South Korea has made an 'audacious' offer to North Korea. It has asked Pyongyang to abandon nukes in return for financial aid. The offer comes after North Korea conducted 15 missile tests in the last 5 months. Is the proposal going to work? Palki Sharma reports.

Gravitas: South Korea's 'audacious' offer to North Korea

Yoon Suk-Yeol has sworn in as the new South Korean leader. After winning by the smallest margin ever, Yoon took over the world's 10th largest economy.

South Korea swears in new President, promises significant amount of economic aid in return

South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol in his inauguration speech in Seoul after being sworn in, offered a door to dialogue with North Korea but on a few conditions. Listen in.

Watch: South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol speaks on North Korea’s nuclear weapons program

In a move that could stoke tensions, Seoul joined NATO’s cyber defence unit and NIS acceptance could bring South Korea closer to NATO. South Korea became the first nation to join US-led CDG.

South Korea joins NATO cyber defense center, first Asian nation to join US-Led CDG

In a move that could stoke tensions, Seoul joined NATO’s cyber defence unit and NIS acceptance could bring South Korea closer to NATO. South Korea becomes the first nation to join US-led CDG.

Seoul joins NATO's cyber defence unit, China terms the move as 'provocation'

According to reports citing South Korean & Japanese officials, North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile on Wednesday. The launch has once again triggered tensions in the Korean peninsula.

South Korean & Japanese officials: North Korea fired a suspected ballistic missile off eastern coast

South Korea's President-Elect Yoon Suk-Yeol wants his country to join the QUAD. What will South Korea's addition mean for the alliance? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: South Korea wants to join the QUAD

South Korean police in capital Seoul said &nbsp;on Friday (April 29) that two citizens of the country have been arrested for allegedly stealing military secrets for a suspected North Korean agent. The duo include a serving captain in South Korea's army. The North Korean agent is suspected to have made payments in cryptocurrency in exchange for military secrets.

Nuclear armed North Korea is still technically at war with its southern neighbour. North Kora is known to operate an army of thousands of well-trained hackers who have attacked firms, institutions and researchers in South Korea and elsewhere.

However, this is the first case in which a South Korean civilian and an active military person have been caught trying to steal military secrets for a North Korean agent.

One of them is a 29-year-old army captain who allegedly passed login information for South Korea's Joint Command &amp; Control System -- a crucial military-run internal communications network -- to the suspected Pyongyang spy, Seoul authorities said.

The civilian is a 38-year-old businessman who runs virtual asset management firm. He is accused of giving the army captain a wristwatch that had a secret camera.

"The two men have been arrested on charges of violating the national security law," an official at the Korean National Police Agency told AFP Friday.

Seoul police said the arrested businessman first met the Pyongyang spy in an online community about cryptocurrency around six years ago, and the trio had communicated only via secure messaging service Telegram.

Both were paid in cryptocurrency, the police said. The army captain received about 48 million won ($37,789) from the North Korean agent, while the 38-year-old businessman got around $600,000.

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"We will strictly respond to security criminals in accordance to laws and principles," Seoul's prosecution office said in a statement.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

South Korean police in capital Seoul said on Friday (April 29) that two citizens of the country have been arrested for allegedly stealing military secrets for a suspected North Korean agent.

South Korean police in capital Seoul said on Friday (April 29) that two citizens of the country have been arrested for allegedly stealing military secrets for a suspected North Korean agent. The duo include a serving captain in South Korea's army. The North Korean agent is suspected to have made payments in cryptocurrency in exchange for military secrets. Nuclear armed North Korea is still technically at war with its southern neighbour. North Kora is known to operate an army of thousands of well-trained hackers who have attacked firms, institutions and researchers in South Korea and elsewhere. However, this is the first case in which a South Korean civilian and an active military person have been caught trying to steal military secrets for a North Korean agent. One of them is a 29-year-old army captain who allegedly passed login information for South Korea's Joint Command & Control System -- a crucial military-run internal communications network -- to the suspected Pyongyang spy, Seoul authorities said. The civilian is a 38-year-old businessman who runs virtual asset management firm. He is accused of giving the army captain a wristwatch that had a secret camera. "The two men have been arrested on charges of violating the national security law," an official at the Korean National Police Agency told AFP Friday. Seoul police said the arrested businessman first met the Pyongyang spy in an online community about cryptocurrency around six years ago, and the trio had communicated only via secure messaging service Telegram. Both were paid in cryptocurrency, the police said. The army captain received about 48 million won ($37,789) from the North Korean agent, while the 38-year-old businessman got around $600,000. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × "We will strictly respond to security criminals in accordance to laws and principles," Seoul's prosecution office said in a statement.

Two South Koreans, including army man, arrested for spying for North Korea

North Korea’s founding anniversary parade displays ICBM and vows to expand its nuclear arsenal

In a rare moment of positive news on relations on the Korean Peninsula, South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have exchanged letters this week.

Positive news from Korea: Korean leaders exchange friendly letters

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has exchanged some very friendly letters with the outgoing South Korean President Moon Jae-in. The letters reported by KCNA and confirmed by Moon’s office come despite strained border ties and flaring tensions over Pyongyang’s recent weapons test

Korean leaders exchange friendly letters, Kim appreciated outgoing president’s peace efforts

Imagine if you could get a year ‘younger’. This could be possible for people in South Korea! South Korea’s president-elect has announced to do away with the ‘Korean age’ system. South Korea has not one but three systems to decide age of the population. Yoon Suk-yeol’s team said the president-elect is looking to standardize counting of age.

South Korea population may become a year ‘younger’. Here’s how

Do you want to get younger? This idea surely does intrigue human beings. But is it really possible? Ageing is the natural process of becoming older. There's no way one can turn back the clock. But South Koreans might.&nbsp;

There's a possibility that South Korea's population may become a year younger, but just on paper. It can happen when the country's president-elect Yoon Suk-yeol succeeds in abolishing the concept of the "Korean age."&nbsp;

The concept of counting age in South Korea is slightly confusing because when babies are born they are considered a year old and on New Year's Day, another year is added to their age.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/breakthrough-in-search-for-aliens-what-does-a-habitable-ice-shell-on-jupiters-moon-europa-mean-472318">Breakthrough in search for aliens? What does a habitable ice shell on Jupiter's moon Europa mean?</a>

For example, a baby born in December is one year old, and just after four weeks, meaning New Year's Day, the baby would be considered to be two years old.&nbsp;

During a press conference a few days ago, Lee Yong-ho, who is the chief of Yoon's transition team's political, judicial, and administrative subcommittee, said that they are advocating standardising the way age is counted in South Korea, Yonhap News reported. Lee further added that they want the change for practical reasons.&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency, he said, "Due to the different calculations of legal and social age, we have experienced unnecessary social and economic costs from persistent confusion and disputes over calculating age when receiving social, welfare and other administrative services or signing or interpreting various contracts."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-holoports-a-doctor-on-earth-to-iss-in-first-such-achievement-472248">NASA 'holoports' a doctor on Earth to ISS in first such achievement</a>

Other age counting systems in South Korea

"Korean age" is the one, in which South Koreans become one year old at birth and another year is added to their age on the next New Year's Day. As per this system, the nine months of pregnancy, meaning the time child spends in the womb rounded up to one year — the first year of his/her life.&nbsp;

Apart from that, South Koreans also follow the internationally recognised system of calculating age, as per the birthdays.&nbsp;

In the third method, babies are considered "zero years old" at birth and another year to a person's age is added on New Year's Day. &nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Japanese researchers develop taste-enhancing electric chopsticks

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&nbsp;

Do you want to get younger? This idea surely does intrigue human beings. But is it really possible? Ageing is the natural process of becoming older. There's no way one can turn back the clock.

Do you want to get younger? This idea surely does intrigue human beings. But is it really possible? Ageing is the natural process of becoming older. There's no way one can turn back the clock. But South Koreans might. There's a possibility that South Korea's population may become a year younger, but just on paper. It can happen when the country's president-elect Yoon Suk-yeol succeeds in abolishing the concept of the "Korean age." The concept of counting age in South Korea is slightly confusing because when babies are born they are considered a year old and on New Year's Day, another year is added to their age. ALSO READ | Breakthrough in search for aliens? What does a habitable ice shell on Jupiter's moon Europa mean? For example, a baby born in December is one year old, and just after four weeks, meaning New Year's Day, the baby would be considered to be two years old. During a press conference a few days ago, Lee Yong-ho, who is the chief of Yoon's transition team's political, judicial, and administrative subcommittee, said that they are advocating standardising the way age is counted in South Korea, Yonhap News reported. Lee further added that they want the change for practical reasons. As quoted by the news agency, he said, "Due to the different calculations of legal and social age, we have experienced unnecessary social and economic costs from persistent confusion and disputes over calculating age when receiving social, welfare and other administrative services or signing or interpreting various contracts." ALSO READ | NASA 'holoports' a doctor on Earth to ISS in first such achievement Other age counting systems in South Korea "Korean age" is the one, in which South Koreans become one year old at birth and another year is added to their age on the next New Year's Day. As per this system, the nine months of pregnancy, meaning the time child spends in the womb rounded up to one year — the first year of his/her life. Apart from that, South Koreans also follow the internationally recognised system of calculating age, as per the birthdays. In the third method, babies are considered "zero years old" at birth and another year to a person's age is added on New Year's Day. WATCH | Japanese researchers develop taste-enhancing electric chopsticks ×

South Koreans to get a year younger? As strange as it sounds, it is quite possible

From April 18, most of the COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted, the South Korean government announced on Friday as the Omicron variant showed signs of waning in the country.

However, the government said that mask mandates are still compulsory due to the unpredictable nature of the virus.

“Wearing masks is still a very important means to protect ourselves,” Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum told a coronavirus response meeting, according to Reuters.

“It is inevitable to maintain the indoor mask mandate for a considerable period of time,” he added.

Officials will reassess whether to lift the outdoor mask requirement in two weeks, the PM said.

The government has also scrapped the midnight curfew on restaurants and other businesses, along with the cap on private gatherings which was set at 10.

From reporting 620,000 infections per day in mid-March to below 100,000 on Thursday, South Korea appears to have weathered its Covid peak, largely driven by the Omicron variant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ba2-covid-variant-driving-new-infections-in-some-parts-of-us-471264">BA.2 Covid variant driving new infections in some parts of US</a>

Now that the cases have come down significantly, the government has ordered local health centres and testing stations to no longer provide rapid antigen tests, but only polymerase chain reaction tests to high-risk groups, starting Monday, the Korea Herald newspaper reported.

More than 86 per cent of the South Korean population of 51 million has been fully vaccinated, with the majority also receiving a booster shot.

South Korea is rolling out second boosters to vulnerable populations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/std-cases-in-us-including-syphilis-rose-during-pandemic-cdc-report-470645" hreflang="en">Cases of syphilis, other STDs rose in US during Covid pandemic: CDC report</a>

Around 20,000 people in South Korea have died from the coronavirus — a 0.13 per cent fatality rate, which is one of the world's lowest, reports AFP.

(With inputs from agencies)

From April 18, most of the COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted, the South Korean government announced on Friday as the Omicron variant showed signs of waning in the country.

From April 18, most of the COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted, the South Korean government announced on Friday as the Omicron variant showed signs of waning in the country. However, the government said that mask mandates are still compulsory due to the unpredictable nature of the virus. “Wearing masks is still a very important means to protect ourselves,” Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum told a coronavirus response meeting, according to Reuters. “It is inevitable to maintain the indoor mask mandate for a considerable period of time,” he added. Officials will reassess whether to lift the outdoor mask requirement in two weeks, the PM said. The government has also scrapped the midnight curfew on restaurants and other businesses, along with the cap on private gatherings which was set at 10. From reporting 620,000 infections per day in mid-March to below 100,000 on Thursday, South Korea appears to have weathered its Covid peak, largely driven by the Omicron variant. Also read | BA.2 Covid variant driving new infections in some parts of US Now that the cases have come down significantly, the government has ordered local health centres and testing stations to no longer provide rapid antigen tests, but only polymerase chain reaction tests to high-risk groups, starting Monday, the Korea Herald newspaper reported. More than 86 per cent of the South Korean population of 51 million has been fully vaccinated, with the majority also receiving a booster shot. South Korea is rolling out second boosters to vulnerable populations. Also read | Cases of syphilis, other STDs rose in US during Covid pandemic: CDC report Around 20,000 people in South Korea have died from the coronavirus — a 0.13 per cent fatality rate, which is one of the world's lowest, reports AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea lifts most of Covid restrictions citing drop in daily cases

Amid tensions over North Korea's potential nuclear weapon test, reports, citing a US official, have emerged that the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group is operating in waters off the Korean peninsula.&nbsp;

South Korean media also reported that the ships were deployed. Media outlet Arirang reported quoting sources that the ship is currently in international waters east of South Korea's Ulsan City.&nbsp;

On the other hand, the news agency Reuters mentioned that the official said the group is in the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea, for exercises with Japanese forces to reassure allies and partners in the region.&nbsp;

The move comes as recently, the US State Department's top North Korea envoy said that Pyongyang could be planning its first nuclear weapon test in nearly five years for its April 15 holiday.&nbsp;

Important to note that this is the first time since 2017 that a carrier group has deployed to the waters between South Korea and Japan.&nbsp;

That year the USS Ronald Reagan, Theodore Roosevelt and Nimitz, and their multi-ship strike groups, deployed in a show of force over North Korea's missile and nuclear weapons tests.&nbsp;

South Korea's Yonhap news agency cited unnamed informed sources who said the USS Abraham Lincoln would be operating in the area for three to five days.&nbsp;

Arirang report added that the defence ministry confirmed that it is currently in the international waters near the country but did not give further details.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia poised to take Mariupol, where is military aid pledged by US, NATO?

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Amid tensions over North Korea's potential nuclear weapon test, reports, citing a US official, have emerged that the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group is operating in waters off the Korean peninsula.

Amid tensions over North Korea's potential nuclear weapon test, reports, citing a US official, have emerged that the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group is operating in waters off the Korean peninsula. South Korean media also reported that the ships were deployed. Media outlet Arirang reported quoting sources that the ship is currently in international waters east of South Korea's Ulsan City. On the other hand, the news agency Reuters mentioned that the official said the group is in the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea, for exercises with Japanese forces to reassure allies and partners in the region. The move comes as recently, the US State Department's top North Korea envoy said that Pyongyang could be planning its first nuclear weapon test in nearly five years for its April 15 holiday. Important to note that this is the first time since 2017 that a carrier group has deployed to the waters between South Korea and Japan. That year the USS Ronald Reagan, Theodore Roosevelt and Nimitz, and their multi-ship strike groups, deployed in a show of force over North Korea's missile and nuclear weapons tests. South Korea's Yonhap news agency cited unnamed informed sources who said the USS Abraham Lincoln would be operating in the area for three to five days. Arirang report added that the defence ministry confirmed that it is currently in the international waters near the country but did not give further details. WATCH | Russia poised to take Mariupol, where is military aid pledged by US, NATO? × (With inputs from agencies)

Amid tensions with North, US aircraft carrier deploys off Korean peninsula

South Korea's incoming President Yoon Suk-yeol on Sunday named Choo Kyung-ho to be deputy prime minister and finance minister, as the country seeks to tackle surging inflation, household debt and demand for welfare.

Yoon, who takes office on May 10, announced eight cabinet minister nominations, including defence, industry, health and land. All are subject to parliamentary confirmation hearings.

As deputy prime minister, Choo, 62, would double as finance minister and oversee economic policy, replacing Hong Nam-ki.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-is-demolishing-a-south-korean-owned-hotel-which-is-symbol-of-inter-korean-engagement-469515">North Korea is demolishing a South Korean-owned hotel which is symbol of inter-Korean engagement</a>

Choo is a second-term lawmaker in Yoon's conservative People Power Party. He served 33 years in government roles including vice minister of economy and finance, and vice chairman of the Financial Services Commission.

His nomination came as Asia's fourth-largest economy faces challenges of quelling decade-high inflation without destabilising markets as recovery from the pandemic continues.

Standing with Choo, Yoon said the nominee would facilitate policy coordination among agencies and with the parliament.

"The current economic situation are extremely serious, and internal and external circumstances are tough," said Choo told a news conference, citing inflation and slowing growth.

"The new government's top priority is to stabilise prices and people's livelihoods."

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Why are South Koreans sleep deprive

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South Korea's economy last year grew 4.0 per cent, an 11-year high, but is expected to slow in 2022 and consumer inflation is at a decade-high of 4.1 per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;amid global supply shocks and disruptions caused by Russia's invasion into Ukraine.

As a member of the presidential transition committee, Choo has been working to draw up an extra budget plan to support small businesses and the self-employed who have been affected by covid.

Choo told a separate briefing that he plans to loosen the real estate policies of the outgoing government, including an easing of capital gains taxes and a levy on property ownership.

He did not specify the size of the planned extra budget but said the amount should not destabilise the macroeconomy and markets.

Yoon nominated Lee Jong-sup, a retired military commander who formerly served as deputy chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to be defence minister.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-president-elect-wants-us-nuclear-bombers-submarines-to-return-468929">South Korea's president-elect wants US nuclear bombers, submarines to return</a>

The incoming president is mapping out his foreign policy agenda just as tension flares after North Korea launched a new intercontinental ballistic missile last month.

Lee said he would bolster Seoul's independent response capability and "maximise US&nbsp;deterrence" to counter the North's threats.

A team of Yoon's foreign policy and security advisers said last week they discussed redeploying US strategic assets, such as nuclear bombers and submarines, to South Korea during talks with Washington officials.

South Korea's incoming President Yoon Suk-yeol on Sunday named Choo Kyung-ho to be deputy prime minister and finance minister, as the country seeks to tackle surging inflation, household debt and demand for welfare.

South Korea's incoming President Yoon Suk-yeol on Sunday named Choo Kyung-ho to be deputy prime minister and finance minister, as the country seeks to tackle surging inflation, household debt and demand for welfare. Yoon, who takes office on May 10, announced eight cabinet minister nominations, including defence, industry, health and land. All are subject to parliamentary confirmation hearings. As deputy prime minister, Choo, 62, would double as finance minister and oversee economic policy, replacing Hong Nam-ki. Also read | North Korea is demolishing a South Korean-owned hotel which is symbol of inter-Korean engagement Choo is a second-term lawmaker in Yoon's conservative People Power Party. He served 33 years in government roles including vice minister of economy and finance, and vice chairman of the Financial Services Commission. His nomination came as Asia's fourth-largest economy faces challenges of quelling decade-high inflation without destabilising markets as recovery from the pandemic continues. Standing with Choo, Yoon said the nominee would facilitate policy coordination among agencies and with the parliament. "The current economic situation are extremely serious, and internal and external circumstances are tough," said Choo told a news conference, citing inflation and slowing growth. "The new government's top priority is to stabilise prices and people's livelihoods." Watch | Gravitas: Why are South Koreans sleep deprive South Korea's economy last year grew 4.0 per cent, an 11-year high, but is expected to slow in 2022 and consumer inflation is at a decade-high of 4.1 per cent amid global supply shocks and disruptions caused by Russia's invasion into Ukraine. As a member of the presidential transition committee, Choo has been working to draw up an extra budget plan to support small businesses and the self-employed who have been affected by covid. Choo told a separate briefing that he plans to loosen the real estate policies of the outgoing government, including an easing of capital gains taxes and a levy on property ownership. He did not specify the size of the planned extra budget but said the amount should not destabilise the macroeconomy and markets. Yoon nominated Lee Jong-sup, a retired military commander who formerly served as deputy chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to be defence minister. Also read | South Korea's president-elect wants US nuclear bombers, submarines to return The incoming president is mapping out his foreign policy agenda just as tension flares after North Korea launched a new intercontinental ballistic missile last month. Lee said he would bolster Seoul's independent response capability and "maximise US deterrence" to counter the North's threats. A team of Yoon's foreign policy and security advisers said last week they discussed redeploying US strategic assets, such as nuclear bombers and submarines, to South Korea during talks with Washington officials.

South Korea's president-elect nominates conservative lawmaker as finance chief

India's Kidambi Srikanth beats Son Wanho of South Korea in a three-game encounter to enter the semi-finals of the Korea Open Badminton Championships 2022 on Friday here at the Palma Stadium.

Local lad Son Wanho started off taking a 2-0 lead but the World No. 12 Indian shuttler Srikanth won five consecutive points to take a lead and from there on he never looked and took the game by a comfortable margin of 21-12.

In the second game Son Wanho made a comeback by taking a 6-2 but the World Championship silver medallist Srikanth clawed his way back to take an 12-10 lead.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/korea-open-pv-sindhu-outclasses-aya-ohori-to-enter-quarter-finals-kidambi-srikanth-defeats-misha-zilberman-469092">Korea Open: PV Sindhu outclasses Aya Ohori to enter quarter-finals, Kidambi Srikanth defeats Misha Zilberman</a>

With scores levelled at 16, the match could have gone either way but the Korean shuttler held his nerves to win it 21-18 and take the match to a decider.

In the third and final game, Srikanth started off taking a 4-0 lead and never looked back winning the third and final game by a comfortable margin of 21-12.

Srikanth won the quarter-final match 21-12 18-21 21-12 in one hour and two minutes and he will take on the winner of Jonatan Christie and Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the semi-final.&nbsp;

India's Kidambi Srikanth beats Son Wanho of South Korea in a three-game encounter to enter the semi-finals of the Korea Open Badminton Championships 2022 on Friday here at the Palma Stadium.

India's Kidambi Srikanth beats Son Wanho of South Korea in a three-game encounter to enter the semi-finals of the Korea Open Badminton Championships 2022 on Friday here at the Palma Stadium. Local lad Son Wanho started off taking a 2-0 lead but the World No. 12 Indian shuttler Srikanth won five consecutive points to take a lead and from there on he never looked and took the game by a comfortable margin of 21-12. In the second game Son Wanho made a comeback by taking a 6-2 but the World Championship silver medallist Srikanth clawed his way back to take an 12-10 lead. ALSO READ: Korea Open: PV Sindhu outclasses Aya Ohori to enter quarter-finals, Kidambi Srikanth defeats Misha Zilberman With scores levelled at 16, the match could have gone either way but the Korean shuttler held his nerves to win it 21-18 and take the match to a decider. In the third and final game, Srikanth started off taking a 4-0 lead and never looked back winning the third and final game by a comfortable margin of 21-12. Srikanth won the quarter-final match 21-12 18-21 21-12 in one hour and two minutes and he will take on the winner of Jonatan Christie and Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the semi-final.

Korea Open: Kidambi Srikanth marches into semifinals with victory over Son Wan Ho

Reports say South Koreans are struggling to sleep. Some have resorted to alcohol, some are addicted to pills, many are buying sleep products. But what's behind South Korea's sleeplessness? Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you a fascinating story.

Gravitas: Why are South Koreans sleep deprived?

Advisers to South Korea’s president-elect sought redeployment of U.S. strategic assets, such as nuclear bombers and submarines, to the Korean peninsula during talks held on a visit to Washington, one of the advisers said on Wednesday.

The team of foreign policy and security aides to incoming president Yoon Suk-yeol met U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan as Yoon seeks a more constant security presence to deter threats from North Korea as it steps up weapons tests.

“Deploying the strategic assets is an important element of reinforcing the extended deterrence, and the issue naturally came up during the discussions,” Park Jin, a four-term lawmaker who led the delegation, told reporters.

He added that both sides explored ways to bolster U.S. extended nuclear deterrence at the talks on coordinating efforts against the North Korean threat held on a trip that also aimed to secure an early summit with President Joe Biden.

A White House official asked about such talks, and whether Washington supported the deployments to South Korea, responded that both sides had “discussed generally” the U.S. defence commitments, but did not elaborate.

Yoon, set to be sworn in on May 10, is mapping out his foreign policy agenda after winning the March 9 election, just as tension flares after neighbouring North Korea launched a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) last month.

The deployment of U.S. bombers, aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines is part of Yoon’s election plank promising to “respond firmly” to the North’s threats.

JOINT DRILLS

Yoon has also vowed to “normalise” joint military drills with the United States that were scaled back under outgoing liberal President Moon Jae-in, in a bid to placate Pyongyang and resume stalled talks to rid the peninsula of nuclear weapons.

North Korea has long denounced the exercises as a rehearsal for war, and the allies have reduced field training and shunned use of major weapons such as bombers and air carriers, focusing instead on computer simulations.

But Park did not elaborate when asked about plans for regular spring exercises, which domestic media have said could include nuclear bombers for the first time in nearly five years.

“We agreed that what’s most important is to maintain deterrence so that we can strongly respond to any possible North Korean provocations,” he said, whether ICBM launches or psychological warfare in the form of verbal attacks.

The delegation invited Biden to visit Seoul when he travels to Asia to meet the Quad grouping of nations, which also includes Japan, Australia and India, Park added.

He also delivered a letter to Biden from Yoon highlighting his “solid willingness and vision” to advance ties not only on North Korea but also economic security and other issues, he said.

Park’s name is being floated as a strong candidate to be foreign minister, along with that of Cho Tae-yong, a lawmaker of Yoon’s conservative People Power Party (PPP) who was also in the delegation.

Advisers to South Korea’s president-elect sought redeployment of U.S. strategic assets, such as nuclear bombers and submarines, to the Korean peninsula during talks held on a visit to Washington, one of the advisers said on Wednesday.

Advisers to South Korea’s president-elect sought redeployment of U.S. strategic assets, such as nuclear bombers and submarines, to the Korean peninsula during talks held on a visit to Washington, one of the advisers said on Wednesday. The team of foreign policy and security aides to incoming president Yoon Suk-yeol met U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan as Yoon seeks a more constant security presence to deter threats from North Korea as it steps up weapons tests. “Deploying the strategic assets is an important element of reinforcing the extended deterrence, and the issue naturally came up during the discussions,” Park Jin, a four-term lawmaker who led the delegation, told reporters. He added that both sides explored ways to bolster U.S. extended nuclear deterrence at the talks on coordinating efforts against the North Korean threat held on a trip that also aimed to secure an early summit with President Joe Biden. A White House official asked about such talks, and whether Washington supported the deployments to South Korea, responded that both sides had “discussed generally” the U.S. defence commitments, but did not elaborate. Yoon, set to be sworn in on May 10, is mapping out his foreign policy agenda after winning the March 9 election, just as tension flares after neighbouring North Korea launched a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) last month. The deployment of U.S. bombers, aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines is part of Yoon’s election plank promising to “respond firmly” to the North’s threats. JOINT DRILLS Yoon has also vowed to “normalise” joint military drills with the United States that were scaled back under outgoing liberal President Moon Jae-in, in a bid to placate Pyongyang and resume stalled talks to rid the peninsula of nuclear weapons. North Korea has long denounced the exercises as a rehearsal for war, and the allies have reduced field training and shunned use of major weapons such as bombers and air carriers, focusing instead on computer simulations. But Park did not elaborate when asked about plans for regular spring exercises, which domestic media have said could include nuclear bombers for the first time in nearly five years. “We agreed that what’s most important is to maintain deterrence so that we can strongly respond to any possible North Korean provocations,” he said, whether ICBM launches or psychological warfare in the form of verbal attacks. The delegation invited Biden to visit Seoul when he travels to Asia to meet the Quad grouping of nations, which also includes Japan, Australia and India, Park added. He also delivered a letter to Biden from Yoon highlighting his “solid willingness and vision” to advance ties not only on North Korea but also economic security and other issues, he said. Park’s name is being floated as a strong candidate to be foreign minister, along with that of Cho Tae-yong, a lawmaker of Yoon’s conservative People Power Party (PPP) who was also in the delegation.

South Korea's president-elect wants US nuclear bombers, submarines to return

Kim Jong-un’s sister has threatened to attack South Korea with nuclear weapons. Kim Yo-jong said North Korea will “annihilate” the South’s army if provoked. Her sharp retort came in response to South Korea’s defence minister Suh Wook who discussed Seoul’s ability to accurately and quickly hit any target in North Korea.

North Korea will ‘annihilate’ South with nukes, warns Kim Jong-un’s sister

Tensions have risen drastically in the Korean peninsula after North Korea issues a 'Nuclear' threat to South Korea and its allies.

Tensions rise in the Korean peninsula after North Korea issues a 'Nuclear' threat

India's Lakshya Sen came from a game down to beat local boy Choi Ji Hoon 14-21, 21-16, 21-18 in the first round of the men's singles match of the Korea Open Badminton Championship that lasted for one hour and two minutes played here at Palma Stadium.

The World No. 9 Indian survived a scare losing the first game 14-21 to World No. 498.

Both the players were tied at 14-14 and from there on the Korean shuttler took the game away from India's Sen winning seven consecutive points in the second game, the World Championship medallist shuttler made a comeback to win it 21-16 and make it one game apiece.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/korea-open-hs-prannoy-bows-out-in-opening-round-after-shock-loss-to-malaysias-june-wei-cheam-468535">Korea Open: HS Prannoy bows out in opening round after shocking loss to Malaysia's June Wei Cheam</a>

Both the players were tied at 6-6 and from thereon Lakshya Sen won four consecutive points to take the lead and ultimately went on to win the game.

In the third and final game, the Korean shuttler took an early lead of 9-5 but the World No. 9 Indian won five points on the trot to take a 10-9 lead.

In a closely contested game, both the shuttlers were tied at 18-18 and then Lakshya Sen raised his game to win three consecutive points and pocket the final game 21-18.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-no-2-daniil-medvedev-could-be-banned-from-competing-in-wimbledon-this-year-says-report-468526">World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev could be banned from competing in Wimbledon this year: Report</a>

It was not the best of days for Indian shuttlers in doubles events as in Men's Doubles India's pair of Krishna Prasad Garaga and Vishnuvardhan Goud Panjala lost to Indonesia's Pramudya Kusumawardana and Yeremia Erich Yoche Yacob Rambitan 14-21, 19-21.

In another Men's doubles match India's Navaneeth Bokka and B. Sumeeth Reddy pair lost to Malaysia's Yew Sin Ong and Ee Yi Teo pair 14-21, 12-21.

India's Lakshya Sen came from a game down to beat local boy Choi Ji Hoon 14-21, 21-16, 21-18 in the first round of the men's singles match of the Korea Open Badminton Championship that lasted for one hour and two minutes played here at Palma Stadium.

India's Lakshya Sen came from a game down to beat local boy Choi Ji Hoon 14-21, 21-16, 21-18 in the first round of the men's singles match of the Korea Open Badminton Championship that lasted for one hour and two minutes played here at Palma Stadium. The World No. 9 Indian survived a scare losing the first game 14-21 to World No. 498. Both the players were tied at 14-14 and from there on the Korean shuttler took the game away from India's Sen winning seven consecutive points in the second game, the World Championship medallist shuttler made a comeback to win it 21-16 and make it one game apiece. ALSO READ: Korea Open: HS Prannoy bows out in opening round after shocking loss to Malaysia's June Wei Cheam Both the players were tied at 6-6 and from thereon Lakshya Sen won four consecutive points to take the lead and ultimately went on to win the game. In the third and final game, the Korean shuttler took an early lead of 9-5 but the World No. 9 Indian won five points on the trot to take a 10-9 lead. In a closely contested game, both the shuttlers were tied at 18-18 and then Lakshya Sen raised his game to win three consecutive points and pocket the final game 21-18. ALSO READ: World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev could be banned from competing in Wimbledon this year: Report It was not the best of days for Indian shuttlers in doubles events as in Men's Doubles India's pair of Krishna Prasad Garaga and Vishnuvardhan Goud Panjala lost to Indonesia's Pramudya Kusumawardana and Yeremia Erich Yoche Yacob Rambitan 14-21, 19-21. In another Men's doubles match India's Navaneeth Bokka and B. Sumeeth Reddy pair lost to Malaysia's Yew Sin Ong and Ee Yi Teo pair 14-21, 12-21.

Korea Open: India's Lakshya Sen sweats it out versus Choi Ji Hoon to earn hard-fought win

South Korea has over 50,000 tattoo artists and despite this, South Korea has banned people from getting inked. It only allows doctors to perform the procedure.

Getting inked is a crime in South Korea as it upholds the ban on Tattoos

A collision between two South Korean air force planes on Friday (April 1) resulted in death of four pilots, said authorities. The collision took place during a training exercise.&nbsp;

The air force said that the crash took place at 0437 GMT about 6 kilometers south of KT-1 &nbsp;airplane base in the southeastern city of Sacheon

"Despite their attempts at an emergency escape ... all of the two student pilots and two flight instructors aboard the two planes died," it said in a statement.

A total of 130 troops, 95 police officers and 60 firefighters as well as three helicopters have begun a search at the crash site, Yonhap news agency said, citing local government officials.

The air force said there were no civilian casualties but had formed a team to determine the cause of the accident and damage, including on the resident community.

The crash is one of several incidents involving South Korean air force jets this year.

In January, a pilot was killed in an F-5 fighter jet crash.

That accident took place shortly after the country grounded its entire fleet of advanced F-35 fighter jets following a major systems malfunction on one plane that forced a dramatic emergency landing.

The Korean peninsula remains in a technical state of war, as the armistice that ended the conflict in 1953 has yet to be replaced with a peace treaty.

(With inputs from agencies)

A collision between two South Korean air force planes on Friday (April 1) resulted in death of four pilots, said authorities. The collision took place during a training exercise.

A collision between two South Korean air force planes on Friday (April 1) resulted in death of four pilots, said authorities. The collision took place during a training exercise. The air force said that the crash took place at 0437 GMT about 6 kilometers south of KT-1 airplane base in the southeastern city of Sacheon "Despite their attempts at an emergency escape ... all of the two student pilots and two flight instructors aboard the two planes died," it said in a statement. A total of 130 troops, 95 police officers and 60 firefighters as well as three helicopters have begun a search at the crash site, Yonhap news agency said, citing local government officials. The air force said there were no civilian casualties but had formed a team to determine the cause of the accident and damage, including on the resident community. The crash is one of several incidents involving South Korean air force jets this year. In January, a pilot was killed in an F-5 fighter jet crash. That accident took place shortly after the country grounded its entire fleet of advanced F-35 fighter jets following a major systems malfunction on one plane that forced a dramatic emergency landing. The Korean peninsula remains in a technical state of war, as the armistice that ended the conflict in 1953 has yet to be replaced with a peace treaty. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea: Two air force planes collide mid-air killing four pilots

South Korea has largely scrapped its containment efforts for covid-19 despite recording higher numbers of cases. South Korea has joined a growing list of Asian countries that have eased quarantine rules.

South Koreans plan 'revenge travel', scrap aggressive measures after strict isolation

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un appeared in a stylish video last week which was said to be taken during the launch of the country's latest Intercontinental ballistic missile launch on the 24th of March but now neighbour South Korea has raised doubts over the authenticity of the North Korea's claim.

South Korea questions North Korea's ICMB launch, says fakery to divert attention

If you haven’t had COVID-19 that means you don’t have friends, a doctor from South Korea has claimed, inviting ridicule and criticism from people.

Ma Sang-hyuk, the vice-president of Korean Vaccine Society, made these comments in a Facebook post, which was widely shared on social media.

“The adults who have not yet been infected with COVID-19 are those who have interpersonal problems,” he said.

The doctor reportedly deleted the post on March 16, claiming his words were meant to be ‘metaphorical’ and had been misunderstood, news site Daily reports.

“It emphasized how difficult it is for anyone to avoid the virus in a situation where there is a high rate of confirmed cases in the area,” he was quoted as saying.

The remarks were made on the day South Korea recorded 400,741 new Covid cases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/next-covid-variant-may-be-more-dangerous-than-omicron-say-scientists-453061">Next Covid variant may be more dangerous than Omicron, say scientists</a>

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KCDA) warned that the Omicron variant is driving the record wave of infections.

Nearly 63 per cent of the country's 52 million residents had received booster shots, with 86.6 per cent of the population fully vaccinated, the KDCA said.

However, as of March 27, the daily cases have come down considerably since then, with health officials in the country believing that Omicron may have peaked in South Korea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-exit-zero-covid-strategy-top-scientist-says-it-cannot-remain-unchanged-forever-457858">China to exit zero-Covid strategy? Top scientist says it cannot 'remain unchanged forever'</a>

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the country recorded 318,130 COVID-19 infections during the 24 hours of Saturday, staying below 400,000 for the fourth consecutive day.

The country’s daily COVID-19 cases have been decreasing since Tuesday, when the figure surpassed 490,000 cases during the 24-hour period that day, The Korean Herald newspaper reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

If you haven’t had COVID-19 that means you don’t have friends, a doctor from South Korea has claimed, inviting ridicule and criticism from people. Ma Sang-hyuk, the vice-president of Korean Vaccine Society, made these comments in a Facebook post, which was widely shared on social media.

If you haven’t had COVID-19 that means you don’t have friends, a doctor from South Korea has claimed, inviting ridicule and criticism from people. Ma Sang-hyuk, the vice-president of Korean Vaccine Society, made these comments in a Facebook post, which was widely shared on social media. “The adults who have not yet been infected with COVID-19 are those who have interpersonal problems,” he said. The doctor reportedly deleted the post on March 16, claiming his words were meant to be ‘metaphorical’ and had been misunderstood, news site Daily reports. “It emphasized how difficult it is for anyone to avoid the virus in a situation where there is a high rate of confirmed cases in the area,” he was quoted as saying. The remarks were made on the day South Korea recorded 400,741 new Covid cases. Also read | Next Covid variant may be more dangerous than Omicron, say scientists The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KCDA) warned that the Omicron variant is driving the record wave of infections. Nearly 63 per cent of the country's 52 million residents had received booster shots, with 86.6 per cent of the population fully vaccinated, the KDCA said. However, as of March 27, the daily cases have come down considerably since then, with health officials in the country believing that Omicron may have peaked in South Korea. Also read | China to exit zero-Covid strategy? Top scientist says it cannot 'remain unchanged forever' According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the country recorded 318,130 COVID-19 infections during the 24 hours of Saturday, staying below 400,000 for the fourth consecutive day. The country’s daily COVID-19 cases have been decreasing since Tuesday, when the figure surpassed 490,000 cases during the 24-hour period that day, The Korean Herald newspaper reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Those who haven’t had Covid yet probably have no friends, says South Korean doctor

When North Korea on Thursday conducted a test of its most ​powerful intercontinental ballistic missile to date, South Korea’s Defense Ministry was busy with another urgent task: making plans to move.

Earlier this month, South Korea’s president-elect, Yoon Suk-yeol, announced plans to move the Defense Ministry to another building in Seoul so that his presidential office could move into the ministry’s current headquarters by May 10, the day of his inauguration.

The ministry was caught off guard by Yoon’s decision, which came at a time when North Korea is rapidly escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea has often used presidential transitions as an opportunity to make a show of force. This year, the confusion created by Yoon’s plan to relocate both the presidential office and the Defense Ministry could add to the South’s security concerns, analysts said.

The current presidential office is situated in the Blue House, a secluded compound with graceful pine trees and manicured lawns, nestled between the capital’s ancient Gyeongbokgung Palace and Mount Bukaksan. During his election campaign, Yoon said he would make the Blue House a park and “return it to the people.”

The Blue House has been the seat of presidential power since the birth of South Korea at the end of World War II. Its location has come to symbolize the secrecy and unbridled power of the president. Almost all South Korean presidents have been either imprisoned or embroiled in corruption scandals after leaving office.

South Korea’s social media was abuzz with rumors that Yoon’s wife, Kim Kun-hee, had been told by shamans that the Blue House was cursed and should not be occupied by the president-elect. Yoon’s transition team dismissed those rumors as groundless.

“I know there is concern that I am hurrying too much to move the presidential office,” Yoon said at a news conference Sunday. “But I thought that once I moved into the Blue House, it would become more difficult to get out of the place, a symbol of imperial power of the president.”

Moving both the presidential office and the Defense Ministry — with their underground bunkers equipped with sensitive equipment to deal with national emergencies like North Korea’s military provocations — immediately incited outrage in South Korea. In a survey this week, nearly 54% of respondents said they opposed the hasty move.

Yoon first said his new office would be at a government complex a few blocks from the Blue House, but after the election, he learned that his plan was infeasible because the busy area would create insurmountable security risks, as well as traffic jams and other inconveniences for citizens. He eventually settled on the Defense Ministry’s current headquarters in Yongsan, a district in central Seoul.

One of Yoon’s most vocal critics on the plan is the outgoing president, Moon Jae-in, whose office said the president-elect’s plan would leave South Korea badly prepared for North Korean provocations, like its test launch of the new Hwasong-17 missile on Thursday. Moon had also promised to move the presidential office out of the Blue House, but ditched the plan after his election.

Moon’s government has refused to allocate the 49.6 billion won ($41 million) that Yoon has requested for the move, citing the disruption it would cause for the remainder of his term. Yoon has vowed to press ahead with his plan, saying if the move is not completed by May 10, he would continue to work in the office of his transition team.

In the interim, Yoon’s team said he would deal with North Korean provocations from a mobile situation room — a minibus equipped with big screens and high-speed encrypted communication gear that South Korean presidents use when traveling outside Seoul.

The disorder of the transition has created an opportunity for North Korea, analysts said, and the timing of Thursday’s launch allowed the North to “greet the newly elected conservative South Korean president with a message about who is the big dog on the peninsula,” said Daniel R. Russel, a former United States diplomat who is now vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute in New York.

During the campaign, Yoon vehemently criticized Moon’s policy of seeking dialogue with North Korea, even as its leader, Kim Jong Un, rapidly expanded the country’s nuclear and missile programs. Yoon has championed a stronger alliance with Washington and a tougher stance on the North. He has also proposed rejuvenating the joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises that were scaled down under Moon.

North Korea has said that “hostile” acts like joint military drills were part of the reason it has developed a “nuclear war deterrent” against its enemies.

According to photos released by the North’s state media, the Hwasong-17 launch Thursday showed at least one major technical advance: Its first-stage booster rocket had four nozzles, compared with two for the North’s earlier Hwasong-15 ICBM.

North Korea appeared to have clustered two Hwasong-15 booster engines to give more power to the Hwasong-17, which soared 3,852 miles into space before crashing down into waters west of Japan. If the North flattens the trajectory, it can send the missile 9,320 miles, a range great enough to cover the whole of the continental United States, missile experts said.

Yoon’s transition office called the launch a “grave provocation” and urged the U.N. Security Council to discuss how to punish North Korea for its aggression. 
&nbsp;

When North Korea on Thursday conducted a test of its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile to date, South Korea’s Defense Ministry was busy with another urgent task: making plans to move.

When North Korea on Thursday conducted a test of its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile to date, South Korea’s Defense Ministry was busy with another urgent task: making plans to move. Earlier this month, South Korea’s president-elect, Yoon Suk-yeol, announced plans to move the Defense Ministry to another building in Seoul so that his presidential office could move into the ministry’s current headquarters by May 10, the day of his inauguration. The ministry was caught off guard by Yoon’s decision, which came at a time when North Korea is rapidly escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea has often used presidential transitions as an opportunity to make a show of force. This year, the confusion created by Yoon’s plan to relocate both the presidential office and the Defense Ministry could add to the South’s security concerns, analysts said. The current presidential office is situated in the Blue House, a secluded compound with graceful pine trees and manicured lawns, nestled between the capital’s ancient Gyeongbokgung Palace and Mount Bukaksan. During his election campaign, Yoon said he would make the Blue House a park and “return it to the people.” The Blue House has been the seat of presidential power since the birth of South Korea at the end of World War II. Its location has come to symbolize the secrecy and unbridled power of the president. Almost all South Korean presidents have been either imprisoned or embroiled in corruption scandals after leaving office. South Korea’s social media was abuzz with rumors that Yoon’s wife, Kim Kun-hee, had been told by shamans that the Blue House was cursed and should not be occupied by the president-elect. Yoon’s transition team dismissed those rumors as groundless. “I know there is concern that I am hurrying too much to move the presidential office,” Yoon said at a news conference Sunday. “But I thought that once I moved into the Blue House, it would become more difficult to get out of the place, a symbol of imperial power of the president.” Moving both the presidential office and the Defense Ministry — with their underground bunkers equipped with sensitive equipment to deal with national emergencies like North Korea’s military provocations — immediately incited outrage in South Korea. In a survey this week, nearly 54% of respondents said they opposed the hasty move. Yoon first said his new office would be at a government complex a few blocks from the Blue House, but after the election, he learned that his plan was infeasible because the busy area would create insurmountable security risks, as well as traffic jams and other inconveniences for citizens. He eventually settled on the Defense Ministry’s current headquarters in Yongsan, a district in central Seoul. One of Yoon’s most vocal critics on the plan is the outgoing president, Moon Jae-in, whose office said the president-elect’s plan would leave South Korea badly prepared for North Korean provocations, like its test launch of the new Hwasong-17 missile on Thursday. Moon had also promised to move the presidential office out of the Blue House, but ditched the plan after his election. Moon’s government has refused to allocate the 49.6 billion won ($41 million) that Yoon has requested for the move, citing the disruption it would cause for the remainder of his term. Yoon has vowed to press ahead with his plan, saying if the move is not completed by May 10, he would continue to work in the office of his transition team. In the interim, Yoon’s team said he would deal with North Korean provocations from a mobile situation room — a minibus equipped with big screens and high-speed encrypted communication gear that South Korean presidents use when traveling outside Seoul. The disorder of the transition has created an opportunity for North Korea, analysts said, and the timing of Thursday’s launch allowed the North to “greet the newly elected conservative South Korean president with a message about who is the big dog on the peninsula,” said Daniel R. Russel, a former United States diplomat who is now vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute in New York. During the campaign, Yoon vehemently criticized Moon’s policy of seeking dialogue with North Korea, even as its leader, Kim Jong Un, rapidly expanded the country’s nuclear and missile programs. Yoon has championed a stronger alliance with Washington and a tougher stance on the North. He has also proposed rejuvenating the joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises that were scaled down under Moon. North Korea has said that “hostile” acts like joint military drills were part of the reason it has developed a “nuclear war deterrent” against its enemies. According to photos released by the North’s state media, the Hwasong-17 launch Thursday showed at least one major technical advance: Its first-stage booster rocket had four nozzles, compared with two for the North’s earlier Hwasong-15 ICBM. North Korea appeared to have clustered two Hwasong-15 booster engines to give more power to the Hwasong-17, which soared 3,852 miles into space before crashing down into waters west of Japan. If the North flattens the trajectory, it can send the missile 9,320 miles, a range great enough to cover the whole of the continental United States, missile experts said. Yoon’s transition office called the launch a “grave provocation” and urged the U.N. Security Council to discuss how to punish North Korea for its aggression.

Relocation of presidential office in Seoul heightens security concerns

Authorities in South Korea said on Wednesday that the total number of coronavirus infections in the country had topped 10 million. This is nearly 20 per cent of the country's population.

South Korea has been fighting a Covid wave caused by Omicron, the highly infectious variant of coronavirus.&nbsp;

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 490,881 cases for Tuesday, the second highest daily tally after it peaked at 621,205 on March 16. The total caseload rose to 10,427,247, with 13,432 deaths, up 291 a day before.

The country's infection and death rates are still far below those recorded elsewhere, as almost 87% of its 52 million residents are fully vaccinated and 63% have received booster shots.

But the death toll nearly doubled in just about six weeks, with daily fatalities peaking at 429 last Friday, fuelling demand for funeral arrangements.

The health ministry on Monday instructed the 60 crematories nationwide to operate for longer hours to burn up to seven bodies from five, and the 1,136 funeral parlours capable of storing some 8,700 bodies to expand their facilities.

"Crematories' capacity is increasing," ministry official Son Young-rae said. "But there are still regional differences."

Authorities have already boosted the combined daily cremation capacity from about 1,000 to 1,400 per day starting last week. But a large backlog of bodies and a long wait continued to be reported in the densely populated greater Seoul area, Son said.

Health ministry data showed that the 28 crematories in Seoul city were operating at 114.2% capacity as of Monday, while the ratio stood at about 83% in other regions such as Sejong and Jeju.

Crematories will be temporarily allowed to receive reservations from outside their regions, which is currently banned by some local governments, to ease the pileup, Son said.

The number of critically ill patients has been hovering above 1,000 over the past two weeks, but it could go up to 2,000 in early April, another health ministry official Park Hyang said. Around 64.4% of the intensive care unit beds are occupied as of Wednesday, compared with some 59% two weeks earlier.

As part of efforts to curb severe cases and deaths, South Korea's drug safety agency granted emergency approval for the use of Merck &amp; Co Inc's COVID-19 treatment pill for adults.

The molnupiravir tablet, branded as Lagevrio, is the second oral antiviral to be authorised in South Korea after Pfizer Inc's Paxlovid.

Lagevrio will only be allowed for patients who are aged 18 or older and not pregnant and cannot be treated with injection medications or the highly effective Paxlovid, the drug safety agency said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Authorities in South Korea said on Wednesday that the total number of coronavirus infections in the country had topped 10 million. This is nearly 20 per cent of the country's population.

Authorities in South Korea said on Wednesday that the total number of coronavirus infections in the country had topped 10 million. This is nearly 20 per cent of the country's population. South Korea has been fighting a Covid wave caused by Omicron, the highly infectious variant of coronavirus. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 490,881 cases for Tuesday, the second highest daily tally after it peaked at 621,205 on March 16. The total caseload rose to 10,427,247, with 13,432 deaths, up 291 a day before. The country's infection and death rates are still far below those recorded elsewhere, as almost 87% of its 52 million residents are fully vaccinated and 63% have received booster shots. But the death toll nearly doubled in just about six weeks, with daily fatalities peaking at 429 last Friday, fuelling demand for funeral arrangements. The health ministry on Monday instructed the 60 crematories nationwide to operate for longer hours to burn up to seven bodies from five, and the 1,136 funeral parlours capable of storing some 8,700 bodies to expand their facilities. "Crematories' capacity is increasing," ministry official Son Young-rae said. "But there are still regional differences." Authorities have already boosted the combined daily cremation capacity from about 1,000 to 1,400 per day starting last week. But a large backlog of bodies and a long wait continued to be reported in the densely populated greater Seoul area, Son said. Health ministry data showed that the 28 crematories in Seoul city were operating at 114.2% capacity as of Monday, while the ratio stood at about 83% in other regions such as Sejong and Jeju. Crematories will be temporarily allowed to receive reservations from outside their regions, which is currently banned by some local governments, to ease the pileup, Son said. The number of critically ill patients has been hovering above 1,000 over the past two weeks, but it could go up to 2,000 in early April, another health ministry official Park Hyang said. Around 64.4% of the intensive care unit beds are occupied as of Wednesday, compared with some 59% two weeks earlier. As part of efforts to curb severe cases and deaths, South Korea's drug safety agency granted emergency approval for the use of Merck & Co Inc's COVID-19 treatment pill for adults. The molnupiravir tablet, branded as Lagevrio, is the second oral antiviral to be authorised in South Korea after Pfizer Inc's Paxlovid. Lagevrio will only be allowed for patients who are aged 18 or older and not pregnant and cannot be treated with injection medications or the highly effective Paxlovid, the drug safety agency said. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea: Covid cases top 10 million, funeral homes overwhelmed

South Korea's sexual slavery survivors demand an unequivocal apology for wartime torture by Japan's military. They also want the conflict to be referred to the International Court of Justice.

South Korea's sexual slavery survivors want conflict referred to International Court of Justice

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the sanctions imposed by the West has created a global energy crisis. Now, South Korea and Germany held energy talks in Qatar.

South Korea & Germany hold energy talks in Qatar amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict

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