India has summoned the South Korean ambassador and lodged a strong protest over the social media posts by Hyundai Pakistan on the so-called Kashmir solidarity day.

India summoned South Korean envoy to lodge a powerful protest over Hyundai Pakistan's Kashmir post

India on Tuesday summoned South Korean Ambassador Chang Jae-bok and lodged a strong protest over the controversial social media posts by Hyundai Pakistan on Kashmir.

India summons South Korean envoy over Hyundai Pakistan's Kashmir post

India on Tuesday summoned the South Korean envoy over a social media post of Hyundai’s Pakistan unit supporting Pakistan engineered ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’.

In a statement, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India’s “strong displeasure on the unacceptable social media post” by Hyundai Pakistan was expressed to the Indian Ambassador in Seoul.

“Ambassador of Republic of Korea was summoned by MEA yesterday. Strong displeasure of government on unacceptable social media post by Hyundai Pakistan was conveyed to him,” the MEA said in a statement.

The MEA said that it welcomes investments by foreign companies in various sectors, but it also expected them to refrain from making misleading comments on India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Earlier in the day, India’s foreign minister S Jaishankar received a call from South Korea's foreign minister Chung Eui-yong, where the controversial matter was discussed.

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Received a call from ROK FM Chung Eui-yong today. Discussed bilateral and multilateral issues as also the Hyundai matter.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1490975347906547713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, car manufacturer Hyundai said it regrets the offence caused to Indians due to an 'unauthorised'&nbsp;tweet from the account of its Pakistan partner.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kfc-pakistan-post-on-kashmir-starts-hyundai-like-controversy-451266">Now, did KFC just join Pakistan's Kashmir bandwagon after Hyundai and Kia?</a>

“As a business policy, Hyundai Motor Company does not comment on political or religious issues in any specific region. We deeply regret any offence caused to the people of India by this unofficial social media activity,” Hyundai said in a Twitter post on Tuesday.

Watch |&nbsp;Is Pakistan pushing corporates to peddle its anti-India agenda?

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Hyundai has been facing calls for a boycott by hundreds of social media users in India over the Kashmir post.

The social media users said the company must apologise for being insensitive to India’s position on the decades-old dispute over Kashmir.&nbsp;

On Saturday, Hyundai Pakistan's social media handles shared posts in solidarity with the "Kashmiri brothers" in their "struggle for freedom". The social media posts were later removed.

Pakistan observes February 5 as ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ to show its support for the separatist movement in Kashmir.

(With inputs from agencies)

India on Tuesday summoned the South Korean envoy over a social media post of Hyundai’s Pakistan unit supporting Pakistan engineered ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’. In a statement, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India’s “strong displeasure on the unacceptable social media post” by Hyundai Pakistan was expressed to the Indian Ambassador in Seoul.

India on Tuesday summoned the South Korean envoy over a social media post of Hyundai’s Pakistan unit supporting Pakistan engineered ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’. In a statement, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India’s “strong displeasure on the unacceptable social media post” by Hyundai Pakistan was expressed to the Indian Ambassador in Seoul. “Ambassador of Republic of Korea was summoned by MEA yesterday. Strong displeasure of government on unacceptable social media post by Hyundai Pakistan was conveyed to him,” the MEA said in a statement. The MEA said that it welcomes investments by foreign companies in various sectors, but it also expected them to refrain from making misleading comments on India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Earlier in the day, India’s foreign minister S Jaishankar received a call from South Korea's foreign minister Chung Eui-yong, where the controversial matter was discussed. Received a call from ROK FM Chung Eui-yong today. Discussed bilateral and multilateral issues as also the Hyundai matter. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 8, 2022 × Meanwhile, car manufacturer Hyundai said it regrets the offence caused to Indians due to an 'unauthorised' tweet from the account of its Pakistan partner. Also read | Now, did KFC just join Pakistan's Kashmir bandwagon after Hyundai and Kia? “As a business policy, Hyundai Motor Company does not comment on political or religious issues in any specific region. We deeply regret any offence caused to the people of India by this unofficial social media activity,” Hyundai said in a Twitter post on Tuesday. Watch | Is Pakistan pushing corporates to peddle its anti-India agenda? Hyundai has been facing calls for a boycott by hundreds of social media users in India over the Kashmir post. The social media users said the company must apologise for being insensitive to India’s position on the decades-old dispute over Kashmir. On Saturday, Hyundai Pakistan's social media handles shared posts in solidarity with the "Kashmiri brothers" in their "struggle for freedom". The social media posts were later removed. Pakistan observes February 5 as ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ to show its support for the separatist movement in Kashmir. (With inputs from agencies)

India takes tough stand over Hyundai Pakistan's post on Kashmir, summons South Korean envoy

Britain and South Korea will sign an agreement to reinforce pandemic-damaged supply lines for key products like semiconductors, with trade minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan due to host her counterpart Yeo Han-koo in London.

UK, South Korea to sign deal on supply chains

South Korean leaders and activists accused China of “stealing” their culture after a lady performer wore a traditional Korean dress during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

During the event on Friday, a woman was seen wearing a Korean conventional costume— a white and light purple hanbok dress—while appearing amongst those representing China’s totally different ‘ethnic’ teams.

The South Korean leaders viewed it as a “rude” act of appropriating the tradition of a sovereign state.

“We deeply regret that hanbok appeared among the costumes of Chinese minorities at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics,” wrote lawmaker from the ruling party, Lee So-young, on her Facebook web page on Saturday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-is-hosting-2022-winter-olympics-with-100-artificial-snow-report-450701">Beijing is hosting 2022 Winter Olympics with 100% artificial snow: Report</a>

Apparently, this is not the first time that China has been accused of laying claim to their culture.

Recently, China was slammed after it recently claimed that many major Korean cultural items, including kimchi, a national dish of fermented cabbage, were of Chinese origin.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-falls-asleep-as-ukraine-athletes-enter-beijing-stadium-during-olympics-opening-ceremony-450552">Putin falls asleep as Ukraine athletes enter Beijing stadium during Olympics opening ceremony</a>

“This is not the first time China has introduced Korean culture as if it were its own… If the anti-China sentiment of the Korean people becomes stronger by leaving this issue as is, it will be a big obstacle when conducting diplomacy with China in the future,” Lee stated.

Although the South Korean authorities have not launched an official assertion, Culture Minister Hwang Hee informed South Korean media on Saturday that referring to individuals as a minority signifies that it has not to turn into a sovereign nation, which might trigger “misunderstanding” in bilateral relations, in line with Yonhap.

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korean leaders and activists accused China of “stealing” their culture after a lady performer wore a traditional Korean dress during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

South Korean leaders and activists accused China of “stealing” their culture after a lady performer wore a traditional Korean dress during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. During the event on Friday, a woman was seen wearing a Korean conventional costume— a white and light purple hanbok dress—while appearing amongst those representing China’s totally different ‘ethnic’ teams. The South Korean leaders viewed it as a “rude” act of appropriating the tradition of a sovereign state. “We deeply regret that hanbok appeared among the costumes of Chinese minorities at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics,” wrote lawmaker from the ruling party, Lee So-young, on her Facebook web page on Saturday. Also read | Beijing is hosting 2022 Winter Olympics with 100% artificial snow: Report Apparently, this is not the first time that China has been accused of laying claim to their culture. Recently, China was slammed after it recently claimed that many major Korean cultural items, including kimchi, a national dish of fermented cabbage, were of Chinese origin. Also read | Putin falls asleep as Ukraine athletes enter Beijing stadium during Olympics opening ceremony “This is not the first time China has introduced Korean culture as if it were its own… If the anti-China sentiment of the Korean people becomes stronger by leaving this issue as is, it will be a big obstacle when conducting diplomacy with China in the future,” Lee stated. Although the South Korean authorities have not launched an official assertion, Culture Minister Hwang Hee informed South Korean media on Saturday that referring to individuals as a minority signifies that it has not to turn into a sovereign nation, which might trigger “misunderstanding” in bilateral relations, in line with Yonhap. (With inputs from agencies)

2022 Beijing Winter Olympics: South Korea accuses China of ‘appropriating Korean culture’

It's been two years since face masks entered our lives. Like the Covid-19 variants, we have also seen different variants of face masks — from high-tech ones with an air purifier to customised one - and now a new mask has got the internet buzzing. 
 
A South Korean company has come up with a unique mask, 'kosk' – that can will allow users to eat or drink even when they are wearing a mask. Each Kosk consists of two pieces, one of which can be removed to leave the mouth uncovered, as per the reports. &nbsp;

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진짜로 나와버린 코스크 <a href="https://t.co/p58WrYGFLe">pic.twitter.com/p58WrYGFLe</a>
— 무슨 일이 일어나고 있나요? (@museun_happen) <a href="https://twitter.com/museun_happen/status/1487347001037496322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The mask name 'Kosk' is a combination of words; 'Ko' which means "nose" in Korea while 'Sk' signifies mask. 
 
The tiny mask has been released by the company called Atman and sells for 9,800 won ($8.13; Rs 610) for a box of 10 on online retailer Coupang. 
 
Soon after the pictures of the unusual masks went on social media, several netizens mocked the company, while others just criticized the design. 
&nbsp; 
"Two years into this pandemic, and some still don't understand the word 'airborne'! I can't even (sic)," one user wrote. While another commented, "You're kidding right? How hard is it for you to remove your mask when eating? "&nbsp; 
 
Take a look:&nbsp;

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Wow, the most unhelpful idea and a waste of resources... If the virus is air-bourne, it will still enter via your open mouth when eating. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sowhatisthepoint?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sowhatisthepoint</a> <a href="https://t.co/2c8kajNPLT">https://t.co/2c8kajNPLT</a>
— Samuel Lau (@ChairmanSam) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChairmanSam/status/1489210977723695105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Wait... 
What...? <a href="https://t.co/9V9Z7q4LXR">https://t.co/9V9Z7q4LXR</a>
— hidupku (@_berantakan) <a href="https://twitter.com/_berantakan/status/1488674978988175362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Oh God is this real or just a meme <a href="https://t.co/0q5b7ekKNw">https://t.co/0q5b7ekKNw</a>
— STAYC Only (@stayc_only) <a href="https://twitter.com/stayc_only/status/1488436788293431300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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On sale in South Korea: 'Kosk', the mask for your nose (ko), for use in restaurants and cafes..... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ <a href="https://t.co/xHs0EwG6bB">pic.twitter.com/xHs0EwG6bB</a>
— Sokeel Park 박석길 (@Sokeel) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sokeel/status/1488366185125412864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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are they also selling teapots made from chocolate?😂
— kirsty (@millersty) <a href="https://twitter.com/millersty/status/1488446576691400704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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... 
why... <a href="https://t.co/vqi8wVPl4b">https://t.co/vqi8wVPl4b</a>
— username-nya: (@kikionearth) <a href="https://twitter.com/kikionearth/status/1488712742035156994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The kosk: Summer 2022’s version of “The Mini” <a href="https://t.co/OvN9GvW7Wf">https://t.co/OvN9GvW7Wf</a>
— Curtis Phinney, CNS (@CurtisCNS) <a href="https://twitter.com/CurtisCNS/status/1488633966538149890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

It's been two years since face masks entered our lives. Like the Covid-19 variants, we have also seen different variants of face masks — from high-tech ones with an air purifier to customised one - and now a new mask has got the internet buzzing.

It's been two years since face masks entered our lives. Like the Covid-19 variants, we have also seen different variants of face masks — from high-tech ones with an air purifier to customised one - and now a new mask has got the internet buzzing. A South Korean company has come up with a unique mask, 'kosk' – that can will allow users to eat or drink even when they are wearing a mask. Each Kosk consists of two pieces, one of which can be removed to leave the mouth uncovered, as per the reports. 진짜로 나와버린 코스크 pic.twitter.com/p58WrYGFLe — 무슨 일이 일어나고 있나요? (@museun_happen) January 29, 2022 × The mask name 'Kosk' is a combination of words; 'Ko' which means "nose" in Korea while 'Sk' signifies mask. The tiny mask has been released by the company called Atman and sells for 9,800 won ($8.13; Rs 610) for a box of 10 on online retailer Coupang. Soon after the pictures of the unusual masks went on social media, several netizens mocked the company, while others just criticized the design. "Two years into this pandemic, and some still don't understand the word 'airborne'! I can't even (sic)," one user wrote. While another commented, "You're kidding right? How hard is it for you to remove your mask when eating? " Take a look: Wow, the most unhelpful idea and a waste of resources... If the virus is air-bourne, it will still enter via your open mouth when eating. #sowhatisthepoint https://t.co/2c8kajNPLT — Samuel Lau (@ChairmanSam) February 3, 2022 × Wait... What...? https://t.co/9V9Z7q4LXR — hidupku (@_berantakan) February 2, 2022 × Oh God is this real or just a meme https://t.co/0q5b7ekKNw — STAYC Only (@stayc_only) February 1, 2022 × On sale in South Korea: 'Kosk', the mask for your nose (ko), for use in restaurants and cafes..... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ pic.twitter.com/xHs0EwG6bB — Sokeel Park 박석길 (@Sokeel) February 1, 2022 × are they also selling teapots made from chocolate?😂 — kirsty (@millersty) February 1, 2022 × ... why... https://t.co/vqi8wVPl4b — username-nya: (@kikionearth) February 2, 2022 × The kosk: Summer 2022’s version of “The Mini” https://t.co/OvN9GvW7Wf — Curtis Phinney, CNS (@CurtisCNS) February 1, 2022 ×

Would you wear this? Why internet is divided over this South Korean nose-only mask 'Kosk'

South Korea's economy has expanded at fastest pace in last 11 years last year. However, a slowdown in capital investment, it can cast cloud over outlook for growth this year. Bank of Korea's data showed GDP expanded four percent in 2021 as demand for exports soared.

South Korea's GDP growth at 11-year high

North Korea conducted its fifth weapons test of the year on Tuesday, firing two suspected cruise missiles.

Pyongyang has been showing its military might while refusing US offers of talks, leading to increased tensions and fresh sanctions against the North Korean regime.&nbsp;

"North Korea fired two suspected cruise missiles," South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement Tuesday. The missiles were fired into the sea off its east coast.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea did not specify the range or trajectory of the missiles, but said they were undertaking an analysis with US officials.

While cruise missiles are less dangerous than faster ballistic missiles, they can hit targets with 'great precision,' according to one military analyst.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-are-hypersonic-missiles-different-is-it-the-new-wonder-weapon-444335">Also Read:&nbsp;How are hypersonic missiles different, is it the new 'wonder weapon'?</a>

North Korea last tested as many bombs in a month in 2019, following the failure of high-profile talks between leader Kim Jong Un and then-US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Pyongyang has launched a new round of sanctions-busting tests this year, including hypersonic missiles, following Kim's reaffirmation of his commitment to military modernization in a key party speech in December.

The test of a tactical guided missile capable of high speed and movement after lift-off, as well as a railway-borne missile system, preceded Tuesday's launch.

As a result of the new sanctions, Pyongyang has increased its weapons testing and hinted last week that it may abandon a years-long self-imposed moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile launches.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea conducted its fifth weapons test of the year on Tuesday, firing two suspected cruise missiles. Pyongyang has been showing its military might while refusing US offers of talks, leading to increased tensions and fresh sanctions against the North Korean regime.

North Korea conducted its fifth weapons test of the year on Tuesday, firing two suspected cruise missiles. Pyongyang has been showing its military might while refusing US offers of talks, leading to increased tensions and fresh sanctions against the North Korean regime. "North Korea fired two suspected cruise missiles," South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement Tuesday. The missiles were fired into the sea off its east coast. The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea did not specify the range or trajectory of the missiles, but said they were undertaking an analysis with US officials. While cruise missiles are less dangerous than faster ballistic missiles, they can hit targets with 'great precision,' according to one military analyst. Also Read: How are hypersonic missiles different, is it the new 'wonder weapon'? North Korea last tested as many bombs in a month in 2019, following the failure of high-profile talks between leader Kim Jong Un and then-US President Donald Trump. Pyongyang has launched a new round of sanctions-busting tests this year, including hypersonic missiles, following Kim's reaffirmation of his commitment to military modernization in a key party speech in December. The test of a tactical guided missile capable of high speed and movement after lift-off, as well as a railway-borne missile system, preceded Tuesday's launch. As a result of the new sanctions, Pyongyang has increased its weapons testing and hinted last week that it may abandon a years-long self-imposed moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile launches. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea fires two suspected cruise missiles, Seoul says

North Korea began the new year by convening a meeting for the ruling Workers’ Party during which very little was said about the United States. That ominous silence didn’t last long.

Kim Jong Un, the country’s ruler, has launched six ballistic missiles in four weapons tests since Jan. 5, almost as many missiles​ in one month​ as North Korea launched in all of last year. On Tuesday, the South Korean military confirmed that the North had fired two cruise missiles in its fifth test of 2022.

The message was clear: The North Korean leader feels he is being ignored and wants to push the Biden administration to reengage and pay attention to his economically ailing nation.

Individually, the tests may not amount to much — they involved missiles that have already been tested or weapons that are still under development. But taken together, they signal that Kim plans to use 2022 to jolt the Biden administration out of its diplomatic slumber.

Kim needs Washington to engage ​with him on economic concessions​ so that he can fix his country’s devastated economy. Over the years, he has learned that the best way to grab the attention of a U.S. president is with weapons. And that the best time to do it is when the world can least afford the instability.

According to that playbook, 2022 looks like a promising year.

China is busy preparing for the Beijing Olympics next month. South Korea elects a new president in March. Russia has hinted at a potential invasion of Ukraine, keeping the Biden administration on tenterhooks.

During a Politburo meeting last Wednesday, Kim suggested that his government might once again begin testing long-range missiles and nuclear devices after suspending such tests before his 2018 summit meeting with President Donald Trump.

“2022 calls for continued saber-rattling, punctuated by some major missile tests,” said Lee Sung-yoon, a North Korea expert at the Fletcher School at Tufts University. “Kim’s goal is to routinize short-range ballistic missile flights as a fact of life without any repercussions, after which he will move on to bigger provocations by resuming intermediate- and long-range missile tests punctuated by a nuclear test, as he did in 2017.”

That year, North Korea tested what it called a hydrogen bomb and also launched three intercontinental ballistic missiles. It was also the year Trump took office after a vicious campaign in the United States. South Korea had just impeached its president.

Wednesday was the second time ​Kim threatened to lift the moratorium on long-range missile and nuclear tests. After his diplomacy with Trump ended without an agreement in 2019, he said he no longer felt bound by the commitment. ​But he did not follow through with any such tests, and his country was soon plunged into the chaos of the coronavirus pandemic.

This year ​also marks the beginning of Kim’s second decade in power, and a chance for him to reassert his authority.

Ever since taking over, he has focused on building the country’s arsenal to validate his family’s dynastic rule, calling his nuclear weapons a “treasured sword” that protects North Korea against foreign invasion.

During the meeting Wednesday, he urged North Koreans to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the birth of his father​ and predecessor, Kim Jong Il, in February, as well as the 110th birthday of his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, in April.

Under his father and grandfather, North Korea had seemed open to shelving its nuclear ambitions. But those hopes have dissipated under Kim, who has rapidly expanded the country’s nuclear program, even as the United Nations piled on sanctions.

Though ​Kim has often been depicted abroad as a leader ​potentially capable of opening up his isolated country for the sake of economic development, his nuclear weapons are, as North Korea has put it, “not a bargaining chip.”

Rather, the country sees them as tools​ to bring Washington to the negotiating table. And by that logic, the more powerful the arsenal, the more leverage Kim has.

Even when he ​vowed to focus on economic development in 2013, Kim stuck to his “parallel” goal of strengthening his nuclear force. The country has conducted more than 130 missile tests under him, compared with a total of 16 tests under his father and 15 under his grandfather. The last four of the North’s six nuclear tests all took place under his watch.

“By advancing its nuclear capabilities and weapons systems, North Korea is showing the United States and South Korea that the more time passes, ​the bigger the price ​will become that they have to pay,” Choi Yong-hwan, an analyst at the Institute for National Security Strategy​ in Seoul, wrote in a recent policy paper.

Yet try as it may to flex its power, North Korea appears to be low on the Biden administration’s list of international priorities​​.

Washington has taken no steps to entice Kim, except to propose talks “without preconditions,” ​a lukewarm entreaty that North Korea has rebuffed.

But it has not resumed tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles. Instead, North Korea has focused on testing missiles that can carry what it calls “smaller, lighter and tactical” nuclear weapons. ​These kinds of weapons do not pose a direct threat to the United States, but they could boost Kim’s leverage with Washington by placing American allies such as South Korea and Japan under nuclear threat.

In North Korea’s first two tests this month, the country launched short-range ballistic missiles with what it called “hypersonic gliding vehicles,” detachable warheads that ​make the weapons harder to intercept because they ​not only fly extremely fast but also change course during flight.

In a Jan. 13 test, North Korea launched the KN-23, one of three new solid-fuel ballistic missiles the North has been testing since 2019.

Solid-fuel missiles are easier to transport and launch. The KN-23 can perform low-altitude maneuvers, making them harder to intercept. North Korea has also begun launching KN-23 variants from a submarine, as it did in October, and from trains, as it did in September and again this month.

In its most recent test, North Korea fired a pair of solid-fuel missiles from a mobile launcher vehicle. When the North first launched such a pair in 2019, there was a 16-minute interval between the two missiles fired.

That gap was reduced to four minutes in the recent test, indicating that the military has improved its ability to fire multiple missiles and hide them from counterattacks by the United States and South Korea.

“North Korea hopes that if it continues to demonstrate its nuclear capabilities but confines them to the Korean Peninsula, it will not aggravate public opinion in the United States and will strengthen voices there calling for a compromise,” Cha Du-hyeogn, a principal fellow at the Seoul-based Asan Institute for Policy Studies, wrote in a recent paper.

For that strategy to work, Kim will need continued help from China in resisting any new international sanctions. North Korea’s economic challenges were deepened two years ago when it shut its border with China to fight the pandemic. This month, Beijing confirmed that “through friendly consultations,” China and North Korea reopened their border for freight trains.

“This timing suggests Beijing is more than complicit with Pyongyang’s provocations,” said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. “China is supporting North Korea economically and coordinating with it militarily.”

North Korea began the new year by convening a meeting for the ruling Workers’ Party during which very little was said about the United States. That ominous silence didn’t last long.

North Korea began the new year by convening a meeting for the ruling Workers’ Party during which very little was said about the United States. That ominous silence didn’t last long. Kim Jong Un, the country’s ruler, has launched six ballistic missiles in four weapons tests since Jan. 5, almost as many missiles in one month as North Korea launched in all of last year. On Tuesday, the South Korean military confirmed that the North had fired two cruise missiles in its fifth test of 2022. The message was clear: The North Korean leader feels he is being ignored and wants to push the Biden administration to reengage and pay attention to his economically ailing nation. Individually, the tests may not amount to much — they involved missiles that have already been tested or weapons that are still under development. But taken together, they signal that Kim plans to use 2022 to jolt the Biden administration out of its diplomatic slumber. Kim needs Washington to engage with him on economic concessions so that he can fix his country’s devastated economy. Over the years, he has learned that the best way to grab the attention of a U.S. president is with weapons. And that the best time to do it is when the world can least afford the instability. According to that playbook, 2022 looks like a promising year. China is busy preparing for the Beijing Olympics next month. South Korea elects a new president in March. Russia has hinted at a potential invasion of Ukraine, keeping the Biden administration on tenterhooks. During a Politburo meeting last Wednesday, Kim suggested that his government might once again begin testing long-range missiles and nuclear devices after suspending such tests before his 2018 summit meeting with President Donald Trump. “2022 calls for continued saber-rattling, punctuated by some major missile tests,” said Lee Sung-yoon, a North Korea expert at the Fletcher School at Tufts University. “Kim’s goal is to routinize short-range ballistic missile flights as a fact of life without any repercussions, after which he will move on to bigger provocations by resuming intermediate- and long-range missile tests punctuated by a nuclear test, as he did in 2017.” That year, North Korea tested what it called a hydrogen bomb and also launched three intercontinental ballistic missiles. It was also the year Trump took office after a vicious campaign in the United States. South Korea had just impeached its president. Wednesday was the second time Kim threatened to lift the moratorium on long-range missile and nuclear tests. After his diplomacy with Trump ended without an agreement in 2019, he said he no longer felt bound by the commitment. But he did not follow through with any such tests, and his country was soon plunged into the chaos of the coronavirus pandemic. This year also marks the beginning of Kim’s second decade in power, and a chance for him to reassert his authority. Ever since taking over, he has focused on building the country’s arsenal to validate his family’s dynastic rule, calling his nuclear weapons a “treasured sword” that protects North Korea against foreign invasion. During the meeting Wednesday, he urged North Koreans to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the birth of his father and predecessor, Kim Jong Il, in February, as well as the 110th birthday of his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, in April. Under his father and grandfather, North Korea had seemed open to shelving its nuclear ambitions. But those hopes have dissipated under Kim, who has rapidly expanded the country’s nuclear program, even as the United Nations piled on sanctions. Though Kim has often been depicted abroad as a leader potentially capable of opening up his isolated country for the sake of economic development, his nuclear weapons are, as North Korea has put it, “not a bargaining chip.” Rather, the country sees them as tools to bring Washington to the negotiating table. And by that logic, the more powerful the arsenal, the more leverage Kim has. Even when he vowed to focus on economic development in 2013, Kim stuck to his “parallel” goal of strengthening his nuclear force. The country has conducted more than 130 missile tests under him, compared with a total of 16 tests under his father and 15 under his grandfather. The last four of the North’s six nuclear tests all took place under his watch. “By advancing its nuclear capabilities and weapons systems, North Korea is showing the United States and South Korea that the more time passes, the bigger the price will become that they have to pay,” Choi Yong-hwan, an analyst at the Institute for National Security Strategy in Seoul, wrote in a recent policy paper. Yet try as it may to flex its power, North Korea appears to be low on the Biden administration’s list of international priorities. Washington has taken no steps to entice Kim, except to propose talks “without preconditions,” a lukewarm entreaty that North Korea has rebuffed. But it has not resumed tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles. Instead, North Korea has focused on testing missiles that can carry what it calls “smaller, lighter and tactical” nuclear weapons. These kinds of weapons do not pose a direct threat to the United States, but they could boost Kim’s leverage with Washington by placing American allies such as South Korea and Japan under nuclear threat. In North Korea’s first two tests this month, the country launched short-range ballistic missiles with what it called “hypersonic gliding vehicles,” detachable warheads that make the weapons harder to intercept because they not only fly extremely fast but also change course during flight. In a Jan. 13 test, North Korea launched the KN-23, one of three new solid-fuel ballistic missiles the North has been testing since 2019. Solid-fuel missiles are easier to transport and launch. The KN-23 can perform low-altitude maneuvers, making them harder to intercept. North Korea has also begun launching KN-23 variants from a submarine, as it did in October, and from trains, as it did in September and again this month. In its most recent test, North Korea fired a pair of solid-fuel missiles from a mobile launcher vehicle. When the North first launched such a pair in 2019, there was a 16-minute interval between the two missiles fired. That gap was reduced to four minutes in the recent test, indicating that the military has improved its ability to fire multiple missiles and hide them from counterattacks by the United States and South Korea. “North Korea hopes that if it continues to demonstrate its nuclear capabilities but confines them to the Korean Peninsula, it will not aggravate public opinion in the United States and will strengthen voices there calling for a compromise,” Cha Du-hyeogn, a principal fellow at the Seoul-based Asan Institute for Policy Studies, wrote in a recent paper. For that strategy to work, Kim will need continued help from China in resisting any new international sanctions. North Korea’s economic challenges were deepened two years ago when it shut its border with China to fight the pandemic. This month, Beijing confirmed that “through friendly consultations,” China and North Korea reopened their border for freight trains. “This timing suggests Beijing is more than complicit with Pyongyang’s provocations,” said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. “China is supporting North Korea economically and coordinating with it militarily.”

Why is North Korea suddenly launching so many missiles?

In a preliminary deal signed recently, South Korea will sell mid-range surface-to-air missiles to the UAE. It seems to be a step further towards deepening of defence cooperation between the two nations. &nbsp;

The deal was inked after South Korean President Moon Jae-in held talks with UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Dubai earlier on Sunday, reported Yonhap news agency, quoting the presidential office as saying. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-conducts-fourth-test-fires-missile-from-pyongyang-airport-says-south-korea-445282" hreflang="en">North Korea conducts fourth test, fires missile from Pyongyang airport, says South Korea</a>

Although the media reports indicated that the deal was worth $3.5 billion, the details of the memorandum of understanding were not shared immediately by the office. &nbsp;

During the talks, Moon and the UAE PM also discussed ways to expand cooperation in space, infrastructure and efforts to tackle climate change. The two leaders also discussed Korea's bid to host the Expo in 2030.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-upgrade-its-military-philippines-will-buy-32-new-black-hawk-helicopters-445223" hreflang="en">To upgrade its military, Philippines will buy 32 new Black Hawk helicopters</a> &nbsp;

The M-SAM system, which is also called Cheongung II, is a core element in multi-layered anti-missile programme of South Korea. Cheongung means heaven's bow in Korean language. &nbsp;

The missile employs "hit-to-kill" technology and has been designed to intercept hostile missiles coming in at altitudes below 40 km. &nbsp;

Moon is in Dubai for a three-day visit as part of his week-long trip to the Middle East. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a preliminary deal signed recently, South Korea will sell mid-range surface-to-air missiles to the UAE. It seems to be a step further towards deepening of defence cooperation between the two nations.

In a preliminary deal signed recently, South Korea will sell mid-range surface-to-air missiles to the UAE. It seems to be a step further towards deepening of defence cooperation between the two nations. The deal was inked after South Korean President Moon Jae-in held talks with UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Dubai earlier on Sunday, reported Yonhap news agency, quoting the presidential office as saying. Also Read: North Korea conducts fourth test, fires missile from Pyongyang airport, says South Korea Although the media reports indicated that the deal was worth $3.5 billion, the details of the memorandum of understanding were not shared immediately by the office. During the talks, Moon and the UAE PM also discussed ways to expand cooperation in space, infrastructure and efforts to tackle climate change. The two leaders also discussed Korea's bid to host the Expo in 2030. Also Read: To upgrade its military, Philippines will buy 32 new Black Hawk helicopters The M-SAM system, which is also called Cheongung II, is a core element in multi-layered anti-missile programme of South Korea. Cheongung means heaven's bow in Korean language. The missile employs "hit-to-kill" technology and has been designed to intercept hostile missiles coming in at altitudes below 40 km. Moon is in Dubai for a three-day visit as part of his week-long trip to the Middle East. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea inks deal with UAE to sell mid-range surface-to-air missiles

South Korea's military&nbsp;reported that North Korea has fired another projectile into the ocean off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula—the fourth test this month—from an airport in its capital city of Pyongyang on Monday (January 17).&nbsp;

Besides South Korea, Japan's government also reported the launch as chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno condemned the recent launches. He said that the region's peace and security are at risk.&nbsp;

The projectile is believed to be two short-range ballistic missiles.

After the test, the Japanese Prime Minister's office said in a tweet that North Korea launched a missile and&nbsp;take all possible measures for precaution, including readiness for contingencies.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-bans-account-linked-to-irans-leader-over-video-mocking-trump-445196">Twitter bans account linked to Iran's leader over video mocking Trump</a>

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1. Dedicate maximum effort to gather and analyze information, and provide the public speedy and adequate information. 
2. Ensure the safety of aircraft, vessels, and other assets.
— PM's Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPN_PMO/status/1482878261239873536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff&nbsp;(JCS) said in a statement sent to reporters that Monday's launch appeared to involve two SRBMs fired east from Sunan Airfield in Pyongyang, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

North Korea had used the airport to test fire the Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) in 2017, the report added.&nbsp;

Japan's coastguard also detected the launch of "a possible ballistic missile", a spokesman told AFP.

Recent missile test launches by North Korea have been condemned by the West, especially the United States. President Joe Biden's administration imposed its first new sanctions on Pyongyang on Wednesday.&nbsp;

North Korea has conducted three other missile tests in less than two weeks. Two of those involved single "hypersonic missiles" capable of high speeds and manoeuvring after launch.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-aafia-siddiqui-the-pak-prisoner-at-the-centre-of-texas-hostage-situation-445233">Who is Aafia Siddiqui, the Pak prisoner at the centre of Texas hostage situation?</a>

On January 14, it conducted a third test - reportedly&nbsp;a pair of short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) fired from train cars.&nbsp;

North Korea has defended the missile tests as its sovereign right to self-defence and accused the United States of intentionally escalating the situation with new sanctions.

Reportes have also claimed that&nbsp;North Korean leader Kim Jong Un&nbsp;wants to further expand a nuclear arsenal he clearly sees as his strongest guarantee of survival.&nbsp;

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South Korea's military reported that North Korea has fired another projectile into the ocean off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula—the fourth test this month—from an airport in its capital city of Pyongyang on Monday (January 17).

South Korea's military reported that North Korea has fired another projectile into the ocean off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula—the fourth test this month—from an airport in its capital city of Pyongyang on Monday (January 17). Besides South Korea, Japan's government also reported the launch as chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno condemned the recent launches. He said that the region's peace and security are at risk. The projectile is believed to be two short-range ballistic missiles. After the test, the Japanese Prime Minister's office said in a tweet that North Korea launched a missile and take all possible measures for precaution, including readiness for contingencies. ALSO READ | Twitter bans account linked to Iran's leader over video mocking Trump Instructions by the Prime Minister in Response to the Missile Launch by North Korea (08:54) 1. Dedicate maximum effort to gather and analyze information, and provide the public speedy and adequate information. 2. Ensure the safety of aircraft, vessels, and other assets. — PM's Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) January 17, 2022 × South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement sent to reporters that Monday's launch appeared to involve two SRBMs fired east from Sunan Airfield in Pyongyang, Reuters reported. North Korea had used the airport to test fire the Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) in 2017, the report added. Japan's coastguard also detected the launch of "a possible ballistic missile", a spokesman told AFP. Recent missile test launches by North Korea have been condemned by the West, especially the United States. President Joe Biden's administration imposed its first new sanctions on Pyongyang on Wednesday. North Korea has conducted three other missile tests in less than two weeks. Two of those involved single "hypersonic missiles" capable of high speeds and manoeuvring after launch. ALSO READ | Who is Aafia Siddiqui, the Pak prisoner at the centre of Texas hostage situation? On January 14, it conducted a third test - reportedly a pair of short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) fired from train cars. North Korea has defended the missile tests as its sovereign right to self-defence and accused the United States of intentionally escalating the situation with new sanctions. Reportes have also claimed that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un wants to further expand a nuclear arsenal he clearly sees as his strongest guarantee of survival. ×

North Korea conducts fourth test, fires missile from Pyongyang airport, says South Korea

The job market bounces back to pre-pandemic levels as South Korea records the largest job growth in 7 years.

South Korea records largest job growth in 7 years

A cold war-era hashtag against communism is going viral in South Korea. Conservative leaders are using it to call for abandoning ties with China. Palki Sharma tells you what’s stopping Seoul.

Gravitas: Anti-Communism hashtag goes viral in South Korea

Antitrust authority of the European Union will block shipbuilding merger of South Korean companies Daewoo and Hyundai due to concerns that the deal may restrict supply of cargo vessels. The possibility of the veto was reported by AFP citing sources.

The veto of the tie-up comes two years after Brussels stopped India's Tata Steel and Germany's Thyssenkrupp from merging, and three years after it blocked the merger of the train businesses of Siemens and Alstom, angering France and Germany.

After more than two years of procedure, an unusually long time for this kind of case, the EU commission will announce "in the next few days" its veto to the operation, said a source, confirming a report in the Financial Times.

Of particular concern is the deal's fallout on the construction of ships transporting liquefied natural gas, especially at a time when high energy prices are an acute concern in Europe.

The takeover of Daewoo Shipbuilding &amp; Marine Engineering by rival Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings would create a group controlling nearly two-thirds of the global LNG cargo ship market, the source said.

But the price of cargo shipping more generally has exploded in recent months due to the shock to the global chain caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The commission and the two companies "have explored all possible remedies to the competition concerns raised in considerable detail", without success, said a second source for whom the rejection of the operation is "beyond doubt".&nbsp;

The deadline for the decision was set for January 20, after several extensions.

(With inputs from agencies)

Antitrust authority of the European Union will block shipbuilding merger of South Korean companies Daewoo and Hyundai due to concerns that the deal may restrict supply of cargo vessels.

Antitrust authority of the European Union will block shipbuilding merger of South Korean companies Daewoo and Hyundai due to concerns that the deal may restrict supply of cargo vessels. The possibility of the veto was reported by AFP citing sources. The veto of the tie-up comes two years after Brussels stopped India's Tata Steel and Germany's Thyssenkrupp from merging, and three years after it blocked the merger of the train businesses of Siemens and Alstom, angering France and Germany. After more than two years of procedure, an unusually long time for this kind of case, the EU commission will announce "in the next few days" its veto to the operation, said a source, confirming a report in the Financial Times. Of particular concern is the deal's fallout on the construction of ships transporting liquefied natural gas, especially at a time when high energy prices are an acute concern in Europe. The takeover of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering by rival Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings would create a group controlling nearly two-thirds of the global LNG cargo ship market, the source said. But the price of cargo shipping more generally has exploded in recent months due to the shock to the global chain caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The commission and the two companies "have explored all possible remedies to the competition concerns raised in considerable detail", without success, said a second source for whom the rejection of the operation is "beyond doubt". The deadline for the decision was set for January 20, after several extensions. (With inputs from agencies)

European Union to block South Korean shipbuilding mega-merger

India and South Korea held trade talks on Tuesday, led by Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal & his South Korean counterpart Han-koo Yeo.

India holds talks with South Korea to bridge high trade deficit

India and South Korea are holding bilateral trade talks today and, the union minister of commerce and industry Piyush Goyal, and the Korean minister for trade will discuss bilateral trade-related issues.

India and South Kora hold trade talks, on the agenda - trade deficit, market access

Calling North Korea's claim of recently launched hypersonic missile an exaggeration, South Korea said on Friday that it was a normal ballistic missile, which could be intercepted. &nbsp;

Although South Korea has avoided to dispute such weapons tests by North in the past, it chose to change the course this time. The move will surely attract sharp reaction from Pyongyang. &nbsp;

The Defence Ministry of South Korea has said that it believes North Korea hasn't acquired the technologies needed to launch a hypersonic weapon. &nbsp;

In a report, it said that North Korea seems to have fired a type of ballistic missile on Wednesday, which was displayed in October during a weapons exhibition in Pyongyang. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-graffiti-abusing-kim-jong-un-appears-north-korea-checks-handwritings-to-nab-writer-442877" hreflang="en">After graffiti abusing Kim Jong Un appears, North Korea checks handwritings to nab writer</a>

It also said that South Korean and US forces could shoot it down. &nbsp;

North Korea's claim that the weapon had flown 700 kilometres and maneuvered laterally appeared to be an exaggeration, the ministry said. &nbsp;

The claim seems to have been aimed at boosting confidence of domestic audience in its missile programme, the officials said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bald-attempt-to-win-votes-south-korean-prez-candidate-calls-for-hair-treatments-inclusion-in-health-cover-442822" hreflang="en">'Bald attempt' to win votes? South Korean prez candidate calls for hair treatment's inclusion in health cover</a>

The launch on Wednesday was the country’s second claimed hypersonic missile test. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to its state media, the missile made a 120-kilometre lateral movement before precisely hitting a target around 700 kilometres away. The test had confirmed the weapon's flight control and stability. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Calling North Korea's claim of recently launched hypersonic missile an exaggeration, South Korea said on Friday that it was a normal ballistic missile, which could be intercepted.

Calling North Korea's claim of recently launched hypersonic missile an exaggeration, South Korea said on Friday that it was a normal ballistic missile, which could be intercepted. Although South Korea has avoided to dispute such weapons tests by North in the past, it chose to change the course this time. The move will surely attract sharp reaction from Pyongyang. The Defence Ministry of South Korea has said that it believes North Korea hasn't acquired the technologies needed to launch a hypersonic weapon. In a report, it said that North Korea seems to have fired a type of ballistic missile on Wednesday, which was displayed in October during a weapons exhibition in Pyongyang. Also Read: After graffiti abusing Kim Jong Un appears, North Korea checks handwritings to nab writer It also said that South Korean and US forces could shoot it down. North Korea's claim that the weapon had flown 700 kilometres and maneuvered laterally appeared to be an exaggeration, the ministry said. The claim seems to have been aimed at boosting confidence of domestic audience in its missile programme, the officials said. Also Read: 'Bald attempt' to win votes? South Korean prez candidate calls for hair treatment's inclusion in health cover The launch on Wednesday was the country’s second claimed hypersonic missile test. According to its state media, the missile made a 120-kilometre lateral movement before precisely hitting a target around 700 kilometres away. The test had confirmed the weapon's flight control and stability. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea calls North’s recent hypersonic missile launch claim an 'exaggeration'

A proposal by South Korean presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung of allowing public healthcare insurance to cover hair loss treatment has received mixed reactions.

Fanning both cheers from some voters and criticism over his populist agenda, it has ignited a hairy debate in the country.

Lee Jae-myung, the flag bearer of the Democratic Party, made that pledge, saying almost 10 million people suffer from hair loss but many of them order medicines from overseas or resort to prostate drugs as an alternative due to high treatment costs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-calls-norths-recent-hypersonic-missile-launch-claim-an-exaggeration-443060" hreflang="en">South Korea calls North’s recent hypersonic missile launch claim an 'exaggeration'</a>

Since his proposal was disclosed earlier this week, hair loss has emerged as a hot-button topic ahead of March’s presidential vote in South Korea, where previous elections have focused on North Korea’s nuclear program, relations with the US, scandals, and economic problems.

Lee Jae-myung isn’t bald. But he is enjoying the support of many bald voters over his push for government payments for hair loss treatments.

Online communities for bald people are flooded with messages supporting his proposal.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-launch-china-urges-caution-japan-calls-it-regrettable-442436" hreflang="en">North Korean launch: China urges caution, Japan calls it regrettable</a>

"Let's implant Lee Jae-myung for us," a user wrote, replying to a post of Lee's slogans on hair loss uploaded in an online hair loss community.

There is also strong criticism that it’s just a populism-driven campaign pledge by Lee, the governing party candidate, to win votes.

Lee Sang-ee, a professor at Jeju National University's medical school, said the national health insurance might falter if it spends hundreds of billions of won to cover hair loss, when it is designed to help those suffering from serious ailments.

Currently, hair loss related to aging and hereditary factors is not covered by the government-run insurance program. Hair loss treatments are only supported if the loss is caused by certain diseases.

(With inputs from agencies)

A proposal by South Korean presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung of allowing public healthcare insurance to cover hair loss treatment has received mixed reactions.

A proposal by South Korean presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung of allowing public healthcare insurance to cover hair loss treatment has received mixed reactions. Fanning both cheers from some voters and criticism over his populist agenda, it has ignited a hairy debate in the country. Lee Jae-myung, the flag bearer of the Democratic Party, made that pledge, saying almost 10 million people suffer from hair loss but many of them order medicines from overseas or resort to prostate drugs as an alternative due to high treatment costs. Also read | South Korea calls North’s recent hypersonic missile launch claim an 'exaggeration' Since his proposal was disclosed earlier this week, hair loss has emerged as a hot-button topic ahead of March’s presidential vote in South Korea, where previous elections have focused on North Korea’s nuclear program, relations with the US, scandals, and economic problems. Lee Jae-myung isn’t bald. But he is enjoying the support of many bald voters over his push for government payments for hair loss treatments. Online communities for bald people are flooded with messages supporting his proposal. Also Read: North Korean launch: China urges caution, Japan calls it regrettable "Let's implant Lee Jae-myung for us," a user wrote, replying to a post of Lee's slogans on hair loss uploaded in an online hair loss community. There is also strong criticism that it’s just a populism-driven campaign pledge by Lee, the governing party candidate, to win votes. Lee Sang-ee, a professor at Jeju National University's medical school, said the national health insurance might falter if it spends hundreds of billions of won to cover hair loss, when it is designed to help those suffering from serious ailments. Currently, hair loss related to aging and hereditary factors is not covered by the government-run insurance program. Hair loss treatments are only supported if the loss is caused by certain diseases. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea divided over candidate's proposal of allowing health insurance to cover hair loss

People suffering hair loss in South Korea may have a reason to cheer soon. If the ruling party’s presidential candidate comes to power, they may get an ‘uplift’. &nbsp;

No, we are not kidding, the election hopeful Lee Jae-myung has proposed this week that the hair treatment should get included in the country’s public healthcare insurance cover. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-strengthen-ties-us-japan-look-to-ink-crucial-defence-pacts-soon-442795" hreflang="en">To strengthen ties, US, Japan look to ink crucial defence pacts soon</a>

Over the proposal, a fierce debate has started in the nation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Although the idea has got a flurry of messages in support on online communities for people suffering with hair loss, it has also attracted accusations that it is just an attempt to win votes. &nbsp;

Lee, who belongs to the Democratic party, said around 10 million people suffer from hair loss but several order medicines from overseas or go for prostate drugs as an alternative as the treatment is too costly. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-launch-china-urges-caution-japan-calls-it-regrettable-442436" hreflang="en">North Korean launch: China urges caution, Japan calls it regrettable</a>

The presidential candidate told reporters on Wednesday that hair regrowth treatments should be covered under the national health insurance programme. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“Please, let us know what has been inconvenient for you over hair-loss treatments and what must be reflected in policies. I’ll present a perfect policy on hair-loss treatment,” he wrote on Facebook. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In support of his proposal, numerous messages came in. It has also attracted criticism as the opposition is calling it the latest item on populist agenda of Lee. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

People suffering hair loss in South Korea may have a reason to cheer soon. If the ruling party’s presidential candidate comes to power, they may get an ‘uplift’.

People suffering hair loss in South Korea may have a reason to cheer soon. If the ruling party’s presidential candidate comes to power, they may get an ‘uplift’. No, we are not kidding, the election hopeful Lee Jae-myung has proposed this week that the hair treatment should get included in the country’s public healthcare insurance cover. Also Read: To strengthen ties, US, Japan look to ink crucial defence pacts soon Over the proposal, a fierce debate has started in the nation. Although the idea has got a flurry of messages in support on online communities for people suffering with hair loss, it has also attracted accusations that it is just an attempt to win votes. Lee, who belongs to the Democratic party, said around 10 million people suffer from hair loss but several order medicines from overseas or go for prostate drugs as an alternative as the treatment is too costly. Also Read: North Korean launch: China urges caution, Japan calls it regrettable The presidential candidate told reporters on Wednesday that hair regrowth treatments should be covered under the national health insurance programme. “Please, let us know what has been inconvenient for you over hair-loss treatments and what must be reflected in policies. I’ll present a perfect policy on hair-loss treatment,” he wrote on Facebook. In support of his proposal, numerous messages came in. It has also attracted criticism as the opposition is calling it the latest item on populist agenda of Lee. (With inputs from agencies)

'Bald attempt' to win votes? South Korean prez candidate calls for hair treatment's inclusion in health cover

North Korea fired a projectile presumed to be a missile at 8:10 am (2310 GMT). The suspected ballistic missile was fired from inland location over the east coast and into the sea. The first such launch by the Kim Jong-Un regime from October is being seen as the country's resolve to bolster the military to counter an unstable international situation. The latest launch is eliciting reactions from countries

South Korea

South Korean President Moon Jae-In called for dialogue between the two countries. He acknowledged that the launch raised concerns of tensions and damage to inter-Korean relations, and called for North Korea to make sincere efforts for dialogue.

China

China's foreign ministry urged caution and dialogue&nbsp;

Speaking at a regular news conference in Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin urged all parties to "bear in mind the bigger picture", cherish the "hard won" peace and stability on the peninsula and stick to the use of dialogue and consultation to reach political settlement.

Japan

Japanese government leaders condemned North Korea over its suspected missile launch toward the Sea of Japan.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio told reporters that it is regrettable that such action has occurred repeatedly since last year.

He said the government will further reinforce its surveillance of the situation.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-launches-unidentified-projectile-into-the-sea-442293">North Korea launches unidentified projectile into the sea</a>

Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo said the object is estimated to have flown around 500 kilometers and dropped into the sea outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.

He said there have been no reports of damage to Japanese aircraft and ships.

Kishi added that Japan has been coordinating closely with countries such as the United States and South Korea to protect people's lives.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

North Korea fired a projectile presumed to be a missile at 8:10 am (2310 GMT). The suspected ballistic missile was fired from inland location over the east coast and into the sea.

North Korea fired a projectile presumed to be a missile at 8:10 am (2310 GMT). The suspected ballistic missile was fired from inland location over the east coast and into the sea. The first such launch by the Kim Jong-Un regime from October is being seen as the country's resolve to bolster the military to counter an unstable international situation. The latest launch is eliciting reactions from countries South Korea South Korean President Moon Jae-In called for dialogue between the two countries. He acknowledged that the launch raised concerns of tensions and damage to inter-Korean relations, and called for North Korea to make sincere efforts for dialogue. China China's foreign ministry urged caution and dialogue Speaking at a regular news conference in Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin urged all parties to "bear in mind the bigger picture", cherish the "hard won" peace and stability on the peninsula and stick to the use of dialogue and consultation to reach political settlement. Japan Japanese government leaders condemned North Korea over its suspected missile launch toward the Sea of Japan. Prime Minister Kishida Fumio told reporters that it is regrettable that such action has occurred repeatedly since last year. He said the government will further reinforce its surveillance of the situation. Also Read | North Korea launches unidentified projectile into the sea Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo said the object is estimated to have flown around 500 kilometers and dropped into the sea outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. He said there have been no reports of damage to Japanese aircraft and ships. Kishi added that Japan has been coordinating closely with countries such as the United States and South Korea to protect people's lives. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korean launch: China urges caution, Japan calls it regrettable

Thanks to solid demand for server memory chips and higher margins in contract manufacturing, South Korea's Samsung Electronics is likely to post a record fourth-quarter profit.

South Korea's Samsung Electronics is likely to post a record fourth-quarter profit

Japan and South Korea said on Wednesday that North Korea had launched a suspected ballistic missile that landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.

North Korea's 1st missile test of 2022, fires ballistic missile off east coast | Key details

On New Year's Day, a defector crossed the Korean DMZ into North Korea. Seoul claims he was a North Korean who has returned back to his country. Palki Sharma tells you how this raises questions on South Korea's security posture.

Gravitas: North Korean defects back to North Korea

The person&nbsp;who entered North Korea on New Year's Day in a rare crossing of the heavily fortified border from the South is believed to be a defector from the North, the defence ministry in Seoul said Monday (January 3).&nbsp;

A defence ministry official said that the man in question is believed to be someone who came from North Korea in 2020 - also by breaching the border.&nbsp;

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) informed that they had launched a search operation after their surveillance equipment detected that an unidentified person was moving into North Korean territory across the eastern portion of the border on Saturday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-third-news-company-shutters-amid-chinese-crackdown-on-dissent-441939">Hong Kong: Third news company shutters amid Chinese crackdown on dissent</a>

The Ministry of National Defense said in a statement: "The authorities presume the person is a North Korean defector and are in the process of verifying related facts." &nbsp;

As per a Reuters report, a ministry official later said that they believe the man, who is in his 30s, came to the South in November 2020.

"Footage showed he had an identical look and dress as the person who defected from the North in 2020," the official said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-defense-academy-hit-by-cyber-attack-significant-damage-caused-441960">UK’s Defense Academy hit by cyber attack; 'significant' damage caused</a>

Local media outlets have reported that the man had experience as a gymnast that helped him scale the fences, however, there is no official statement or confirmation on the same.&nbsp;

As per the official, North Korea has not provided details about the breach but has acknowledged the South's messages on inter-Korean hotlines about the incident.&nbsp;

It is also important to note that the investigators are seeking to determine whether North Korean troops were involved in any way but so far, there is no information that can tell that the South Korean government is thinking it is a case of espionage.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

The person who entered North Korea on New Year's Day in a rare crossing of the heavily fortified border from the South is believed to be a defector from the North, the defence ministry in Seoul said Monday (January 3).

The person who entered North Korea on New Year's Day in a rare crossing of the heavily fortified border from the South is believed to be a defector from the North, the defence ministry in Seoul said Monday (January 3). A defence ministry official said that the man in question is believed to be someone who came from North Korea in 2020 - also by breaching the border. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) informed that they had launched a search operation after their surveillance equipment detected that an unidentified person was moving into North Korean territory across the eastern portion of the border on Saturday. ALSO READ | Hong Kong: Third news company shutters amid Chinese crackdown on dissent The Ministry of National Defense said in a statement: "The authorities presume the person is a North Korean defector and are in the process of verifying related facts." As per a Reuters report, a ministry official later said that they believe the man, who is in his 30s, came to the South in November 2020. "Footage showed he had an identical look and dress as the person who defected from the North in 2020," the official said. ALSO READ | UK’s Defense Academy hit by cyber attack; 'significant' damage caused Local media outlets have reported that the man had experience as a gymnast that helped him scale the fences, however, there is no official statement or confirmation on the same. As per the official, North Korea has not provided details about the breach but has acknowledged the South's messages on inter-Korean hotlines about the incident. It is also important to note that the investigators are seeking to determine whether North Korean troops were involved in any way but so far, there is no information that can tell that the South Korean government is thinking it is a case of espionage. × (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea says man who crossed DMZ was previous defector from North Korea

What is your idea of a new year's celebration? For most people around the world, the best way to ring in the new year is dining dancing, and partying with friends, but in a zoo in South Korea, five new tiger cubs stole the show.

New Year party with new Siberian tiger cubs at a zoo in South Korea

Authorities in Seoul have now claimed that the person who crossed the heavily fortified border last week is presumed to be a North Korean who had previously defected to the south. The rare defection was confirmed by South Korea's joint chief of staff after they carried out a search operation for the South Korean in the heavily fortified region.

Man who crossed into North Korea ‘defected to South in 2020,’ South Korea conducts search ops

In a zoo in South Korea, five Siberian tiger cubs stole the show. These tiger cubs were introduced to the general public for the first time after their birth. Our next report has more details.

Five Siberian tiger cubs introduced to public for the first time in South Korea

In one of the most rare incidents, a South Korean man crossed a fortified DMZ, in a bid to defect to North Korea.

In a rare incident, a South Korean man defects to North Korea by crossing fortified DMZ

They have shown up whenever women rallied against sexual violence and gender biases in South Korea. Dozens of young men, mostly dressed in black, taunted the protesters, squealing and chanting, “Thud! Thud!” to imitate the noise they said the “ugly feminist pigs” made when they walked.

“Out with man haters!” they shouted. “Feminism is a mental illness!”

On the streets, such rallies would be easy to dismiss as the extreme rhetoric of a fringe group. But the anti-feminist sentiments are being amplified online, finding a vast audience that is increasingly imposing its agenda on South Korean society and politics.

These male activists have targeted anything that smacks of feminism, forcing a university to cancel a lecture by a woman they accused of spreading misandry. They have vilified prominent women, criticizing An San, a three-time gold medalist in the Tokyo Olympics, for her short haircut.

They have threatened businesses with boycotts, prompting companies to pull advertisements with the image of pinching fingers they said ridiculed the size of male genitalia. And they have taken aim at the government for promoting a feminist agenda, eliciting promises from rival presidential candidates to reform the country’s 20-year-old Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.

South Korea is reckoning with a new type of political correctness enforced by angry young men who bristle at any forces they see as undermining opportunity — and feminists, in their mind, are enemy No. 1. Inequality is one of the most delicate issues in South Korea, a nation with deepening economic uncertainty, fed by runaway housing prices, a lack of jobs and a widening income gap.

“We don’t hate women, and we don’t oppose elevating their rights,” said Bae In-kyu, 31, the head of Man on Solidarity, one of the country’s most active anti-feminist groups. “But feminists are a social evil.”

The group spearheads the street rallies and runs a YouTube channel with 450,000 subscribers. To its members, feminists equal man haters.

Its motto once read, “Till the day all feminists are exterminated!”

The backlash against feminism in South Korea may seem bewildering.

South Korea has the highest gender wage gap among the wealthy countries. Less than one-fifth of its national lawmakers are women. Women make up only 5.2% of the board members of publicly listed businesses, compared with 28% in the United States.

And yet, most young men in the country argue that it is men, not women, in South Korea who feel threatened and marginalized. Among South Korean men in their 20s, nearly 79% said they were victims of serious gender discrimination, according to a poll in May.

“There is a culture of misogyny in male-dominant online communities, depicting feminists as radical misandrists and spreading fear of feminists,” said Kim Ju-hee, 26, a nurse who has organized protests denouncing anti-feminists.

The wave of anti-feminism in South Korea shares many of the incendiary taglines with right-wing populist movements in the West that peddle such messages. Women who argue for abortion rights are labeled “destroyers of family.” Feminists are not champions of gender equality, but “female supremacists.”

In South Korea, “women” and “feminists” are two of the most common targets of online hate speech, according to the country’s National Human Rights Commission.

The backlash represents a split from previous generations.

Older South Korean men acknowledge ​benefiting from a patriarchal culture that​ had​ marginalized women. Decades ago, when South Korea lacked everything from food to cash, sons were more likely to be enrolled in higher education. In some families, women were not allowed to eat from the same table as men and newly born girls were named Mal-ja, or “Last Daughter.” Sex-preference abortions were common.

As the country has grown richer, such practices have become a distant memory. Families now dote on their daughters. More women attend college than men, and opportunities in the government and elsewhere are no longer rare, though a significant glass ceiling persists.

“Men in their 20s are deeply unhappy, considering themselves victims of reverse discrimination, angry that they had to pay the price for gender discriminations created under the earlier generations,” said Oh Jae-ho, a researcher at the Gyeonggi Research Institute in South Korea.

If older men saw women as needing protection, younger men considered them competitors in a cutthroat job market.

Anti-feminists often note that men are put at a disadvantage because they have to delay getting jobs to complete their mandatory military service. But many women drop out of the workforce after giving birth, and much of the domestic duties fall to them.

“What more do you want? We gave you your own space in the subway, bus, parking lot,” the male rapper San E writes in his 2018 song “Feminist,” which has a cult following among young anti-feminists. “Oh girls don’t need a prince! Then pay half for the house when we marry.”

The gender wars have infused the South Korean presidential race, largely seen as a contest for young voters. With the virulent anti-feminist voice surging, no major candidate is speaking out for women’s rights, once such a popular cause that President Moon Jae-in called himself a “feminist” when he campaigned about five years ago.

Yoon Suk-yeol, the candidate of the conservative opposition People Power Party, sided with the anti-feminist movement when he accused the ministry of gender equality of treating men like “potential sex criminals.” He promised harsher penalties for wrongfully accusing men of sex crimes, despite concerns it would discourage women from speaking out.

But Yoon also recruited a prominent 31-year-old leader of a feminist group as a senior campaign adviser last month, a move intended to assuage worries that his party has alienated young female voters.

By law, Moon cannot seek reelection. His Democratic Party’s candidate, Lee Jae-myung, has also tried to appeal to young men, saying: “Just as women should never be discriminated against because of their gender, nor should men suffer discrimination because they are men.”

Lee sees the gender conflict largely as a problem of dwindling job opportunities, comparing young South Koreans to “chicks struggling not to fall off a crowded nest.” “We must make the nest bigger by recovering growth,” he has said.

It is hard to tell how many young men support the kind of extremely provocative​ and often theatrical​ activism championed by groups like Man on Solidarity. Its firebrand leader, Bae, showed up at a recent feminist rally​​ dressed as the Joker from “Batman” comics and toting a toy water gun. He followed female protesters around, pretending to, as he put it, “kill flies.”

Tens of thousands of fans have watched his stunts livestreamed online, sending in cash donations. During one online talk-fest in August, Bae raised 9 million won ($7,580) in three minutes.

Women’s rights advocates fear that the rise of anti-feminism might stymie, or even roll back, the hard-won progress South Korea has made in expanding women’s rights. In recent decades, they fought to legalize abortion and started one of the most powerful #MeToo campaigns in Asia.

Lee Hyo-lin, 29, said that “feminist” has become such a dirty word that women who wear their hair short or carry a novel by a feminist writer risk ostracism. When she was a member of a K-pop group, she said that male colleagues routinely commented on her body, jeering that she “gave up being a woman” when she gained weight.

“The #MeToo problem is part of being a woman in South Korea,” she said. “Now we want to speak out, but they want us to shut up. It’s so frustrating.”

On the other side of the culture war are young men with a litany of grievances — concerns that are endlessly regurgitated by male-dominated forums. They have fixated, in particular, on limited cases of false accusations, as a way to give credence to a broader anti-feminist agenda.

Son Sol-bin, a used-furniture seller, was 29 when his former girlfriend accused him of rape and kidnapping in 2018. Online trolls called for his castration, he said. His mother found closed-circuit TV footage proving the accusations never took place.

“The feminist influence has left the system so biased against men that the police took a woman’s testimony and a mere drop of her tears as enough evidence to land an innocent man in jail,” said Son, who spent eight months in jail before he was cleared. “I think the country has gone crazy.”

As Son fought back tears during a recent anti-feminist rally, other young men chanted: “Be strong! We are with you!”

They have shown up whenever women rallied against sexual violence and gender biases in South Korea. Dozens of young men, mostly dressed in black, taunted the protesters, squealing and chanting, “Thud!

They have shown up whenever women rallied against sexual violence and gender biases in South Korea. Dozens of young men, mostly dressed in black, taunted the protesters, squealing and chanting, “Thud! Thud!” to imitate the noise they said the “ugly feminist pigs” made when they walked. “Out with man haters!” they shouted. “Feminism is a mental illness!” On the streets, such rallies would be easy to dismiss as the extreme rhetoric of a fringe group. But the anti-feminist sentiments are being amplified online, finding a vast audience that is increasingly imposing its agenda on South Korean society and politics. These male activists have targeted anything that smacks of feminism, forcing a university to cancel a lecture by a woman they accused of spreading misandry. They have vilified prominent women, criticizing An San, a three-time gold medalist in the Tokyo Olympics, for her short haircut. They have threatened businesses with boycotts, prompting companies to pull advertisements with the image of pinching fingers they said ridiculed the size of male genitalia. And they have taken aim at the government for promoting a feminist agenda, eliciting promises from rival presidential candidates to reform the country’s 20-year-old Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. South Korea is reckoning with a new type of political correctness enforced by angry young men who bristle at any forces they see as undermining opportunity — and feminists, in their mind, are enemy No. 1. Inequality is one of the most delicate issues in South Korea, a nation with deepening economic uncertainty, fed by runaway housing prices, a lack of jobs and a widening income gap. “We don’t hate women, and we don’t oppose elevating their rights,” said Bae In-kyu, 31, the head of Man on Solidarity, one of the country’s most active anti-feminist groups. “But feminists are a social evil.” The group spearheads the street rallies and runs a YouTube channel with 450,000 subscribers. To its members, feminists equal man haters. Its motto once read, “Till the day all feminists are exterminated!” The backlash against feminism in South Korea may seem bewildering. South Korea has the highest gender wage gap among the wealthy countries. Less than one-fifth of its national lawmakers are women. Women make up only 5.2% of the board members of publicly listed businesses, compared with 28% in the United States. And yet, most young men in the country argue that it is men, not women, in South Korea who feel threatened and marginalized. Among South Korean men in their 20s, nearly 79% said they were victims of serious gender discrimination, according to a poll in May. “There is a culture of misogyny in male-dominant online communities, depicting feminists as radical misandrists and spreading fear of feminists,” said Kim Ju-hee, 26, a nurse who has organized protests denouncing anti-feminists. The wave of anti-feminism in South Korea shares many of the incendiary taglines with right-wing populist movements in the West that peddle such messages. Women who argue for abortion rights are labeled “destroyers of family.” Feminists are not champions of gender equality, but “female supremacists.” In South Korea, “women” and “feminists” are two of the most common targets of online hate speech, according to the country’s National Human Rights Commission. The backlash represents a split from previous generations. Older South Korean men acknowledge benefiting from a patriarchal culture that had marginalized women. Decades ago, when South Korea lacked everything from food to cash, sons were more likely to be enrolled in higher education. In some families, women were not allowed to eat from the same table as men and newly born girls were named Mal-ja, or “Last Daughter.” Sex-preference abortions were common. As the country has grown richer, such practices have become a distant memory. Families now dote on their daughters. More women attend college than men, and opportunities in the government and elsewhere are no longer rare, though a significant glass ceiling persists. “Men in their 20s are deeply unhappy, considering themselves victims of reverse discrimination, angry that they had to pay the price for gender discriminations created under the earlier generations,” said Oh Jae-ho, a researcher at the Gyeonggi Research Institute in South Korea. If older men saw women as needing protection, younger men considered them competitors in a cutthroat job market. Anti-feminists often note that men are put at a disadvantage because they have to delay getting jobs to complete their mandatory military service. But many women drop out of the workforce after giving birth, and much of the domestic duties fall to them. “What more do you want? We gave you your own space in the subway, bus, parking lot,” the male rapper San E writes in his 2018 song “Feminist,” which has a cult following among young anti-feminists. “Oh girls don’t need a prince! Then pay half for the house when we marry.” The gender wars have infused the South Korean presidential race, largely seen as a contest for young voters. With the virulent anti-feminist voice surging, no major candidate is speaking out for women’s rights, once such a popular cause that President Moon Jae-in called himself a “feminist” when he campaigned about five years ago. Yoon Suk-yeol, the candidate of the conservative opposition People Power Party, sided with the anti-feminist movement when he accused the ministry of gender equality of treating men like “potential sex criminals.” He promised harsher penalties for wrongfully accusing men of sex crimes, despite concerns it would discourage women from speaking out. But Yoon also recruited a prominent 31-year-old leader of a feminist group as a senior campaign adviser last month, a move intended to assuage worries that his party has alienated young female voters. By law, Moon cannot seek reelection. His Democratic Party’s candidate, Lee Jae-myung, has also tried to appeal to young men, saying: “Just as women should never be discriminated against because of their gender, nor should men suffer discrimination because they are men.” Lee sees the gender conflict largely as a problem of dwindling job opportunities, comparing young South Koreans to “chicks struggling not to fall off a crowded nest.” “We must make the nest bigger by recovering growth,” he has said. It is hard to tell how many young men support the kind of extremely provocative and often theatrical activism championed by groups like Man on Solidarity. Its firebrand leader, Bae, showed up at a recent feminist rally dressed as the Joker from “Batman” comics and toting a toy water gun. He followed female protesters around, pretending to, as he put it, “kill flies.” Tens of thousands of fans have watched his stunts livestreamed online, sending in cash donations. During one online talk-fest in August, Bae raised 9 million won ($7,580) in three minutes. Women’s rights advocates fear that the rise of anti-feminism might stymie, or even roll back, the hard-won progress South Korea has made in expanding women’s rights. In recent decades, they fought to legalize abortion and started one of the most powerful #MeToo campaigns in Asia. Lee Hyo-lin, 29, said that “feminist” has become such a dirty word that women who wear their hair short or carry a novel by a feminist writer risk ostracism. When she was a member of a K-pop group, she said that male colleagues routinely commented on her body, jeering that she “gave up being a woman” when she gained weight. “The #MeToo problem is part of being a woman in South Korea,” she said. “Now we want to speak out, but they want us to shut up. It’s so frustrating.” On the other side of the culture war are young men with a litany of grievances — concerns that are endlessly regurgitated by male-dominated forums. They have fixated, in particular, on limited cases of false accusations, as a way to give credence to a broader anti-feminist agenda. Son Sol-bin, a used-furniture seller, was 29 when his former girlfriend accused him of rape and kidnapping in 2018. Online trolls called for his castration, he said. His mother found closed-circuit TV footage proving the accusations never took place. “The feminist influence has left the system so biased against men that the police took a woman’s testimony and a mere drop of her tears as enough evidence to land an innocent man in jail,” said Son, who spent eight months in jail before he was cleared. “I think the country has gone crazy.” As Son fought back tears during a recent anti-feminist rally, other young men chanted: “Be strong! We are with you!”

The new political cry in South Korea: 'Out with man haters'

South Korea's first domestically produced space launch vehicle failed due to a loose helium tank.

The three-stage KSLV-II Nuri rocket had delivered mixed results for a test launch that represented&nbsp;a major leap for the country's ambitious space plans.

President Moon Jae-in said had said that all three stages of the rocket worked, taking it to an altitude of 700 kilometres, and the 1.5-tonne payload separated successfully.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-spy-satellites-to-mobile-networks-south-korea-gets-new-rocket-space-programme-off-ground-422601">Also read |&nbsp;From spy satellites to mobile networks: South Korea gets new rocket space programme off ground</a>

The mission failed because the third-stage engine stopped burning 46 seconds earlier than scheduled, science minister Lim Hye-sook told reporters.

Space launches have long been a sensitive issue on the Korean peninsula, where North Korea faces sanctions over its nuclear-armed ballistic missile programme.

South Korea has risen from the ashes of war to become the world's 12th-largest economy and a technologically advanced nation, home to the planet's biggest smartphone and memory chip maker, Samsung Electronics.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/south-korea-court-fines-samsung-chief-lee-jae-yong-for-unlawful-sedative-use-424012">Also read |&nbsp;South Korea court fines Samsung chief Lee Jae-yong for unlawful sedative use</a>

But it has lagged in the headline-making world of spaceflight, where the Soviet Union led the way with the first satellite launch in 1957, closely followed by the United States.

In Asia, China, Japan and India all have advanced space programmes, and the South's nuclear-armed neighbour North Korea was the most recent entrant to the club of countries with their own satellite launch capability.

Ballistic missiles and space rockets use similar technology and Pyongyang put a 300-kilogramme (660-pound) satellite into orbit in 2012 in what Western countries condemned as a disguised missile test.&nbsp;

Even now, only six nations, not including North Korea have successfully launched a one-tonne payload on their own rockets.

The Korea Space Launch Vehicle II has been a decade in development at a cost of 2 trillion won ($1.6 billion). It weighs 200 tonnes and is 47.2 metres (155 feet) long, fitted with a total of six liquid-fuelled engines.

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korea's first domestically produced space launch vehicle failed due to a loose helium tank. The three-stage KSLV-II Nuri rocket had delivered mixed results for a test launch that represented a major leap for the country's ambitious space plans.

South Korea's first domestically produced space launch vehicle failed due to a loose helium tank. The three-stage KSLV-II Nuri rocket had delivered mixed results for a test launch that represented a major leap for the country's ambitious space plans. President Moon Jae-in said had said that all three stages of the rocket worked, taking it to an altitude of 700 kilometres, and the 1.5-tonne payload separated successfully. Also read | From spy satellites to mobile networks: South Korea gets new rocket space programme off ground The mission failed because the third-stage engine stopped burning 46 seconds earlier than scheduled, science minister Lim Hye-sook told reporters. Space launches have long been a sensitive issue on the Korean peninsula, where North Korea faces sanctions over its nuclear-armed ballistic missile programme. South Korea has risen from the ashes of war to become the world's 12th-largest economy and a technologically advanced nation, home to the planet's biggest smartphone and memory chip maker, Samsung Electronics. Also read | South Korea court fines Samsung chief Lee Jae-yong for unlawful sedative use But it has lagged in the headline-making world of spaceflight, where the Soviet Union led the way with the first satellite launch in 1957, closely followed by the United States. In Asia, China, Japan and India all have advanced space programmes, and the South's nuclear-armed neighbour North Korea was the most recent entrant to the club of countries with their own satellite launch capability. Ballistic missiles and space rockets use similar technology and Pyongyang put a 300-kilogramme (660-pound) satellite into orbit in 2012 in what Western countries condemned as a disguised missile test. Even now, only six nations, not including North Korea have successfully launched a one-tonne payload on their own rockets. The Korea Space Launch Vehicle II has been a decade in development at a cost of 2 trillion won ($1.6 billion). It weighs 200 tonnes and is 47.2 metres (155 feet) long, fitted with a total of six liquid-fuelled engines. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea's first domestically produced space launch vehicle failed due to this reason

The South Korean Justice Ministry announced on Friday that former President Park Geun-hye, who is serving a 22-year sentence for corruption and power abuse, has been added to the list of people who will be granted amnesty as part of the New Year amnesty.

The ministry said in a statement that "the government said on December 24 that on the eve of 2022, 3094 people, including the former president, will be granted pardon beginning December 31."

Park was hospitalised three times in 2021 due to persistent shoulder and lower back discomfort, according to the Yonhap news agency, and her health is the reason for her inclusion on the list of pardoned persons.&nbsp;

Park was forced to resign in 2017 as a result of a political controversy involving her friend Choi Soon-sil, who was accused of meddling in South Korean politics by influencing Park's decisions. 
 
Watch:

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From 2013 to 2016, the ex-president was accused of taking bribes totaling 3.5 billion won ($2.9 million) from three former National Intelligence Service leaders and was sentenced to prison in 2018.&nbsp;

Park, 69, has been admitted to the hospital multiple times in recent years due to shoulder and back pain.

Park became the country's first female president in 2013.

Park Geun-hye was born on February 2, 1952 and is the daughter of Park Chung-hee, who seized power in a 1961 coup and ruled for 18 years until he was gunned down in 1979.

Park served as acting first lady after her mother was killed in 1974 by an assassin's bullet intended for her father. Five years later, in 1979, Park's father was murdered by his disgruntled security chief.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The South Korean Justice Ministry announced on Friday that former President Park Geun-hye, who is serving a 22-year sentence for corruption and power abuse, has been added to the list of people who will be granted amnesty as part of the New Year amnesty.

The South Korean Justice Ministry announced on Friday that former President Park Geun-hye, who is serving a 22-year sentence for corruption and power abuse, has been added to the list of people who will be granted amnesty as part of the New Year amnesty. The ministry said in a statement that "the government said on December 24 that on the eve of 2022, 3094 people, including the former president, will be granted pardon beginning December 31." Park was hospitalised three times in 2021 due to persistent shoulder and lower back discomfort, according to the Yonhap news agency, and her health is the reason for her inclusion on the list of pardoned persons. Park was forced to resign in 2017 as a result of a political controversy involving her friend Choi Soon-sil, who was accused of meddling in South Korean politics by influencing Park's decisions. Watch: From 2013 to 2016, the ex-president was accused of taking bribes totaling 3.5 billion won ($2.9 million) from three former National Intelligence Service leaders and was sentenced to prison in 2018. Park, 69, has been admitted to the hospital multiple times in recent years due to shoulder and back pain. Park became the country's first female president in 2013. Park Geun-hye was born on February 2, 1952 and is the daughter of Park Chung-hee, who seized power in a 1961 coup and ruled for 18 years until he was gunned down in 1979. Park served as acting first lady after her mother was killed in 1974 by an assassin's bullet intended for her father. Five years later, in 1979, Park's father was murdered by his disgruntled security chief. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea’s first female president pardoned from serving 22 years sentence

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