned weapons tests in a few months.

"North Korea fires unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea," said the Joint Chiefs of Staff in a statement, as he referred to the body of water also called the Sea of Japan.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-us-begin-major-drills-as-north-test-fires-missiles-from-submarine-571421">South Korea-US begin major drills as North test-fires missiles from submarine</a>

The missile was fired just days after two "strategic cruise missiles" were launched by Pyongyang from a submarine in what looked like a protest over the US-South Korea drills.

The drills, which are known as Freedom Shield, started on Monday and will continue for 10 days as part of the drive of the allies to counter the growing threats of North Korea.

In a rare step, the military of Seoul this month announced the special forces units of the allies were staging military exercises called "Teak Knife" - which include simulating precision strikes on North Korea's key facilities - ahead of Freedom Shield.

WATCH | North Korea adopts war deterrent measures; U.S., South Korea to kick off freedom shield

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The Freedom Shield exercises emphasise the "changing security environment" due to redoubled aggression of North Korea, the allies stated.

They will "involve wartime procedures to repel potential North Korean attacks and conduct a stabilisation campaign in the North", said the South Korean military.

It further stressed that the exercise was a "defensive one based on a combined operational plan".

(With inputs from agencies)

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A ballistic missile was fired by North Korea on Tuesday, said Seoul. This is the second launch by Pyongyang in three days and the first since the United States and South Korea began their largest joint military drills in a span of five years.

A ballistic missile was fired by North Korea on Tuesday, said Seoul. This is the second launch by Pyongyang in three days and the first since the United States and South Korea began their largest joint military drills in a span of five years. The defence co-operation has been ramped up by Washington and Seoul in the face of growing nuclear and military threats from the North, which has conducted multiple provocative banned weapons tests in a few months. "North Korea fires unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea," said the Joint Chiefs of Staff in a statement, as he referred to the body of water also called the Sea of Japan. ALSO READ | South Korea-US begin major drills as North test-fires missiles from submarine The missile was fired just days after two "strategic cruise missiles" were launched by Pyongyang from a submarine in what looked like a protest over the US-South Korea drills. The drills, which are known as Freedom Shield, started on Monday and will continue for 10 days as part of the drive of the allies to counter the growing threats of North Korea. In a rare step, the military of Seoul this month announced the special forces units of the allies were staging military exercises called "Teak Knife" - which include simulating precision strikes on North Korea's key facilities - ahead of Freedom Shield. WATCH | North Korea adopts war deterrent measures; U.S., South Korea to kick off freedom shield The Freedom Shield exercises emphasise the "changing security environment" due to redoubled aggression of North Korea, the allies stated. They will "involve wartime procedures to repel potential North Korean attacks and conduct a stabilisation campaign in the North", said the South Korean military. It further stressed that the exercise was a "defensive one based on a combined operational plan". (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

N Korea launched 'unidentified ballistic missile', claims Seoul

North Korea fired a ballistic missile Tuesday, Seoul said, Pyongyang's second launch in three days and the first since South Korea and the United States began their largest joint military drills in five years.

North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Amid South Korea-U.S. Military Drills

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news and top headlines from all across the globe.

WION Speed News: North Korea fires two cruise missiles from submarine

According to North Korea's state media, Kim Jong-un has decided to take important practical war deterrence measures and this comes just a day before Seoul and Washington are said to begin their largest joint military drills in five years.

North Korea adopts war deterrent measures; U.S., South Korea to kick off freedom shield

North Korea has fired a short-range ballistic missile into the sea, said the South Korean military on Thursday (March 9).&nbsp;The missile landed in the western waters of the Korean peninsula. According to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, the ballistic missile was fired from an area around the western coastal city of Nampo.

South Korea detected the missile launch at 0920 GMT.

The latest missile test has come just when tensions in the Korean peninsula have soared to a high not seen in decades. Nuclear-armed North Korea has carried out unprecedented number of missile tests over the last year. The launch has also taken place just when the US and South Korea are preparing to hold joint drills which will be largest in five years.

Last year, Kim Jong Un's regime declared North Korea an "irreversible" nuclear power and vowed to exponentially increase weapons production, including tactical nuclear weapons, as the US looks to move more assets to the region to defend ally Seoul.

North Korea has long claimed its nuclear weapons and missile programmes are for self-defence, and has bristled over US-South Korea military exercises, describing them as rehearsals for an invasion.

Earlier this week, North Korea accused the US of "intentionally" ramping up tensions, and Kim's powerful sister warned that if the US were to intercept one of Pyongyang's missile tests, it would be seen as a "clear declaration of war".&nbsp;

The US and South Korea will hold the military drills this month

Ahead of the exercises, named "Freedom Shield" and scheduled for at least 10 days starting March 13, the allies held air drills this week featuring a nuclear-capable US B-52 heavy bomber.

(With inputs from agencies)

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North Korea has fired a short-range ballistic missile into the sea, said the South Korean military on Thursday (March 9). The missile landed in the western waters of the Korean peninsula.

North Korea has fired a short-range ballistic missile into the sea, said the South Korean military on Thursday (March 9). The missile landed in the western waters of the Korean peninsula. According to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, the ballistic missile was fired from an area around the western coastal city of Nampo. South Korea detected the missile launch at 0920 GMT. The latest missile test has come just when tensions in the Korean peninsula have soared to a high not seen in decades. Nuclear-armed North Korea has carried out unprecedented number of missile tests over the last year. The launch has also taken place just when the US and South Korea are preparing to hold joint drills which will be largest in five years. Last year, Kim Jong Un's regime declared North Korea an "irreversible" nuclear power and vowed to exponentially increase weapons production, including tactical nuclear weapons, as the US looks to move more assets to the region to defend ally Seoul. North Korea has long claimed its nuclear weapons and missile programmes are for self-defence, and has bristled over US-South Korea military exercises, describing them as rehearsals for an invasion. Earlier this week, North Korea accused the US of "intentionally" ramping up tensions, and Kim's powerful sister warned that if the US were to intercept one of Pyongyang's missile tests, it would be seen as a "clear declaration of war". The US and South Korea will hold the military drills this month Ahead of the exercises, named "Freedom Shield" and scheduled for at least 10 days starting March 13, the allies held air drills this week featuring a nuclear-capable US B-52 heavy bomber. (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 ×

North Korea has fired short-range ballistic missile, says South Korean military

More than 1,000 dogs were found dead on the grounds of a house in South Korea's Gyeonggi Province. According to a report by The Korea Herald on Monday (March 6), the property is located in Yangpyeong county. Police have been investigating a man in his 60s on the charges of violating animal protection law, which states that anyone who abuses or is cruel to animals would be subject to three years in prison or fined $23,100 (30 million won).&nbsp;

The man said he collected abandoned dogs and starved them to death.

However, animal rights activists have alleged the man was paid by dog breeders to get rid of dogs who could not get pregnant anymore or whose commercial value dipped, the report said.

Four dogs were rescued from the house and are undergoing treatment at a clinic. The&nbsp;dogs were suffering from malnutrition or skin disease, and two of them were in critical care, the report added.&nbsp;

Speaking to a news channel, a representative from Care,&nbsp;an animal rights group,&nbsp;said the man was paid $7.60 by dog breeders to take care of dogs, and he just locked them up and starved them to death from 2020.&nbsp;

Residents in the neighbourhood looking for their lost dogs found the house full of dead animals last Saturday (March 4) and reported the matter to the police. Many local broadcasters showed blurred images of the dead dogs in cages, sacks and rubber containers on the ground in the yard.&nbsp;

The Care members, who observed the scene, said the bodies had rotten and created a layer on the ground, on top of which more dead dogs were placed to create another layer and so on.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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More than 1,000 dogs were found dead on the grounds of a house in South Korea's Gyeonggi Province. According to a report by The Korea Herald on Monday (March 6), the property is located in Yangpyeong county.

More than 1,000 dogs were found dead on the grounds of a house in South Korea's Gyeonggi Province. According to a report by The Korea Herald on Monday (March 6), the property is located in Yangpyeong county. Police have been investigating a man in his 60s on the charges of violating animal protection law, which states that anyone who abuses or is cruel to animals would be subject to three years in prison or fined $23,100 (30 million won). The man said he collected abandoned dogs and starved them to death. However, animal rights activists have alleged the man was paid by dog breeders to get rid of dogs who could not get pregnant anymore or whose commercial value dipped, the report said. Four dogs were rescued from the house and are undergoing treatment at a clinic. The dogs were suffering from malnutrition or skin disease, and two of them were in critical care, the report added. Speaking to a news channel, a representative from Care, an animal rights group, said the man was paid $7.60 by dog breeders to take care of dogs, and he just locked them up and starved them to death from 2020. Residents in the neighbourhood looking for their lost dogs found the house full of dead animals last Saturday (March 4) and reported the matter to the police. Many local broadcasters showed blurred images of the dead dogs in cages, sacks and rubber containers on the ground in the yard. The Care members, who observed the scene, said the bodies had rotten and created a layer on the ground, on top of which more dead dogs were placed to create another layer and so on. (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.

Over 1,000 dogs found dead in South Korea province, probe underway: Report

The Russia-Ukraine war has come as a blessing in disguise for the South Korean defence industry. The country has earned billions without becoming directly involved in the war or associated in any capacity with the two warring factions.

The Russia-Ukraine war has come as a blessing in disguise for the South Korean defence industry. The country has earned billions without becoming directly involved in the war or associated in any capacity with the two warring factions. Last year, S Korea's defence exports rose to $17.3 billion, which is an upswing of over 140 per cent, compared to 2021, according to Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade (KIET). The exports included the sale of fighter jets, self-propelled howitzers, tanks and multiple rocket launchers. Despite not directly supplying weapons to Ukraine, so as not to antagonise Moscow, S Korea is doing its part of the bidding by arming allies. It has supplied weapons worth $12.4 billion to Poland which has been against Russia from the beginning. Romania, another NATO nation is also in the middle of a negotiation to buy S Korean K9s. WATCH | Gravitas: South Korea's arms sales explode × The smart play by S Korean government keeping its national and economic interests in mind has gained the appreciation of domain experts. The country is still unwavering in support of its main ally Washington but has also managed to keep Kremline, relatively neutral. The astronomic rise in export numbers is keeping in line with the vision of S Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol who is determined to make his country the fourth-largest weapons exporter by 2027. "The defence industry is a new future growth engine and the pivot of the high-tech industry. With the intensifying competition for technological supremacy, we need to secure technological competitiveness to develop game-changing weapon systems for future wars," he said in a meeting held at Korea Aerospace Industries last year. Read more: South Korea unveils ‘Kill Web’ concept amid rising tensions with North Korea According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, between 2017 and 2021, among the world's top 25 arms exporting countries, S Korea was the fastest-growing export market. S Korea has started 2023 on a positive note as well. In one of the most lucrative deals ever, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) sealed a $920 million (1.2 trillion won) deal to export 18 FA-50 light-attack aircraft to Malaysia. KAI is S Korea's sole aircraft maker. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

South Korea makes merry amid Russia-Ukraine war, records $17.3 billion in arms sales

The South Korean military has unveiled a “Kill Web” concept to tackle North Korea’s missile and nuclear threats amid rising tensions with Pyongyang. Watch this report to know more.

South Korea unveils ‘Kill Web’ concept to eliminate enemy missiles before launch

On Monday,&nbsp;South Korea announced plans to compensate victims of Japan's forced wartime labour, aiming to end a vicious cycle in the Asian country and to boost its ties to counter nuclear-armed North&nbsp;Korea.&nbsp;

This move tries to resolve the forced labour following years of disputes over World War II sex slaves, which soured Japan-South Korean ties, AFP reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-sweats-over-food-shortage-holds-rare-meeting-on-agricultural-practices-566697">Also read |&nbsp;North Korea's Kim Jong Un sweats over food shortage, holds rare meeting on agricultural practices</a>

Foreign Minister Park Jin said that Seoul's plan is to take money from major South Korean companies that benefited from the 1965 reparations deal with Tokyo and will use it to compensate victims.&nbsp;

Park added, "I believe that the vicious circle should be broken for the sake of the people at the national interest level."

The Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi also praised the plan and said that this initiative would help&nbsp;restore "healthy" ties between the two countries after years of tensions.&nbsp;

According to the statement issued by the White House, Washington hailed the decision and called it a "groundbreaking new chapter of cooperation and partnership between two of the United States' closest allies."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-holds-rare-meeting-on-agriculture-sounds-alarm-over-food-shortage-566908">Also read |&nbsp;North Korean leader Kim holds rare meeting on agriculture amid reports of food shortage in country</a>

While the announcement was welcomed by both Japan and the United States, the victims have criticised the proposal as it falls far short of their demand which is a full apology from Tokyo and direct compensation from the Japanese companies involved.

According to data from Seoul, around 780,000 Koreans were conscripted into forced labour by Tokyo during the 35-year occupation. This does not include women who were forced into sexual slavery by Japanese troops.

The move comes as Seoul and Tokyo already ramped up their security cooperation amid growing threats from North Korea, but the bilateral ties remained strained over Tokyo's brutal 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean peninsula.&nbsp;

Tokyo has insisted on the 1965 treaty- which saw the two countries restore their diplomatic ties with a reparations package of about $800 million in grants and cheap loans and settled all loans between the two relating to the colonial period.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

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On Monday, South Korea announced plans to compensate victims of Japan's forced wartime labour, aiming to end a vicious cycle in the Asian country and to boost its ties to counter nuclear-armed North Korea.

On Monday, South Korea announced plans to compensate victims of Japan's forced wartime labour, aiming to end a vicious cycle in the Asian country and to boost its ties to counter nuclear-armed North Korea. This move tries to resolve the forced labour following years of disputes over World War II sex slaves, which soured Japan-South Korean ties, AFP reported. Also read | North Korea's Kim Jong Un sweats over food shortage, holds rare meeting on agricultural practices Foreign Minister Park Jin said that Seoul's plan is to take money from major South Korean companies that benefited from the 1965 reparations deal with Tokyo and will use it to compensate victims. Park added, "I believe that the vicious circle should be broken for the sake of the people at the national interest level." The Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi also praised the plan and said that this initiative would help restore "healthy" ties between the two countries after years of tensions. According to the statement issued by the White House, Washington hailed the decision and called it a "groundbreaking new chapter of cooperation and partnership between two of the United States' closest allies." Also read | North Korean leader Kim holds rare meeting on agriculture amid reports of food shortage in country While the announcement was welcomed by both Japan and the United States, the victims have criticised the proposal as it falls far short of their demand which is a full apology from Tokyo and direct compensation from the Japanese companies involved. According to data from Seoul, around 780,000 Koreans were conscripted into forced labour by Tokyo during the 35-year occupation. This does not include women who were forced into sexual slavery by Japanese troops. The move comes as Seoul and Tokyo already ramped up their security cooperation amid growing threats from North Korea, but the bilateral ties remained strained over Tokyo's brutal 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean peninsula. Tokyo has insisted on the 1965 treaty- which saw the two countries restore their diplomatic ties with a reparations package of about $800 million in grants and cheap loans and settled all loans between the two relating to the colonial period. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

South Korea offers compensation for victims of Japan's wartime forced labour; US hails 'groundbreaking' plan

The United States and South Korea are all set to conduct more than ten days of large-scale military drills, including amphibious landings. The exercises, dubbed freedom shield, will be held from March 13 to March 23.

Eye on Kim Jong-un, U.S. & South Korea bolster military drills | Pyongyang's 'first-strike' doctrine

South Koreans carry torches and national flags as they march through the city of Cheonan, the city where martyr Yu Gwan-sun was born, to celebrate the March 1st Independence Movement.

South Koreans hold an event to celebrate the March 1st movement

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is scurrying to solve the food crisis in the country. The authoritarian leader on Monday held a rare political conference, which continued on Tuesday to engineer solutions to increase agricultural production, according to state media reports.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is scurrying to solve the food crisis in the country. The authoritarian leader on Monday held a rare political conference, which continued on Tuesday to engineer solutions to increase agricultural production, according to state media reports. The food shortage crisis in North Korea is worsening and Kim has dubbed hitting 'grain production' targets as the major priority. Though the reports did not detail what measures Kim's government would take, they suggested that changes were in the offing. The meeting by Kim comes a few weeks after South Korea’s Unification Ministry stated that the food situation in their neighbourhood 'seemed to have deteriorated'. Some unsubstantiated reports have claimed that an unknown number of North Koreans have died due to starvation but there is no concrete indication that famine has set in the country. Gravitas Plus: How does North Korea finance its missile tests? However, a report published by US-based monitoring project 38 North in January stated that the situation was grim in the country. “Food availability has likely fallen below the bare minimum with regard to human needs,” read the report. “Achieving adequate agricultural output in North Korea’s unfavourable soils has, ironically, generated a heavy reliance on imported goods and left the country exposed to global shocks, diplomatic conflicts, and adverse weather,” it added. Ostracised by most countries across the globe, North Korea is a pariah state where the authoritarian regime of Kim Jong Un uses almost all the revenue for its missile programmes instead of food production or public welfare. Read more: North Korea stole record crypto assets and currencies in 2022: UN report The international sanctions coupled with pandemic isolation and in-house mismanagement may have contributed heavily to the food shortage situation, according to experts. The gravity of the matter can be understood by the fact that it was the first time that a plenary session was convened, only to discuss agricultural matters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

North Korea's Kim Jong Un sweats over food shortage, holds rare meeting on agricultural practices

Taiwan’s foreign ministry, on Saturday (February 25) said that the United States-led “Fab 4” or “Chip 4” semiconductor alliance held its first meeting of senior officials last week. The officials from four countries, Taiwan, the US, Japan and South Korea took part in the conversation which was centred around maintaining the resilience of the semiconductor supply chain. However, the ministry did not mention which officials were a part of the meeting.&nbsp;

The virtual meeting of senior officials from the “US-East Asia Semiconductor Supply Chain Resilience Working Group”, or “Fab 4” took place on February 16 after months of coordination, reported Reuters. The “Fab” in the name refers to a shorthand of an industry term for the fabrication plants where chips are made and used for virtually everything from fridges to fighter jets.

The countries members of this group in the Indo-Pacific region are home to some of the world’s largest contract chip makers, including&nbsp;Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd, South Korean memory chip giants Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, and SK Hynix, with Japan being the supplier of materials and equipment required to make the semiconductors.

The first meeting of the group was held in September last year after a two-year&nbsp;global chip crunch which had&nbsp;prompted car manufacturers to halt production and exposed the larger supply chain issues.&nbsp;

In a statement, the Taiwanese foreign ministry said, “The focus of the discussions of the participating quartet at the meeting was mainly on how to maintain the resilience of the semiconductor supply chain and explore the possible future cooperation directions of all parties.”&nbsp;

It added, “As an important member of the Indo-Pacific region, our country also plays a key role in the global semiconductor industry, and has deep economic and trade relations with countries in the region.” This comes as the four countries have moved to boost cooperation and collaboration after growing threats from China.&nbsp; 
 
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Taiwan’s foreign ministry, on Saturday (February 25) said that the United States-led “Fab 4” or “Chip 4” semiconductor alliance held its first meeting of senior officials last week.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry, on Saturday (February 25) said that the United States-led “Fab 4” or “Chip 4” semiconductor alliance held its first meeting of senior officials last week. The officials from four countries, Taiwan, the US, Japan and South Korea took part in the conversation which was centred around maintaining the resilience of the semiconductor supply chain. However, the ministry did not mention which officials were a part of the meeting. The virtual meeting of senior officials from the “US-East Asia Semiconductor Supply Chain Resilience Working Group”, or “Fab 4” took place on February 16 after months of coordination, reported Reuters. The “Fab” in the name refers to a shorthand of an industry term for the fabrication plants where chips are made and used for virtually everything from fridges to fighter jets. The countries members of this group in the Indo-Pacific region are home to some of the world’s largest contract chip makers, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd, South Korean memory chip giants Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, and SK Hynix, with Japan being the supplier of materials and equipment required to make the semiconductors. The first meeting of the group was held in September last year after a two-year global chip crunch which had prompted car manufacturers to halt production and exposed the larger supply chain issues. In a statement, the Taiwanese foreign ministry said, “The focus of the discussions of the participating quartet at the meeting was mainly on how to maintain the resilience of the semiconductor supply chain and explore the possible future cooperation directions of all parties.” It added, “As an important member of the Indo-Pacific region, our country also plays a key role in the global semiconductor industry, and has deep economic and trade relations with countries in the region.” This comes as the four countries have moved to boost cooperation and collaboration after growing threats from China. 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.

‘Fab 4’ chip group’s senior officials discussed supply chain resilience at first meeting: Taiwan

The South Korean government said on Friday (February 24) that it would carry out radiation tests for more than 800 defectors from North Korea's nuclear test site in Punggye-ri, for possible radiation exposure.&nbsp;Punggye-ri is the main nuclear testing site of North Korea.

Lee Hyo-jung, the deputy spokesperson for South Korea's unification ministry said that radiation testing would be offered to North Koreans who lived in Kilju or nearby regions following Pyongyang's first nuclear tests in 2006, if they are willing.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“The ministry had tested some defectors from around the area before, but it was done with such a small sample size. For more meaningful results, the ministry plans on conducting the tests on a larger scale starting this year, with the consent of the defectors,” Hyo-jung said, according to a report by The Korea Herald. She added the tests would determine if the defectors were exposed to radiation generated by the nuclear tests, and how their health might have been affected.&nbsp;

The ministry's announcement comes after a report by Seoul-based NGO Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG) said that residents around Punggye-ri could be exposed to radioactive leaks or contamination. The TJWG estimated that up to half a million residents are at risk and called on the South Korean government to probe the risk and the possible extent of radiation exposure.&nbsp;

A report by the BBC on Friday said that North Korea had last tested a nuclear bomb in 2017- the most powerful test conducted at Punggye-ri. It said the tests were carried out safely. However, scientists for long raised fears that radioactive material might have escaped into surrounding soil and groundwater.

In 2019, South Korea's unification ministry stopped testing defectors for radiation exposure. And in 2017 and 2018, it tested 40 defectors from and around Kilju and found worrying levels of chromosomal abnormalities in nine of them. But it did not fully disclose the results and faced public criticism.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The South Korean government said on Friday (February 24) that it would carry out radiation tests for more than 800 defectors from North Korea's nuclear test site in Punggye-ri, for possible radiation exposure.

The South Korean government said on Friday (February 24) that it would carry out radiation tests for more than 800 defectors from North Korea's nuclear test site in Punggye-ri, for possible radiation exposure. Punggye-ri is the main nuclear testing site of North Korea. Lee Hyo-jung, the deputy spokesperson for South Korea's unification ministry said that radiation testing would be offered to North Koreans who lived in Kilju or nearby regions following Pyongyang's first nuclear tests in 2006, if they are willing. “The ministry had tested some defectors from around the area before, but it was done with such a small sample size. For more meaningful results, the ministry plans on conducting the tests on a larger scale starting this year, with the consent of the defectors,” Hyo-jung said, according to a report by The Korea Herald. She added the tests would determine if the defectors were exposed to radiation generated by the nuclear tests, and how their health might have been affected. The ministry's announcement comes after a report by Seoul-based NGO Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG) said that residents around Punggye-ri could be exposed to radioactive leaks or contamination. The TJWG estimated that up to half a million residents are at risk and called on the South Korean government to probe the risk and the possible extent of radiation exposure. A report by the BBC on Friday said that North Korea had last tested a nuclear bomb in 2017- the most powerful test conducted at Punggye-ri. It said the tests were carried out safely. However, scientists for long raised fears that radioactive material might have escaped into surrounding soil and groundwater. In 2019, South Korea's unification ministry stopped testing defectors for radiation exposure. And in 2017 and 2018, it tested 40 defectors from and around Kilju and found worrying levels of chromosomal abnormalities in nine of them. But it did not fully disclose the results and faced public criticism. (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 to test North Korean defectors for radiation exposure: Reports

The Pentagon on Thursday (February 23)&nbsp;said that officials from the US and South Korea took part in a simulated 'table-top' exercise aimed at actions after possible use of nuclear weapons by North Korea. Last year, nuclear-armed North Korea carried out unprecedented number of missile tests that included intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

This was the 8th US and South Korean deterrence strategy committee table-top exercise, known as DSC TTX, and the first edition since they agreed last year to hold the drills annually.

"Given the DPRK's recent aggressive nuclear policy and advancements in nuclear capabilities, the (table top) scenario focused on the possibility of the DPRK's use of nuclear weapons," a Pentagon statement said, using the acronym of the country's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"The U.S. and South Korea delegations focused their discussion on Alliance deterrence to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and potential options for responding to DPRK nuclear weapons use," it&nbsp;added, but did not say specifically what scenarios were played out.

Seoul's defence ministry said the allies reaffirmed their readiness for any North Korean nuclear threats, and agreed to continue reinforcing intelligence sharing, crisis consultation, joint planning and execution of extended deterrence.

"The U.S. side stressed that any use of nuclear weapons by North Korea against the United States or its allies and friends would be unacceptable and result in an end of its regime," the ministry said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Pentagon on Thursday (February 23) said that officials from the US and South Korea took part in a simulated 'table-top' exercise aimed at actions after possible use of nuclear weapons by North Korea.

The Pentagon on Thursday (February 23) said that officials from the US and South Korea took part in a simulated 'table-top' exercise aimed at actions after possible use of nuclear weapons by North Korea. Last year, nuclear-armed North Korea carried out unprecedented number of missile tests that included intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). This was the 8th US and South Korean deterrence strategy committee table-top exercise, known as DSC TTX, and the first edition since they agreed last year to hold the drills annually. "Given the DPRK's recent aggressive nuclear policy and advancements in nuclear capabilities, the (table top) scenario focused on the possibility of the DPRK's use of nuclear weapons," a Pentagon statement said, using the acronym of the country's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "The U.S. and South Korea delegations focused their discussion on Alliance deterrence to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and potential options for responding to DPRK nuclear weapons use," it added, but did not say specifically what scenarios were played out. Seoul's defence ministry said the allies reaffirmed their readiness for any North Korean nuclear threats, and agreed to continue reinforcing intelligence sharing, crisis consultation, joint planning and execution of extended deterrence. "The U.S. side stressed that any use of nuclear weapons by North Korea against the United States or its allies and friends would be unacceptable and result in an end of its regime," the ministry said in a statement. (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 ×

With eye on North Korea nuclear threat, US and South Korea hold 'table-top' drill

As part of a military exercise, North Korea has fired four strategic cruise missiles, according to state media, to show off its capability to launch a nuclear response. The launches took place as South Korea and the United States practised for a simulated military operation in Washington, DC, in preparation for potential nuclear threats from North Korea.

North Korea Media: Four strategic cruise missiles test-fired

On Wednesday, North Korea's official newspaper said that relying on external aid to cope with food shortages equals taking "poisoned candy". Amid deepening hardships stemming from international sanctions and supply shortages thanks to coronavirus restrictions, ruling Workers' Party paper Rodong Sinmun urged for a model of self-reliance. In recent years, Pyongyang has suffered from a food shortage. Natural disasters like typhoons and floods, along with international sanctions imposed on the nation due to its nuclear and missile programmes, and a sharp decrease in North Korea's trade with China amid the coronavirus lockdown and the following pandemic restrictions have all added to the nation's troubles.

Watch |&nbsp;North Korean food shortage seems to be worsening, South Korea says

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The state paper, as per Reuters, warned against availing economic aid from "imperialists" and said that they use the help as a "trap to plunder and subjugate" recipient countries and interfere with their internal politics.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-north-korea-grapples-with-food-crisis-flour-now-a-luxury-item-report-492992">As North Korea grapples with food crisis, flour now a luxury item: Report</a>

"It is a mistake to try to boost the economy by accepting and eating this poisoned candy," it added.

The article comes at a time when, as per reports, over the past two years, around 700 inmates at three countryside prisons in North Korea's Kaechon have died from diseases and famine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/millions-at-nuclear-radiation-risk-in-north-korea-and-neighbouring-countries-suggests-latest-us-backed-study-564189">Millions at nuclear radiation risk in North Korea and neighbouring countries, suggests latest US-backed study</a>

Neighbour South Korea's unification ministry, as per Reuters, declined to comment on the report but said that in recent days there has been an increase in deaths due to starvation in some North Korean provinces.&nbsp;As per South Korean estimates, last year North Korea's crop production at approximately 4.5 million tonnes dropped around 3.8 per cent in comparison to 2021.

(With inputs from agencies)

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On Wednesday, North Korea's official newspaper said that relying on external aid to cope with food shortages equals taking "poisoned candy". Amid deepening hardships stemming from international sanctions and supply shortages thanks to coronavirus restrictions, ruling Workers' Party paper Rodong Sinmun urged for a model of self-reliance.

On Wednesday, North Korea's official newspaper said that relying on external aid to cope with food shortages equals taking "poisoned candy". Amid deepening hardships stemming from international sanctions and supply shortages thanks to coronavirus restrictions, ruling Workers' Party paper Rodong Sinmun urged for a model of self-reliance. In recent years, Pyongyang has suffered from a food shortage. Natural disasters like typhoons and floods, along with international sanctions imposed on the nation due to its nuclear and missile programmes, and a sharp decrease in North Korea's trade with China amid the coronavirus lockdown and the following pandemic restrictions have all added to the nation's troubles. Watch | North Korean food shortage seems to be worsening, South Korea says The state paper, as per Reuters, warned against availing economic aid from "imperialists" and said that they use the help as a "trap to plunder and subjugate" recipient countries and interfere with their internal politics. Watch | As North Korea grapples with food crisis, flour now a luxury item: Report "It is a mistake to try to boost the economy by accepting and eating this poisoned candy," it added. The article comes at a time when, as per reports, over the past two years, around 700 inmates at three countryside prisons in North Korea's Kaechon have died from diseases and famine. Also read | Millions at nuclear radiation risk in North Korea and neighbouring countries, suggests latest US-backed study Neighbour South Korea's unification ministry, as per Reuters, declined to comment on the report but said that in recent days there has been an increase in deaths due to starvation in some North Korean provinces. As per South Korean estimates, last year North Korea's crop production at approximately 4.5 million tonnes dropped around 3.8 per cent in comparison to 2021. (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.

Even as the nation reels from hunger, North Korean state paper calls outside aid 'poisoned candy'

#Gravitas | S. Korea's president has slammed the allegations of taking counsel from a self-declared Prophet. His decision to relocate the presidential office is being linked to the Prophet's advice. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Did S. Korean president hire a 'prophet'?

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

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

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

For the first time, a South Korean high court has given legal recognition to same-sex couples. On Tuesday, the Seoul High Court ruled that the state's health insurer should provide spousal coverage to same-sex couples. Lawyers and advocates have hailed the ruling as the first legal recognition of same-sex unions in the country. This historic ruling overturns a decision by a lower court which had ruled that a same-sex dependent was ineligible for National Health Insurance Service benefits available to other couples. The couple behind this judgement also expressed their happiness with the ruling and said they were "delighted".

"It is not only our victory but also a victory for many same-sex couples and LGBTQ families in Korea," they said.

Watch |&nbsp;Blow to LGBTQ rights: Japan rules same-sex marriage ban constitutional

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However, the national health insurer said that it will file an appeal with the nation's Supreme Court.

The couple, So Sung-wook and Kim Yong-min had been embroiled in a legal battle with the National Health Insurance Service since 2021. They had filed a suit against the insurer after being denied spousal benefits.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/same-sex-blessings-row-anglican-leaders-rejects-archbishop-of-canterbury-justin-welby-as-leader-564282">Same-sex blessing row: In a first, a move against Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby</a>

An earlier decision by a lower court had ruled in favour of the insurer. The ruling, as per Reuters, was taken on the grounds that a same-sex union cannot be considered a common law marriage under common law. Yong-min and Sung-wook then contested this ruling.

As per their lawyer, Ryu Min-hee, the appellate court in its ruling said that the spousal coverage system under the state health insurance system isn't just for families as defined by the law.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;Blow to LGBTQ rights: Japan rules same-sex marriage ban constitutional

The court also said that denying rights to same-sex relationships was discrimination and that protecting the rights of minorities is the "biggest responsibility" of the court as the "last bastion" of human rights.

Boram Jang, an Amnesty International researcher, said that the ruling "is an important decision that moves South Korea closer to achieving marriage equality." As per him, it goes a long way to offer hope that the prejudice against the LGBTQI+ community can be overcome.

(With inputs from agencies)

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For the first time, a South Korean high court has given legal recognition to same-sex couples. On Tuesday, the Seoul High Court ruled that the state's health insurer should provide spousal coverage to same-sex couples.

For the first time, a South Korean high court has given legal recognition to same-sex couples. On Tuesday, the Seoul High Court ruled that the state's health insurer should provide spousal coverage to same-sex couples. Lawyers and advocates have hailed the ruling as the first legal recognition of same-sex unions in the country. This historic ruling overturns a decision by a lower court which had ruled that a same-sex dependent was ineligible for National Health Insurance Service benefits available to other couples. The couple behind this judgement also expressed their happiness with the ruling and said they were "delighted". "It is not only our victory but also a victory for many same-sex couples and LGBTQ families in Korea," they said. Watch | Blow to LGBTQ rights: Japan rules same-sex marriage ban constitutional However, the national health insurer said that it will file an appeal with the nation's Supreme Court. The couple, So Sung-wook and Kim Yong-min had been embroiled in a legal battle with the National Health Insurance Service since 2021. They had filed a suit against the insurer after being denied spousal benefits. Also read | Same-sex blessing row: In a first, a move against Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby An earlier decision by a lower court had ruled in favour of the insurer. The ruling, as per Reuters, was taken on the grounds that a same-sex union cannot be considered a common law marriage under common law. Yong-min and Sung-wook then contested this ruling. As per their lawyer, Ryu Min-hee, the appellate court in its ruling said that the spousal coverage system under the state health insurance system isn't just for families as defined by the law. Also read | Blow to LGBTQ rights: Japan rules same-sex marriage ban constitutional The court also said that denying rights to same-sex relationships was discrimination and that protecting the rights of minorities is the "biggest responsibility" of the court as the "last bastion" of human rights. Boram Jang, an Amnesty International researcher, said that the ruling "is an important decision that moves South Korea closer to achieving marriage equality." As per him, it goes a long way to offer hope that the prejudice against the LGBTQI+ community can be overcome. (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 moves one step closer to legitimising same-sex couples

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