Reports say politicians in South Korea are seeking to criminalise so-called "semen terrorism" after cases of men secretly ejaculating into women’s belongings were punished for “property damage” leading to widespread anger among women in the country.

South Korea's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/s-korean-vigilante-website-targetting-sex-crimes-shuts-down-amid-outcry-326624">sex crime</a> law mandates the person must exercise violence or intimidation for it to be declared a valid crime. Now, politicians are trying to change the law.

Cases of men being given light fines in&nbsp;"semen terrorism" cases have led to criticism amid the #MeToo movement.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/only-yes-is-yes-spain-criminalizes-all-sort-of-non-consensual-sex-396366/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to South Korean police, women accounted for 98 per cent of victims in nearly 10,000 cases of crimes against intimate partners in 2019 with an agency estimating that a woman was killed or nearly killed every 1.8 days.

A report claimed 3.4 sexual crimes are reported every hour in South Korea. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), in 2008 less than 4 per cent of sex crimes prosecutions in South Korea involved illegal filming.

However, by 2017 the number of sex cases had increased 11-fold from 585 cases to 6,615 and constituted 20 per cent of sex crimes prosecutions, the HRW said.

Digital sex crimes involving spycams were specifically targeted at women accounting for 80 per cent in spycam cases, the HRW report said, with 98 per cent of perpetrators being men in 2016.

In 2019, prosecutors dropped 46.8 per cent sex crime cases compared to 27.7 per cent homicide cases and 19 per cent robbery cases, the HRW report said.

Baek Hye-ryun, a lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Party has submitted an amendment bill in the country's Parliament as another lawmaker Lee Su-jin sought a broader definition of “indecent acts” by changing South Korea's criminal law code. Both bills are pending before Parliament.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Reports say politicians in South Korea are seeking to criminalise so-called "semen terrorism" after cases of men secretly ejaculating into women’s belongings were punished for “property damage” leading to widespread anger among women in the country.

Reports say politicians in South Korea are seeking to criminalise so-called "semen terrorism" after cases of men secretly ejaculating into women’s belongings were punished for “property damage” leading to widespread anger among women in the country. South Korea's sex crime law mandates the person must exercise violence or intimidation for it to be declared a valid crime. Now, politicians are trying to change the law. Cases of men being given light fines in "semen terrorism" cases have led to criticism amid the #MeToo movement. Watch: According to South Korean police, women accounted for 98 per cent of victims in nearly 10,000 cases of crimes against intimate partners in 2019 with an agency estimating that a woman was killed or nearly killed every 1.8 days. A report claimed 3.4 sexual crimes are reported every hour in South Korea. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), in 2008 less than 4 per cent of sex crimes prosecutions in South Korea involved illegal filming. However, by 2017 the number of sex cases had increased 11-fold from 585 cases to 6,615 and constituted 20 per cent of sex crimes prosecutions, the HRW said. Digital sex crimes involving spycams were specifically targeted at women accounting for 80 per cent in spycam cases, the HRW report said, with 98 per cent of perpetrators being men in 2016. In 2019, prosecutors dropped 46.8 per cent sex crime cases compared to 27.7 per cent homicide cases and 19 per cent robbery cases, the HRW report said. Baek Hye-ryun, a lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Party has submitted an amendment bill in the country's Parliament as another lawmaker Lee Su-jin sought a broader definition of “indecent acts” by changing South Korea's criminal law code. Both bills are pending before Parliament. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Semen terrorism' angers women in South Korea

South Korean and US will go ahead with joint military drills this week. Despite a warning from North Korea that the drills will set back progress in improving inter-Korean relations. Commenting on the drills, Kim Yo Jong sister of North Korean politician Kim Jong Un had said, "The drills are an unwelcome, self-destructive action" that threaten the North Korean people and raise tensions on the Korean peninsula.

South Korea, US go ahead with joint military drills despite warning from North Korea

Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and a senior official of the ruling Workers' Party, warned the South last week that holding the drills with US would impact efforts to reconstruct bilateral relations.

Kim's sister slams US, South Korea over joint drills

As hot weather conditions lifted prices of fresh food in South Korea consumer inflation accelerated. The consumer price index (CPI) last month rose 2.6% year-on-year, Statistics Korea data showed on Tuesday, accelerating from a 2.4% increase in June and beating a 2.4% increase tipped in a Reuters survey.

Hot weather conditions lift prices of fresh food in South Korea

South Korea said on Monday no decision has yet been made on its joint military exercises with the United States but they should not create tension, after North Korea warned the South against holding the exercises amid signs of a thaw in relations. 
 
South Korea and the United States regularly stage military exercises, mainly in the spring and summer, which North Korea routinely denounces as rehearsals for war. 
 
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and a senior official of the ruling Workers' Party, warned Seoul on Sunday that holding the drills would undercut efforts to rebuild relations. 
 
Her warning came days after the two Koreas restored hotlines Pyongyang severed a year ago and South Korean officials said Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in were seeking to repair strained ties and resume summits. 
 
South Korea's defence ministry said Seoul and Washington were in talks over the drills but no decision had yet been made. 
 
"We have nothing to comment on her statement, but regarding the exercises, the timing and method have not been finalised," ministry spokesman Boo Seung-chan told a briefing. 
 
He said the allies would make a decision after considering COVID-19, joint defence posture, planned transfer of wartime operational control, and the issue of "supporting diplomatic efforts for establishing lasting peace on the Korean peninsula." 
 
Lee Jong-joo, spokeswoman of Seoul's Unification Ministry, which handles inter-Korean affairs, said the exercises should not be a "source of military tension in any case", without elaborating. 
 
The Pentagon also declined to comment on Kim Yo Jong's statement. It said it did not comment on "planned or conducted training readiness" but "combined training events" were a bilateral decision "and any decisions will be a mutual agreement." 
 
A US&nbsp;State Department spokesperson reiterated that Washington "supports inter-Korean dialogue and engagement, and welcomes the recent developments related to inter-Korean communication," adding that "diplomacy and dialogue are essential to achieving the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula." 
 
At the same time, US&nbsp;State Department spokesman Ned Price told a news briefing Secretary of State Antony Blinken planned to call on Southeast Asian counterparts in a meeting this week to fully implement sanctions on North Korea. 
 
A US&nbsp;official briefing reporters ahead of a series of virtual regional meetings this week, said North Korea's foreign minister was expected to attend one, the ASEAN Regional Forum, but Blinken, who would also take part, had no plan to engage with him on any particular issue. 
 
US-South Korea exercises have been scaled back in recent years to facilitate talks between North Korea and the administration of former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump aimed at dismantling Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes in return for US&nbsp;sanctions relief. 
 
But the negotiations stalled following a failed second Trump-Kim summit in 2019. 
 
The pandemic has affected the drills, with the allies focusing on computerised simulations and minimising live field training without mobilising US-based troops. 
 
A high-level Unification Ministry official said on Friday the exercises should be postponed to help restart talks, but Lee declined to comment when asked if the ministry plans to make a formal recommendation. 
 
Lee said Seoul last week proposed setting up a video conference system to expedite inter-Korean dialogue and approved plans by two civilian relief groups to send humanitarian aid to North Korea.

South Korea said on Monday no decision has yet been made on its joint military exercises with the United States but they should not create tension, after North Korea warned the South against holding the exercises amid signs of a thaw in relations.

South Korea said on Monday no decision has yet been made on its joint military exercises with the United States but they should not create tension, after North Korea warned the South against holding the exercises amid signs of a thaw in relations. South Korea and the United States regularly stage military exercises, mainly in the spring and summer, which North Korea routinely denounces as rehearsals for war. Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and a senior official of the ruling Workers' Party, warned Seoul on Sunday that holding the drills would undercut efforts to rebuild relations. Her warning came days after the two Koreas restored hotlines Pyongyang severed a year ago and South Korean officials said Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in were seeking to repair strained ties and resume summits. South Korea's defence ministry said Seoul and Washington were in talks over the drills but no decision had yet been made. "We have nothing to comment on her statement, but regarding the exercises, the timing and method have not been finalised," ministry spokesman Boo Seung-chan told a briefing. He said the allies would make a decision after considering COVID-19, joint defence posture, planned transfer of wartime operational control, and the issue of "supporting diplomatic efforts for establishing lasting peace on the Korean peninsula." Lee Jong-joo, spokeswoman of Seoul's Unification Ministry, which handles inter-Korean affairs, said the exercises should not be a "source of military tension in any case", without elaborating. The Pentagon also declined to comment on Kim Yo Jong's statement. It said it did not comment on "planned or conducted training readiness" but "combined training events" were a bilateral decision "and any decisions will be a mutual agreement." A US State Department spokesperson reiterated that Washington "supports inter-Korean dialogue and engagement, and welcomes the recent developments related to inter-Korean communication," adding that "diplomacy and dialogue are essential to achieving the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula." At the same time, US State Department spokesman Ned Price told a news briefing Secretary of State Antony Blinken planned to call on Southeast Asian counterparts in a meeting this week to fully implement sanctions on North Korea. A US official briefing reporters ahead of a series of virtual regional meetings this week, said North Korea's foreign minister was expected to attend one, the ASEAN Regional Forum, but Blinken, who would also take part, had no plan to engage with him on any particular issue. US-South Korea exercises have been scaled back in recent years to facilitate talks between North Korea and the administration of former US President Donald Trump aimed at dismantling Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes in return for US sanctions relief. But the negotiations stalled following a failed second Trump-Kim summit in 2019. The pandemic has affected the drills, with the allies focusing on computerised simulations and minimising live field training without mobilising US-based troops. A high-level Unification Ministry official said on Friday the exercises should be postponed to help restart talks, but Lee declined to comment when asked if the ministry plans to make a formal recommendation. Lee said Seoul last week proposed setting up a video conference system to expedite inter-Korean dialogue and approved plans by two civilian relief groups to send humanitarian aid to North Korea.

Seoul says no decision on US drills, but exercises should not create North Korea tension

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, has slammed the planned military drills between the US and South Korea.

The leader's sister said the planned military exercise between the US and South Korea can "becloud" relations between the two countries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/use-superior-language-not-souths-slang-kim-jong-uns-north-korea-warns-young-people-399036">Use 'superior' language, not South's slang: Kim Jong-un's North Korea warns young people</a>

"I view this as an undesirable prelude which seriously undermines the will of the top leaders,"&nbsp;Kim Yo Jong said, adding that the drill "further beclouds the way ahead of the north-south relations."

This warning from Kim Jong Un’s sister came a little after the two sides restored cross-border communication after more than a year of silence from the two sides. Kim Jong Un and South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in have been exchanging personal letters, which has helped restore communication between the two nations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/n-korean-chinese-leaders-vow-greater-cooperation-in-face-of-foreign-hostility-report-397274">N Korean, Chinese leaders vow greater cooperation in face of foreign hostility: Report</a>

Meanwhile, the US and South Korea are readying for another planned military drill. The US has stationed nearly 28,500 troops in the South to protect it against the Kim Jong Un-led nation that infamously keeps showcasing its nuclear weapons.

North Korea believes that these military exercises are preparation for an invasion.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, has slammed the planned military drills between the US and South Korea. The leader's sister said the planned military exercise between the US and South Korea can "becloud" relations between the two countries.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, has slammed the planned military drills between the US and South Korea. The leader's sister said the planned military exercise between the US and South Korea can "becloud" relations between the two countries. Also read | Use 'superior' language, not South's slang: Kim Jong-un's North Korea warns young people "I view this as an undesirable prelude which seriously undermines the will of the top leaders," Kim Yo Jong said, adding that the drill "further beclouds the way ahead of the north-south relations." This warning from Kim Jong Un’s sister came a little after the two sides restored cross-border communication after more than a year of silence from the two sides. Kim Jong Un and South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in have been exchanging personal letters, which has helped restore communication between the two nations. Also read | N Korean, Chinese leaders vow greater cooperation in face of foreign hostility: Report Meanwhile, the US and South Korea are readying for another planned military drill. The US has stationed nearly 28,500 troops in the South to protect it against the Kim Jong Un-led nation that infamously keeps showcasing its nuclear weapons. North Korea believes that these military exercises are preparation for an invasion.

Kim Yong Un's sister slams planned military drills between US and South Korea

In its highest-ever daily increase, South Korea on Wednesday reported 1,896 new COVID-19 cases for Tuesday, as the country struggles to battle with the fourth wave.&nbsp;

The recent daily tally broke a previous record set on July 22 as infections are spreading beyond the capital Seoul and its neighbouring regions.&nbsp;

There were 1,823 domestically transmitted cases on Tuesday and 33.5 per cent, or 611, of them, were from areas outside the capital regions.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-to-raise-covid-19-restrictions-to-highest-level-in-capital-396854">Also read |&nbsp;South Korea to raise Covid-19 restrictions to highest level in capital</a>

This comes after coronavirus curbs were raised to their highest level in the Seoul metropolitan area.

Under the new restrictions, gatherings of more than two people have been banned after 6 pm and schools have been shut.

Also, cafes and restaurants are allowed with limited seating and dine-in services are prohibited after 10 pm.

Entertainment establishments, including bars and clubs, will be shut, and all public rallies are banned except for one-person protests.

In its highest-ever daily increase, South Korea on Wednesday reported 1,896 new COVID-19 cases for Tuesday, as the country struggles to battle with the fourth wave.

In its highest-ever daily increase, South Korea on Wednesday reported 1,896 new COVID-19 cases for Tuesday, as the country struggles to battle with the fourth wave. The recent daily tally broke a previous record set on July 22 as infections are spreading beyond the capital Seoul and its neighbouring regions. There were 1,823 domestically transmitted cases on Tuesday and 33.5 per cent, or 611, of them, were from areas outside the capital regions. Also read | South Korea to raise Covid-19 restrictions to highest level in capital This comes after coronavirus curbs were raised to their highest level in the Seoul metropolitan area. Under the new restrictions, gatherings of more than two people have been banned after 6 pm and schools have been shut. Also, cafes and restaurants are allowed with limited seating and dine-in services are prohibited after 10 pm. Entertainment establishments, including bars and clubs, will be shut, and all public rallies are banned except for one-person protests.

South Korea reports highest COVID-19 daily count

The leaders of North and South Korea have agreed to resume suspended communication lines and enhance ties, according to South Korea.

President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un achieved such an agreement, according to the presidential office in Seoul, following multiple rounds of letter exchanges since April.&nbsp;

Last month marked one year since the cross-border communication lines were suspended.

On June 16 last year, the North vowed to cut off all contact links with the South and even blew up an inter-Korean liaison office in its border city of Kaesong in outrage over anti-Pyongyang propaganda pamphlets coming from the South.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Gravitas Plus: How did North Korea become the world's most isolated country?

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In response to activist defectors who have gone to the South and often launch balloons back over the border with propaganda pamphlets, North Korea had stated it was stopping relations at the time.&nbsp;

Communications lines between the Koreas have been cut and restored during previous periods of tension.

Last month, a South Korean ministry official said that "The inter-Korean communication channel must be immediately restored without any conditions... we urge North Korea to restore the inter-Korean communication lines. The inter-Korean communication channel is the most fundamental means of communication, and the two Koreas have agreed to maintain such a channel several times, ".

The Korean conflict has lasted more than 70 years, making it one of the world's longest.

Despite the increased tensions, there was no way for the North and the South to communicate.&nbsp;

The first hotline between the two Koreas was installed at Panmunjom on September 22, 1971, 26 years after the former Soviet army shut off the telephone line between Seoul and Haeju shortly after liberation on August 26, 1945.&nbsp;

A total of 50 lines have been open since 1971, including a hotline between the two Koreas' presidents, as well as military and intelligence contact lines.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The leaders of North and South Korea have agreed to resume suspended communication lines and enhance ties, according to South Korea. President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un achieved such an agreement, according to the presidential office in Seoul, following multiple rounds of letter exchanges since April.

The leaders of North and South Korea have agreed to resume suspended communication lines and enhance ties, according to South Korea. President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un achieved such an agreement, according to the presidential office in Seoul, following multiple rounds of letter exchanges since April. Last month marked one year since the cross-border communication lines were suspended. On June 16 last year, the North vowed to cut off all contact links with the South and even blew up an inter-Korean liaison office in its border city of Kaesong in outrage over anti-Pyongyang propaganda pamphlets coming from the South. Watch | Gravitas Plus: How did North Korea become the world's most isolated country? In response to activist defectors who have gone to the South and often launch balloons back over the border with propaganda pamphlets, North Korea had stated it was stopping relations at the time. Communications lines between the Koreas have been cut and restored during previous periods of tension. Last month, a South Korean ministry official said that "The inter-Korean communication channel must be immediately restored without any conditions... we urge North Korea to restore the inter-Korean communication lines. The inter-Korean communication channel is the most fundamental means of communication, and the two Koreas have agreed to maintain such a channel several times, ". The Korean conflict has lasted more than 70 years, making it one of the world's longest. Despite the increased tensions, there was no way for the North and the South to communicate. The first hotline between the two Koreas was installed at Panmunjom on September 22, 1971, 26 years after the former Soviet army shut off the telephone line between Seoul and Haeju shortly after liberation on August 26, 1945. A total of 50 lines have been open since 1971, including a hotline between the two Koreas' presidents, as well as military and intelligence contact lines. (With inputs from agencies)

North and South Korea agree to restore communication channels, improve ties

Representatives from both sides spoke on the phone for three minutes, according to South Korea's Ministry of Unification.

North Korea, South Korea agree to restore communication channels

A South Korean team of 60 members is involved in serving food to South Korean athletes taking part in Tokyo olympics. The country has run its own food programmes at Tokyo Games every time to make its athletes feel at home.

South Korea team offers catering service to its athletes

U.S. archer Mackenzie Brown bemoaned the lack of fans on Saturday after she and Brady Ellison, number two seeds in mixed archery, crashed out, as South Korea won its first Tokyo 2020 gold with a record-breaking run.

"It's supposed to be big and give you goosebumps every time you walk out into a venue," said Brown, after she and world No.1 Ellison lost in the first round of an event making its Olympic debut to Indonesian 15th seeds Diananda Choirunisa and Riau Salsabilla.

"And we're out here by ourselves. You know, we've got our teammates, but there's nobody out here," Brown added.

"To work for five years for an Olympic Games and then not to have any spectators at all is a little bit frustrating."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-sutirtha-mukherjee-fights-back-to-win-the-table-tennis-womens-singles-first-round-400334" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Sutirtha Mukherjee fights back to win the Table tennis women's singles first round</a>

In common with all other Games venues in the host city, no fans are being allowed into the Yumenoshima Park Archery Field due to coronavirus protocols, so competitors had only teammates to cheer them on.

"Make some noise for Team USA," a games announcer said at one point through a loudspeaker, to a muted response.

The gold went to number one seeds An San and Kim Je Deok, who extended South Korea's long winning run at Olympic archery.

An, 20, said the lack of an audience had not fazed her.

"We had the audience (of teammates) that is just as big as domestic games, so I was nervous at the right amount," she said, a day after breaking the women's Olympic scoring record, which had stood for 25 years, with 680 points out of 720.

"I told An San, Let's shoot confident, and stick to what we have been doing," added Kim, 17, after they beat Dutch pair 5-3 Gabriela Schloesser and Steve Wijlerin in the final.

When their gold medals were presented on a tray, in accordance with COVID-19 protocols, the pair each hung them around the other's neck.

Although not a popular sport in South Korea, the country's Olympic record in archery is unmatched. It has won gold medals at archery in every Games since 1984, and the women's team is aiming for its ninth straight gold, which would be the longest streak in Olympic history.

Mexico claimed bronze, the country's first medal at Olympic archery, while a rueful Ellison was left to reflect on what might have been.

"Honestly, I'm so shocked ...I completely expected us to win a medal today," he said.

U.S. archer Mackenzie Brown bemoaned the lack of fans on Saturday after she and Brady Ellison, number two seeds in mixed archery, crashed out, as South Korea won its first Tokyo 2020 gold with a record-breaking run.

U.S. archer Mackenzie Brown bemoaned the lack of fans on Saturday after she and Brady Ellison, number two seeds in mixed archery, crashed out, as South Korea won its first Tokyo 2020 gold with a record-breaking run. "It's supposed to be big and give you goosebumps every time you walk out into a venue," said Brown, after she and world No.1 Ellison lost in the first round of an event making its Olympic debut to Indonesian 15th seeds Diananda Choirunisa and Riau Salsabilla. "And we're out here by ourselves. You know, we've got our teammates, but there's nobody out here," Brown added. "To work for five years for an Olympic Games and then not to have any spectators at all is a little bit frustrating." ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Sutirtha Mukherjee fights back to win the Table tennis women's singles first round In common with all other Games venues in the host city, no fans are being allowed into the Yumenoshima Park Archery Field due to coronavirus protocols, so competitors had only teammates to cheer them on. "Make some noise for Team USA," a games announcer said at one point through a loudspeaker, to a muted response. The gold went to number one seeds An San and Kim Je Deok, who extended South Korea's long winning run at Olympic archery. An, 20, said the lack of an audience had not fazed her. "We had the audience (of teammates) that is just as big as domestic games, so I was nervous at the right amount," she said, a day after breaking the women's Olympic scoring record, which had stood for 25 years, with 680 points out of 720. "I told An San, Let's shoot confident, and stick to what we have been doing," added Kim, 17, after they beat Dutch pair 5-3 Gabriela Schloesser and Steve Wijlerin in the final. When their gold medals were presented on a tray, in accordance with COVID-19 protocols, the pair each hung them around the other's neck. Although not a popular sport in South Korea, the country's Olympic record in archery is unmatched. It has won gold medals at archery in every Games since 1984, and the women's team is aiming for its ninth straight gold, which would be the longest streak in Olympic history. Mexico claimed bronze, the country's first medal at Olympic archery, while a rueful Ellison was left to reflect on what might have been. "Honestly, I'm so shocked ...I completely expected us to win a medal today," he said.

Tokyo Olympics: South Korea wins first Tokyo gold as U.S. mixed archer bemoans lack of fans

K-pop boyband BTS is truly a global phenomenon. The band of seven will be addressing the United Nations General Assembly once again. The group has been appointed as the "Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture' by the President of South Korea Moon Jae In. The group will now be attending the United Nations General Assembly which will take place in September.&nbsp;

A spokesperson from the South Korean Presidential Office announced the appointment decision was made keeping the mind to “raise awareness on global agendas, such as sustainable development, to future generations and to strengthen the nation's diplomatic power across the world in line with South Korea’s elevated status in the International community.”&nbsp;

“The appointment is a part of an attempt to broaden the nation’s diplomatic spectrum and enhance the international standing of the nation that brings to light global issues through collaborations with individuals who perform outstanding activities around the world.”

Not just UN, the newly appointed role will ensure that the band attends various conferences around the world.&nbsp; 
 
BTS has attended the the UN General Assembly twice before due to their association with the anti-violence campaign with UNICEF.&nbsp; 
 
In 2018, band member RM gave a moving speech at the 73rd Assembly, prompting praises from diplomats, the general public, and fans around the world. For the 75th Assembly, which took place last year, the band attended the event virtually and shared their message through a video bringing comfort to people.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oTe4f-bBEKg" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> 
 
This year too they will be back at the United Nations General Assembly to “share a message of hope and comfort to young people."

&nbsp;

K-pop boyband BTS is truly a global phenomenon. The band of seven will be addressing the United Nations General Assembly once again. The group has been appointed as the "Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture' by the President of South Korea Moon Jae In.

K-pop boyband BTS is truly a global phenomenon. The band of seven will be addressing the United Nations General Assembly once again. The group has been appointed as the "Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture' by the President of South Korea Moon Jae In. The group will now be attending the United Nations General Assembly which will take place in September. A spokesperson from the South Korean Presidential Office announced the appointment decision was made keeping the mind to “raise awareness on global agendas, such as sustainable development, to future generations and to strengthen the nation's diplomatic power across the world in line with South Korea’s elevated status in the International community.” “The appointment is a part of an attempt to broaden the nation’s diplomatic spectrum and enhance the international standing of the nation that brings to light global issues through collaborations with individuals who perform outstanding activities around the world.” Not just UN, the newly appointed role will ensure that the band attends various conferences around the world. BTS has attended the the UN General Assembly twice before due to their association with the anti-violence campaign with UNICEF. In 2018, band member RM gave a moving speech at the 73rd Assembly, prompting praises from diplomats, the general public, and fans around the world. For the 75th Assembly, which took place last year, the band attended the event virtually and shared their message through a video bringing comfort to people. This year too they will be back at the United Nations General Assembly to “share a message of hope and comfort to young people."

BTS to attend the UN General Assembly again, appointed as Special Presidential Envoy for Culture

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will hold their first in-person summit on Friday, coinciding with the start of the Tokyo Olympics, Japan's Yomiuri newspaper reported on Monday. 
 
The report of Moon's visit comes amid a political uproar in Seoul triggered by comments by a Japanese diplomat on Moon that created new tension in already fraught diplomatic relations between the two countries. 
 
Moon's office said on Monday the visit was still uncertain. 
 
The leaders are likely to discuss issues that have strained relations over generations, including compensation for people forced to work in Japanese firms and military brothels during Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule, the Yomiuri report said. 
 
Japan is also planning to replace a senior Seoul-based diplomat after his widely reported comment last week likening Moon's dealings with Japan to "masturbation", the Yomiuri said. 
 
On Monday, the South Korean presidential Blue House said in a statement that the two countries were in discussions but that there has been no decision on a trip by Moon. 
 
"It is still uncertain whether a visit to Japan and a meeting will take place as there has been no satisfactory action taken by the Japanese side over the last-minute obstacle to a (summit) meeting," it said. 
 
South Korean broadcaster JTBC reported on Friday that a senior diplomat at Japan's embassy in Seoul had said Moon was "masturbating" when describing the South Korean leader's efforts to improve ties with Tokyo. 
 
South Korea’s vice foreign minister, Choi Jong-kun, summoned Japan's Ambassador Koichi Aiboshi on Saturday to protest. 
 
"He also demanded the Japanese government to promptly take tangible and due steps to prevent a recurrence of such situation," the foreign ministry said in a statement. 
 
A Japanese foreign ministry spokesman said no one could immediately comment on the reports. 
 
Suga this month called relations between Japan and South Korea "very difficult", adding that it was up to Seoul to provide a response to the problems. South Korea's presidential Blue House has said a visit by Moon may be possible if he could meet Suga and if progress on some agreements could be expected.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will hold their first in-person summit on Friday, coinciding with the start of the Tokyo Olympics, Japan's Yomiuri newspaper reported on Monday.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will hold their first in-person summit on Friday, coinciding with the start of the Tokyo Olympics, Japan's Yomiuri newspaper reported on Monday. The report of Moon's visit comes amid a political uproar in Seoul triggered by comments by a Japanese diplomat on Moon that created new tension in already fraught diplomatic relations between the two countries. Moon's office said on Monday the visit was still uncertain. The leaders are likely to discuss issues that have strained relations over generations, including compensation for people forced to work in Japanese firms and military brothels during Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule, the Yomiuri report said. Japan is also planning to replace a senior Seoul-based diplomat after his widely reported comment last week likening Moon's dealings with Japan to "masturbation", the Yomiuri said. On Monday, the South Korean presidential Blue House said in a statement that the two countries were in discussions but that there has been no decision on a trip by Moon. "It is still uncertain whether a visit to Japan and a meeting will take place as there has been no satisfactory action taken by the Japanese side over the last-minute obstacle to a (summit) meeting," it said. South Korean broadcaster JTBC reported on Friday that a senior diplomat at Japan's embassy in Seoul had said Moon was "masturbating" when describing the South Korean leader's efforts to improve ties with Tokyo. South Korea’s vice foreign minister, Choi Jong-kun, summoned Japan's Ambassador Koichi Aiboshi on Saturday to protest. "He also demanded the Japanese government to promptly take tangible and due steps to prevent a recurrence of such situation," the foreign ministry said in a statement. A Japanese foreign ministry spokesman said no one could immediately comment on the reports. Suga this month called relations between Japan and South Korea "very difficult", adding that it was up to Seoul to provide a response to the problems. South Korea's presidential Blue House has said a visit by Moon may be possible if he could meet Suga and if progress on some agreements could be expected.

Japan's Suga, S Korea's Moon to hold first summit meeting on Friday: Report

South Korea is hoping four of its Getbol tidal flats will be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. About a million birds from 300 different species use the flats as a stopover each year, according to UNESCO.

South Korea's tidal flats considered for UNESCO World Heritage status

Following the usual 'traditional' guidelines, North Korea’s younger generation has been warned by Kim Jong-un’s officials to follow the country’s standard language, rather than using slang.

Young people have been told to adhere to North Korea’s "superior" language, based on the dialect used in the capital city, Pyongyang. The warning came after officials were led to believe that the younger generation’s language and dialect were being heavily influenced by the South.

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The warning was published in an editorial piece published on Sunday in the official newspaper of the ruling Workers’ party. "The ideological and cultural penetration under the colourful signboard of the bourgeoisie is even more dangerous than enemies who are taking guns," the piece read, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency.

It, reportedly, talked about young people trying to adapt to the less superior cultural values of several things such as hairstyles, language, spoken word, dialect, and much more.

Among the banned words, "oppa” is one of the main slang. It originally was used to address ‘older brother’ but is lately being used as slang to refer to spouse or boyfriend in South Korea.

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Kim Jong-un's government believes if the young people start mimicking South Korea’s traditions and culture, they are diminishing all the revolutionary and ideological advances that have taken place in the country in the past years.

"When the new generations have a sound sense of ideology and revolutionary spirits, the future of a country is bright. If not, decades-long social systems and revolution will be perished. That is the lesson of blood in the history of the world’s socialist movement," the opinion piece reads.

Earlier, too, the younger generation has been warned to stay away from the popular K-pop music genre and even Korean dramas that, officials believe, negatively affect young people’s dressing sense, dance moves and language.

Following the usual 'traditional' guidelines, North Korea’s younger generation has been warned by Kim Jong-un’s officials to follow the country’s standard language, rather than using slang.

Following the usual 'traditional' guidelines, North Korea’s younger generation has been warned by Kim Jong-un’s officials to follow the country’s standard language, rather than using slang. Young people have been told to adhere to North Korea’s "superior" language, based on the dialect used in the capital city, Pyongyang. The warning came after officials were led to believe that the younger generation’s language and dialect were being heavily influenced by the South. Also read | N Korean, Chinese leaders vow greater cooperation in face of foreign hostility: Report The warning was published in an editorial piece published on Sunday in the official newspaper of the ruling Workers’ party. "The ideological and cultural penetration under the colourful signboard of the bourgeoisie is even more dangerous than enemies who are taking guns," the piece read, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency. It, reportedly, talked about young people trying to adapt to the less superior cultural values of several things such as hairstyles, language, spoken word, dialect, and much more. Among the banned words, "oppa” is one of the main slang. It originally was used to address ‘older brother’ but is lately being used as slang to refer to spouse or boyfriend in South Korea. Also read | Kim Jong Un's sudden weight loss sparks rumours about his health Kim Jong-un's government believes if the young people start mimicking South Korea’s traditions and culture, they are diminishing all the revolutionary and ideological advances that have taken place in the country in the past years. "When the new generations have a sound sense of ideology and revolutionary spirits, the future of a country is bright. If not, decades-long social systems and revolution will be perished. That is the lesson of blood in the history of the world’s socialist movement," the opinion piece reads. Earlier, too, the younger generation has been warned to stay away from the popular K-pop music genre and even Korean dramas that, officials believe, negatively affect young people’s dressing sense, dance moves and language.

Use 'superior' language, not South's slang: Kim Jong-un's North Korea warns young people

Multiple posts on Kopas, an online forum for Korea University students, accused the South Korean government of failing to secure more vaccines and scapegoating young people, garnering dozens of supportive comments.

Young South Koreans fight 'click war' in hunt for COVID-19 vaccines

Although several&nbsp;gymgoers love&nbsp;good tunes to help them get through intense workouts, it seems to be a no-go zone in&nbsp;South Korea as per the new Covid-19 rules. The&nbsp;options of music have&nbsp;been&nbsp;reduced&nbsp;drastically by the measures.&nbsp;

With the aim to ensure coronavirus spread can be curtailed,&nbsp;South Korea has placed some&nbsp;standard restrictions such as social distancing and travel curbs. Uniquely, along with these,&nbsp;the country&nbsp;has&nbsp;also&nbsp;added an additional&nbsp;requirement that gyms do not play music with higher than 120 beats per minute (bpm) during group exercises,&nbsp;such as aerobics, etc.&nbsp;

According to the health officials, the&nbsp;measure intends to prevent&nbsp;fast&nbsp;breathing or splashing&nbsp;of&nbsp;sweat on other people. The authorities are&nbsp;avoiding&nbsp;the possibility of&nbsp;closing&nbsp;such businesses entirely&nbsp;as&nbsp;was the&nbsp;case&nbsp;during previous waves of infection, a report in The&nbsp;Guardian newspaper said.&nbsp;

Some opposition lawmakers and gym owners have&nbsp;ridiculed the rule as ‘nonsense' or&nbsp;barely effective or unrealistic to maintain.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kang Hyun-ku, an owner of a gym in Seoul, said, “Playing bright tracks is to cheer up our members and the overall mood, but my biggest question is whether playing classical music or BTS songs has proven to have any impact on spreading the virus.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Although several gymgoers love good tunes to help them get through intense workouts, it seems to be a no-go zone in South Korea as per the new Covid-19 rules. The options of music have been reduced drastically by the measures.

Although several gymgoers love good tunes to help them get through intense workouts, it seems to be a no-go zone in South Korea as per the new Covid-19 rules. The options of music have been reduced drastically by the measures. With the aim to ensure coronavirus spread can be curtailed, South Korea has placed some standard restrictions such as social distancing and travel curbs. Uniquely, along with these, the country has also added an additional requirement that gyms do not play music with higher than 120 beats per minute (bpm) during group exercises, such as aerobics, etc. According to the health officials, the measure intends to prevent fast breathing or splashing of sweat on other people. The authorities are avoiding the possibility of closing such businesses entirely as was the case during previous waves of infection, a report in The Guardian newspaper said. Some opposition lawmakers and gym owners have ridiculed the rule as ‘nonsense' or barely effective or unrealistic to maintain. Kang Hyun-ku, an owner of a gym in Seoul, said, “Playing bright tracks is to cheer up our members and the overall mood, but my biggest question is whether playing classical music or BTS songs has proven to have any impact on spreading the virus.”

Slower music in South Korean gyms, all thanks to Covid rules

South Korea reported its highest number of new cases of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> in a single day on Thursday, as officials contemplated imposing a semi-lockdown on Seoul, the epicentre of the country's recent outbreaks.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), 1,275 cases were reported on Wednesday, exceeding the number of daily cases recorded at the peak of the country's third wave in December. More than 80 per cent of the new cases were recorded in Seoul and the surrounding areas.

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Talking to the press, Jeong Eun-Kyeong, director of Korea's Disease Control and Prevention Agency, acknowledged that the country recognises that it is in the initial stages of the fourth wave, which will likely show a sharp increase in the case count in the coming weeks.

He added that if the situation persists at the current rate, the number of cases may increase to about 1,400 around late July, and if it gets worse, the number could reach 2,000.

The restrictions in Level 4 are pretty severe and people are advised to stay at home. Schools are closed, public meetings are limited to two attendees, rallies and other events are banned.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-to-loosen-social-distancing-rules-on-july-1-392725">South Korea to loosen social distancing rules on July 1</a>

Restaurants and coffee shops will offer limited seating, and only take-out will be available after 10 p.m. Nightclubs and bars will shut down.

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korea reported its highest number of new cases of COVID-19 in a single day on Thursday, as officials contemplated imposing a semi-lockdown on Seoul, the epicentre of the country's recent outbreaks.

South Korea reported its highest number of new cases of COVID-19 in a single day on Thursday, as officials contemplated imposing a semi-lockdown on Seoul, the epicentre of the country's recent outbreaks. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), 1,275 cases were reported on Wednesday, exceeding the number of daily cases recorded at the peak of the country's third wave in December. More than 80 per cent of the new cases were recorded in Seoul and the surrounding areas. Also read | Israel and South Korea agree to COVID-19 vaccine exchange: Report Talking to the press, Jeong Eun-Kyeong, director of Korea's Disease Control and Prevention Agency, acknowledged that the country recognises that it is in the initial stages of the fourth wave, which will likely show a sharp increase in the case count in the coming weeks. He added that if the situation persists at the current rate, the number of cases may increase to about 1,400 around late July, and if it gets worse, the number could reach 2,000. The restrictions in Level 4 are pretty severe and people are advised to stay at home. Schools are closed, public meetings are limited to two attendees, rallies and other events are banned. Also read | South Korea to loosen social distancing rules on July 1 Restaurants and coffee shops will offer limited seating, and only take-out will be available after 10 p.m. Nightclubs and bars will shut down. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea reports highest ever one-day rise in COVID-19 cases

South Korea will&nbsp;raise&nbsp;coronavirus curbs to their&nbsp;highest&nbsp;level&nbsp;in the Seoul metropolitan area, the country's prime minister said Friday, warning a record spike in new cases had reached "maximum crisis&nbsp;level".

The country had previously been held up as a model of how to combat the pandemic, with the public largely following social distancing and other rules, but it was slow to start its vaccine rollout due to supply shortages.

On Friday it recorded 1,316 cases, its&nbsp;highest&nbsp;daily rise since the pandemic began, with most new infections in&nbsp;capital&nbsp;Seoul and its surrounding areas, home to almost half the South Korean population.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-deeply-concerned-by-recent-attacks-on-personnel-in-iraq-syria-396839">Also read |&nbsp;Pentagon 'deeply concerned' by recent attacks on personnel in Iraq, Syria</a>

Cluster infections have surfaced in areas including schools, offices and shopping malls, with people in their 20s and 30s -- most of whom are not yet eligible for vaccinations -- driving up the numbers, according to health authorities.&nbsp;

Under the new&nbsp;restrictions, set to come into force on Monday and last for two weeks, gatherings of more than two people will be banned after 6 pm and schools will be closed.

Cafes and restaurants are allowed limited seating and dine-in services are prohibited after 10 pm.

Entertainment establishments, including bars and clubs, will be shut, and all public rallies are banned except for one-person protests.&nbsp;

South Korea will raise coronavirus curbs to their highest level in the Seoul metropolitan area, the country's prime minister said Friday, warning a record spike in new cases had reached "maximum crisis level".

South Korea will raise coronavirus curbs to their highest level in the Seoul metropolitan area, the country's prime minister said Friday, warning a record spike in new cases had reached "maximum crisis level". The country had previously been held up as a model of how to combat the pandemic, with the public largely following social distancing and other rules, but it was slow to start its vaccine rollout due to supply shortages. On Friday it recorded 1,316 cases, its highest daily rise since the pandemic began, with most new infections in capital Seoul and its surrounding areas, home to almost half the South Korean population. Also read | Pentagon 'deeply concerned' by recent attacks on personnel in Iraq, Syria Cluster infections have surfaced in areas including schools, offices and shopping malls, with people in their 20s and 30s -- most of whom are not yet eligible for vaccinations -- driving up the numbers, according to health authorities. Under the new restrictions, set to come into force on Monday and last for two weeks, gatherings of more than two people will be banned after 6 pm and schools will be closed. Cafes and restaurants are allowed limited seating and dine-in services are prohibited after 10 pm. Entertainment establishments, including bars and clubs, will be shut, and all public rallies are banned except for one-person protests.

South Korea to raise Covid-19 restrictions to highest level in capital

South Korea and Israel have signed a vaccine exchange deal. Under this deal, South Korea will be receiving 700,000 Pfizer vaccine doses this month and will later send identical numbers back to Israel.

Israel to ship 700,000 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines doses to South Korea

Israel agreed on Monday to provide about 700,000 expiring doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine to South Korea, the Haaretz newspaper reported, citing Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. 
 
Delivery of the doses is to begin later in July, and as part of the deal Israel will receive in September and October an identical number of Pfizer vaccine doses that had been ordered by Seoul, Bennett said. 
 
A spokeswoman for South Korea's Health Ministry said on Tuesday, she had no comment on the report. 
 
South Korea has quickly distributed the COVID-19 vaccines it has, but has struggled to obtain enough doses in a timely manner amid tight global supplies, particularly in Asia. 
 
The government said last week it is hoping to achieve herd immunity earlier than its November target by inoculating at least 70% of its population with a minimum of one vaccine dose, mostly mRNA ones such as Pfizer`s. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Israel agreed on Monday to provide about 700,000 expiring doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine to South Korea, the Haaretz newspaper reported, citing Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

Israel agreed on Monday to provide about 700,000 expiring doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine to South Korea, the Haaretz newspaper reported, citing Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. Delivery of the doses is to begin later in July, and as part of the deal Israel will receive in September and October an identical number of Pfizer vaccine doses that had been ordered by Seoul, Bennett said. A spokeswoman for South Korea's Health Ministry said on Tuesday, she had no comment on the report. South Korea has quickly distributed the COVID-19 vaccines it has, but has struggled to obtain enough doses in a timely manner amid tight global supplies, particularly in Asia. The government said last week it is hoping to achieve herd immunity earlier than its November target by inoculating at least 70% of its population with a minimum of one vaccine dose, mostly mRNA ones such as Pfizer`s. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel and South Korea agree to COVID-19 vaccine exchange: Report

Adding to the growing list of sexual assaults in defence sector, a South Korean army general has been arrested for sexually harassing a female colleague.

The two-star brigadier-general allegedly tried to sexually harass a female subordinate after winding up a dinner with a few other soldiers. An investigation has been launched into the matter immediately after the complaint was filed.

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Officials have also assured all "legal and institutional assistance" to the victim from the government and have promised that appropriate actions will be taken after the investigation is completed.

This has come almost a month after a master sergeant took her own life after she was reportedly sexually harassed by South Korean&nbsp;air force chief. The victim, in that case, had reported the incident to authorities higher up in command but nobody paid any heed to her.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-south-korean-workers-rally-in-coronavirus-hit-seoul-395539" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-south-korean-workers-rally-in-coronavirus-hit-seoul-395539&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiDo7bWnM7xAhXEIbcAHYtrAHoQFjAIegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2aOz-hOgeEnl7NC6uYRdXm" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-south-korean-workers-rally-in-coronavirus-hit-seoul-395539" target="_blank">Thousands of&nbsp;South Korean&nbsp;workers rally in coronavirus-hit Seoul</a>

The ignorance towards her case and complaints led her to take her own life in May. This brought out an outcry in South Korea as people demanded action against the growing environment of sexual assault in the defence sector.

Many social media users have claimed that female soldiers usually face the pressure to stay silent in cases of sexual assault as they fear public shaming and loss of jobs.

Adding to the growing list of sexual assaults in defence sector, a South Korean army general has been arrested for sexually harassing a female colleague. The two-star brigadier-general allegedly tried to sexually harass a female subordinate after winding up a dinner with a few other soldiers.

Adding to the growing list of sexual assaults in defence sector, a South Korean army general has been arrested for sexually harassing a female colleague. The two-star brigadier-general allegedly tried to sexually harass a female subordinate after winding up a dinner with a few other soldiers. An investigation has been launched into the matter immediately after the complaint was filed. Also read | Israel and South Korea agree to COVID-19 vaccine exchange Officials have also assured all "legal and institutional assistance" to the victim from the government and have promised that appropriate actions will be taken after the investigation is completed. This has come almost a month after a master sergeant took her own life after she was reportedly sexually harassed by South Korean air force chief. The victim, in that case, had reported the incident to authorities higher up in command but nobody paid any heed to her. Also read | Thousands of South Korean workers rally in coronavirus-hit Seoul The ignorance towards her case and complaints led her to take her own life in May. This brought out an outcry in South Korea as people demanded action against the growing environment of sexual assault in the defence sector. Many social media users have claimed that female soldiers usually face the pressure to stay silent in cases of sexual assault as they fear public shaming and loss of jobs.

South Korean army general arrested on sexual harassment charges

Thousands of South Korean workers staged a rally in downtown Seoul to demand better conditions, video images showed on Saturday, defying a government ban and shrugging off warnings that their protest could ignite a new wave of the coronavirus. 
 
As South Korea battles a spike in infections fuelled by the highly infectious Delta variant, officials had denied permission for the protest, with Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum urging leaders of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions to cancel it. 
 
Marchers wearing masks blocked some of the main streets in the central district of Jongno, holding up signs with slogans such as 'Stop restructuring!' and 'Let's go! General strike!' video from the Yonhap news agency showed. 
 
The protest, which the union said drew as many as 8,000 participants, backed demands for wage hikes and measures to prevent accidents. 
 
But plans for the gathering had provoked concern about a repeat of the events of last summer, after a massive rally traced to a church sparked a second wave of infections nationwide. 
 
However, the union pushed ahead with Saturday's rally after a last-minute change of venue from the financial centre of Yeouido, where police had set up a barricade of buses and checkpoints to deter protesters. 
 
The union has said it is capable of ensuring a safe protest&nbsp;based on strict COVID-19 guidelines, and urged respect for its right to freedom of assembly. 
 
About 80% of South Korea's locally transmitted cases continue to come from the Seoul metropolitan area, home to more than half of the country's population of 52 million. Daily infections hit the highest in nearly six months on Thursday. 
 
Friday's 794 cases reported by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) were slightly lower than the previous day's figure. 
 
"Holding a large protest in the greater Seoul area is an extremely dangerous move that would only add fuel to the flames of COVID-19," Kim had said on Friday, warning that authorities would take all measures necessary to block the demonstration.

Thousands of South Korean workers staged a rally in downtown Seoul to demand better conditions, video images showed on Saturday, defying a government ban and shrugging off warnings that their protest could ignite a new wave of the coronavirus.

Thousands of South Korean workers staged a rally in downtown Seoul to demand better conditions, video images showed on Saturday, defying a government ban and shrugging off warnings that their protest could ignite a new wave of the coronavirus. As South Korea battles a spike in infections fuelled by the highly infectious Delta variant, officials had denied permission for the protest, with Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum urging leaders of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions to cancel it. Marchers wearing masks blocked some of the main streets in the central district of Jongno, holding up signs with slogans such as 'Stop restructuring!' and 'Let's go! General strike!' video from the Yonhap news agency showed. The protest, which the union said drew as many as 8,000 participants, backed demands for wage hikes and measures to prevent accidents. But plans for the gathering had provoked concern about a repeat of the events of last summer, after a massive rally traced to a church sparked a second wave of infections nationwide. However, the union pushed ahead with Saturday's rally after a last-minute change of venue from the financial centre of Yeouido, where police had set up a barricade of buses and checkpoints to deter protesters. The union has said it is capable of ensuring a safe protest based on strict COVID-19 guidelines, and urged respect for its right to freedom of assembly. About 80% of South Korea's locally transmitted cases continue to come from the Seoul metropolitan area, home to more than half of the country's population of 52 million. Daily infections hit the highest in nearly six months on Thursday. Friday's 794 cases reported by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) were slightly lower than the previous day's figure. "Holding a large protest in the greater Seoul area is an extremely dangerous move that would only add fuel to the flames of COVID-19," Kim had said on Friday, warning that authorities would take all measures necessary to block the demonstration.

Thousands of South Korean workers rally in coronavirus-hit Seoul

Despite multiple legal setbacks, South Korea's 'comfort women' are continuing their spirited fight for justice. But with most survivors in their 90s, there is fear that this story will soon be forgotten.

Gravitas: South Korea's comfort women fight on

The United States and South Korea have agreed to consider scrapping a working group established to coordinate North Korea policy, Seoul's foreign ministry said on Tuesday, after it became seen as a way for Washington to block inter-Korean projects. 
 
During talks between US&nbsp;special representative for North Korea Sung Kim and his South Korean counterpart Noh Kyu-duk on Monday, the two agreed to 'look into terminating the working group' while reinforcing coordination at other levels, the ministry said in a statement. 
 
On Monday, Kim said he was willing to meet with the North Koreans 'anywhere, anytime without preconditions' and that he looks forward to a 'positive response soon'. He was scheduled to meet with South Korean Unification Minister Lee In-young, who handles relations with the North, on Tuesday. 
 
The working group was set up in 2018 to help the two allies coordinate their approaches to issues, such as denuclearisation talks, humanitarian aid, sanctions enforcement and inter-Korean relations amid a flurry of diplomatic engagement with North Korea at the time. 
 
When asked last year about Seoul's proposals, such as reopening individual tourism to its northern neighbour, US&nbsp;ambassador to South Korea at the time, Harry Harris, said that 'in order to avoid a misunderstanding later that could trigger sanctions... it’s better to run this through the working group'. 
 
Though Harris added that it was not the United States’ place to approve South Korean decisions, the remarks caused controversy in Seoul and a former aide to South Korean President Moon Jae-in later told parliament the working group was increasingly seen as an obstacle to inter-Korean relations. 
 
The Moon administration would see ending the working group as a goodwill gesture from new US&nbsp;President Joe Biden, said Ramon Pacheco Pardo, a Korea expert at King's College London. 
 
"From a South Korean perspective, this was basically a mechanism for the US&nbsp;to block inter-Korean projects during the Trump years," he said. "It would be a clever political move for the Biden administration to end the group, since consultation between Washington and Seoul will take place anyway." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The United States and South Korea have agreed to consider scrapping a working group established to coordinate North Korea policy, Seoul's foreign ministry said on Tuesday, after it became seen as a way for Washington to block inter-Korean projects.

The United States and South Korea have agreed to consider scrapping a working group established to coordinate North Korea policy, Seoul's foreign ministry said on Tuesday, after it became seen as a way for Washington to block inter-Korean projects. During talks between US special representative for North Korea Sung Kim and his South Korean counterpart Noh Kyu-duk on Monday, the two agreed to 'look into terminating the working group' while reinforcing coordination at other levels, the ministry said in a statement. On Monday, Kim said he was willing to meet with the North Koreans 'anywhere, anytime without preconditions' and that he looks forward to a 'positive response soon'. He was scheduled to meet with South Korean Unification Minister Lee In-young, who handles relations with the North, on Tuesday. The working group was set up in 2018 to help the two allies coordinate their approaches to issues, such as denuclearisation talks, humanitarian aid, sanctions enforcement and inter-Korean relations amid a flurry of diplomatic engagement with North Korea at the time. When asked last year about Seoul's proposals, such as reopening individual tourism to its northern neighbour, US ambassador to South Korea at the time, Harry Harris, said that 'in order to avoid a misunderstanding later that could trigger sanctions... it’s better to run this through the working group'. Though Harris added that it was not the United States’ place to approve South Korean decisions, the remarks caused controversy in Seoul and a former aide to South Korean President Moon Jae-in later told parliament the working group was increasingly seen as an obstacle to inter-Korean relations. The Moon administration would see ending the working group as a goodwill gesture from new US President Joe Biden, said Ramon Pacheco Pardo, a Korea expert at King's College London. "From a South Korean perspective, this was basically a mechanism for the US to block inter-Korean projects during the Trump years," he said. "It would be a clever political move for the Biden administration to end the group, since consultation between Washington and Seoul will take place anyway." (With inputs from agencies)

US, South Korea consider ending controversial North Korea coordinating group

US President Joe Biden's special envoy to North Korea Sung Kim is currently in South Korea for a five-day visit. During a trilateral meet in Seoul, Kim said that he looks forward to a 'positive response soon' on dialogue from North Korea.

New US envoy Kim hopes to get positive response from North Korea

South Korea will relax social distancing rules and allow private gatherings of up to six people in the greater Seoul area from the current four starting July 1, the government said on Sunday. 
 
The announcement comes as South Korea has inoculated 29.2% of its population as of Saturday, putting it on track to meet a target of 70% by September. 
 
Daily new infections have held stubbornly in a range of 400 to 700 for the past few weeks, but have stayed below 600 for more than a week so far. 
 
Under the revised rules, restaurants, night-life venues and cafes will be allowed to open for business until 12 am, versus 10 pm&nbsp;currently. 
 
"The new social distancing system is an effort to find a balance between quarantine and daily life recovery amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic," Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol said in a televised briefing. 
 
Unless daily infections spike significantly, the government plans to allow gatherings of up to eight people in the greater Seoul area from July 15, Kwon said. 
 
For those outside of greater Seoul, no restrictions will apply on the number of private gatherings allowed. 
 
South Korea reported 429 new infections by midnight on Saturday, for a tally of 151,149 cases, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said, with a death toll of 2,002. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

South Korea will relax social distancing rules and allow private gatherings of up to six people in the greater Seoul area from the current four starting July 1, the government said on Sunday.

South Korea will relax social distancing rules and allow private gatherings of up to six people in the greater Seoul area from the current four starting July 1, the government said on Sunday. The announcement comes as South Korea has inoculated 29.2% of its population as of Saturday, putting it on track to meet a target of 70% by September. Daily new infections have held stubbornly in a range of 400 to 700 for the past few weeks, but have stayed below 600 for more than a week so far. Under the revised rules, restaurants, night-life venues and cafes will be allowed to open for business until 12 am, versus 10 pm currently. "The new social distancing system is an effort to find a balance between quarantine and daily life recovery amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic," Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol said in a televised briefing. Unless daily infections spike significantly, the government plans to allow gatherings of up to eight people in the greater Seoul area from July 15, Kwon said. For those outside of greater Seoul, no restrictions will apply on the number of private gatherings allowed. South Korea reported 429 new infections by midnight on Saturday, for a tally of 151,149 cases, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said, with a death toll of 2,002. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea to loosen social distancing rules on July 1

South Korea is trying to increase its future working population by making it easier for children of foreign residents to become citizens, but its plans have run into trouble in the face of rising anti-China sentiment. 
 
A measure proposed by the Ministry of Justice, first made public in April, called for easing the pathway to citizenship for children born to long-term foreign residents, by simply notifying the ministry. 
 
A presidential petition opposing the revision has gathered over 300,000 signatures. The chatroom of an online hearing held to discuss the proposal in May was overwhelmed with expletive-laced complaints by the tens of thousands of viewers. 
 
The justice ministry has said it is still taking into account public opinion and the advice of experts before submitting the proposal to the Ministry of Government Legislation. 
 
"Given the strong backlash, I would say the ministry has already lost much of the momentum to push ahead with the proposal," said Jang Yun-mi, an attorney, who specialises in issues related to children. 
 
The controversy highlights the challenges South Korea faces as it seeks to ensure a robust future population in the face of declining birthrates and rapidly aging workers, and the potential policy implications of increasingly negative views of China, its biggest trading partner. 
 
Data from last year suggests only about 3,930 people would be eligible under the rule change, but the fact that 3,725 of them were of Chinese heritage prompted much of the criticism. 
 
South Korean views have been coloured by what some see as economic bullying by Beijing, its poor handling of the COVID-19 crisis, and the assertion by some Chinese that dearly held aspects of Korean food and culture, such as kimchi and the traditional hanbok dress, have roots in China. 
 
Among immigrant communities, the proposed measures are not seen as worth the backlash, said Kim Yong-phil, editor-in-chief of E Korea World, a local newspaper for Chinese-Koreans. 
 
"Anti-Chinese people could use this issue as a pretext to attack Chinese-Koreans," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korea is trying to increase its future working population by making it easier for children of foreign residents to become citizens, but its plans have run into trouble in the face of rising anti-China sentiment.

South Korea is trying to increase its future working population by making it easier for children of foreign residents to become citizens, but its plans have run into trouble in the face of rising anti-China sentiment. A measure proposed by the Ministry of Justice, first made public in April, called for easing the pathway to citizenship for children born to long-term foreign residents, by simply notifying the ministry. A presidential petition opposing the revision has gathered over 300,000 signatures. The chatroom of an online hearing held to discuss the proposal in May was overwhelmed with expletive-laced complaints by the tens of thousands of viewers. The justice ministry has said it is still taking into account public opinion and the advice of experts before submitting the proposal to the Ministry of Government Legislation. "Given the strong backlash, I would say the ministry has already lost much of the momentum to push ahead with the proposal," said Jang Yun-mi, an attorney, who specialises in issues related to children. The controversy highlights the challenges South Korea faces as it seeks to ensure a robust future population in the face of declining birthrates and rapidly aging workers, and the potential policy implications of increasingly negative views of China, its biggest trading partner. Data from last year suggests only about 3,930 people would be eligible under the rule change, but the fact that 3,725 of them were of Chinese heritage prompted much of the criticism. South Korean views have been coloured by what some see as economic bullying by Beijing, its poor handling of the COVID-19 crisis, and the assertion by some Chinese that dearly held aspects of Korean food and culture, such as kimchi and the traditional hanbok dress, have roots in China. Among immigrant communities, the proposed measures are not seen as worth the backlash, said Kim Yong-phil, editor-in-chief of E Korea World, a local newspaper for Chinese-Koreans. "Anti-Chinese people could use this issue as a pretext to attack Chinese-Koreans," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Proposed changes to S Korea citizenship law face anti-China headwinds

South Korean's military began annual drills on Tuesday around a set of islands also claimed by Japan, days after planned talks between the two countries' leaders were called off amid a spat over an Olympics map. 
 
Seoul and Tokyo have been at odds over the sovereignty of the islets called Dokdo in South Korea and Takeshima in Japan, which lie about halfway between the neighbours in the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea. 
 
The decades-long territorial row was rekindled after South Korea lodged a protest over a map on the Tokyo Olympics website marking the islands as Japanese territory. 
 
Tokyo rejected Seoul's demand to remove the depiction of the islets in the Olympics map. South Korea asked the International Olympic Committee to mediate the dispute, and some South Korean politicians called for a boycott of the Games. 
 
Relations between the two Asian neighbours have been frosty amid feuds over the islets, trade and the issue of compensation for victims, who were forced work in Japanese firms and military brothels during Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule. 
 
Naval, air and coast guard forces will join the drills, which will be staged mostly on the sea with minimal contact between troops due to coronavirus concerns, Seoul's defence ministry said. 
 
South Korea's Yonhap news agency earlier reported Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga took issue over the drills and called off planned talks with President Moon Jae-in at the Group of Seven summit in England over the weekend. 
 
An official at South Korea's foreign ministry said on Tuesday that the meeting could not be held, without specifying why. 
 
When asked if a dispute over the drills was the reason, the official said: "the exercises are regularly held every year for the purpose of defending our territory." 
 
The Korean drills around the islets have taken place twice a year since 1986, prompting frequent protests from Japan. 
 
Japan's chief cabinet secretary Katsunobu Kato on Monday denied the Yonhap report, saying it was 'one-sided' and the talks did not come off due to scheduling difficulties. 
 
On Tuesday, Kato said Tokyo had lodged a protest with Seoul over the exercises, saying the islands are Japanese territory under history and international law. 
 
"This sort of drill is unacceptable and extremely regrettable," he told a news conference. "We`ve protested to the South Korean government and called for them to be halted." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

South Korean's military began annual drills on Tuesday around a set of islands also claimed by Japan, days after planned talks between the two countries' leaders were called off amid a spat over an Olympics map.

South Korean's military began annual drills on Tuesday around a set of islands also claimed by Japan, days after planned talks between the two countries' leaders were called off amid a spat over an Olympics map. Seoul and Tokyo have been at odds over the sovereignty of the islets called Dokdo in South Korea and Takeshima in Japan, which lie about halfway between the neighbours in the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea. The decades-long territorial row was rekindled after South Korea lodged a protest over a map on the Tokyo Olympics website marking the islands as Japanese territory. Tokyo rejected Seoul's demand to remove the depiction of the islets in the Olympics map. South Korea asked the International Olympic Committee to mediate the dispute, and some South Korean politicians called for a boycott of the Games. Relations between the two Asian neighbours have been frosty amid feuds over the islets, trade and the issue of compensation for victims, who were forced work in Japanese firms and military brothels during Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule. Naval, air and coast guard forces will join the drills, which will be staged mostly on the sea with minimal contact between troops due to coronavirus concerns, Seoul's defence ministry said. South Korea's Yonhap news agency earlier reported Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga took issue over the drills and called off planned talks with President Moon Jae-in at the Group of Seven summit in England over the weekend. An official at South Korea's foreign ministry said on Tuesday that the meeting could not be held, without specifying why. When asked if a dispute over the drills was the reason, the official said: "the exercises are regularly held every year for the purpose of defending our territory." The Korean drills around the islets have taken place twice a year since 1986, prompting frequent protests from Japan. Japan's chief cabinet secretary Katsunobu Kato on Monday denied the Yonhap report, saying it was 'one-sided' and the talks did not come off due to scheduling difficulties. On Tuesday, Kato said Tokyo had lodged a protest with Seoul over the exercises, saying the islands are Japanese territory under history and international law. "This sort of drill is unacceptable and extremely regrettable," he told a news conference. "We`ve protested to the South Korean government and called for them to be halted." (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea holds drills around disputed islets amid row over cancelled Japan talks

At least nine people were killed and eight were injured when a five-story building collapsed suddenly on Wednesday while it was in the midst of a demolition process and fell onto a busy street in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea, officials at a local fire station said.

The building collapsed as it was being demolished in Gwangju, some 270 kilometers of the southwest of capital Seoul, officials at the Gwangju Fire and Safety Headquarters said.

The reason for the collapse was unclear, according to the fire station.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-mayor-apologises-for-falling-prey-to-vaccine-scam-390439">Also Read |&nbsp;South Korea: Mayor apologises for falling prey to vaccine scam</a>

Gwangju Fire and Safety Headquarters officials said the fire station had received the report of the collapse, which buried a bus that was near the construction site.

As of 8:25 p.m. local time, a total of 17 people were affected by the accident, said fire station officials, including nine who were confirmed dead and eight who were seriously injured and taken to hospitals.

South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;has been known in the past for having a bad safety record in terms of infrastructure. A department store collapse killed more than 500 people in 1995, and a bridge collapse in 1994 killed 49 people, but the country has in recent years tried to improve its safety record.

At least nine people were killed and eight were injured when a five-story building collapsed suddenly on Wednesday while it was in the midst of a demolition process and fell onto a busy street in South Korea, officials at a local fire station said.

At least nine people were killed and eight were injured when a five-story building collapsed suddenly on Wednesday while it was in the midst of a demolition process and fell onto a busy street in South Korea, officials at a local fire station said. The building collapsed as it was being demolished in Gwangju, some 270 kilometers of the southwest of capital Seoul, officials at the Gwangju Fire and Safety Headquarters said. The reason for the collapse was unclear, according to the fire station. Also Read | South Korea: Mayor apologises for falling prey to vaccine scam Gwangju Fire and Safety Headquarters officials said the fire station had received the report of the collapse, which buried a bus that was near the construction site. As of 8:25 p.m. local time, a total of 17 people were affected by the accident, said fire station officials, including nine who were confirmed dead and eight who were seriously injured and taken to hospitals. South Korea has been known in the past for having a bad safety record in terms of infrastructure. A department store collapse killed more than 500 people in 1995, and a bridge collapse in 1994 killed 49 people, but the country has in recent years tried to improve its safety record.

South Korea building collapses suddenly, killing nine

As the world struggles to procure <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>, a South Korean mayor made a public announcement that Pfizer will be sending 30 million doses within three weeks.

However, his announcement fell short as he soon realised he was being scammed and had to issue a public apology.

Kwon Young-jin, who is critical of the government’s vaccine distribution, took some time to realise that Pfizer does not distribute vaccines through third parties.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/meet-grace-the-healthcare-robot-covid-19-created-390437">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/meet-grace-the-healthcare-robot-covid-19-created-390437/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It was my mistake that this case regarded as one of the simple cases of a failed vaccine import has escalated into a fake vaccine fraud case," the Mayor said. "The image of Daegu was tarnished due to my careless words. I also caused deep wounds and disappointment to the citizens suffering from COVID-19."

Kwon had informed the national media that his team has held negotiations with a foreign trading company in Daegu who have assured supply of 30 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

The Medi-City Daegu Council and the trading company had exchanged several documents, but it was the Ministry of Health and Welfare who spotted the leak in the deal after they claimed it had "reliability issues".

As the world struggles to procure coronavirus vaccine, a South Korean mayor made a public announcement that Pfizer will be sending 30 million doses within three weeks.

As the world struggles to procure coronavirus vaccine, a South Korean mayor made a public announcement that Pfizer will be sending 30 million doses within three weeks. However, his announcement fell short as he soon realised he was being scammed and had to issue a public apology. Kwon Young-jin, who is critical of the government’s vaccine distribution, took some time to realise that Pfizer does not distribute vaccines through third parties. WATCH | "It was my mistake that this case regarded as one of the simple cases of a failed vaccine import has escalated into a fake vaccine fraud case," the Mayor said. "The image of Daegu was tarnished due to my careless words. I also caused deep wounds and disappointment to the citizens suffering from COVID-19." Kwon had informed the national media that his team has held negotiations with a foreign trading company in Daegu who have assured supply of 30 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine. The Medi-City Daegu Council and the trading company had exchanged several documents, but it was the Ministry of Health and Welfare who spotted the leak in the deal after they claimed it had "reliability issues".

South Korea: Mayor apologises for falling prey to vaccine scam

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