A South Korean vigilante website that published personal details of people it accused of sex crimes suddenly shut down after a public backlash sparked by the death of one of its targets.&nbsp;

The death had goaded the police to hunt for its operators.

Calls have grown for tougher punishment for those guilty of sex crimes after a South Korean man convicted of running one of the world's largest online child pornography operations was released this year from 18 months in jail.

The "Digital Prison" website had listed, among others, 170 people it accused of roles in a network that blackmailed at least 74 women and underage girls into what authorities called “virtual enslavement” by sending them increasingly degrading and violent sexual imagery of themselves.

The website put up personal details of those it said were criminals, ranging from photographs, names and ages to telephone numbers and employment data.

Regulator the Korea Communications Standards Commission said it had been processing an August 14 takedown request from police before the site went offline on Tuesday.

A Seoul university student was found dead early in September following weeks of harassment by strangers after the website featured his photograph and details.

Those behind the website, set up in March, have yet to be identified, despite police arrests of more than 100 suspects in the blackmail ring, including a 24-year-old accused of having founded it.

A message on the website said it existed to serve the public by bringing down social judgment on sex crime suspects despite lenient legal punishment.

Psychiatry professor Chae Jeong-ho said he received hundreds of expletive-laden texts and calls from strangers after he figured on the site.

Police cleared Chae, who works at the Catholic University of Korea in Seoul, but the experience took a toll.

A South Korean vigilante website that published personal details of people it accused of sex crimes suddenly shut down after a public backlash sparked by the death of one of its targets.

A South Korean vigilante website that published personal details of people it accused of sex crimes suddenly shut down after a public backlash sparked by the death of one of its targets. The death had goaded the police to hunt for its operators. Calls have grown for tougher punishment for those guilty of sex crimes after a South Korean man convicted of running one of the world's largest online child pornography operations was released this year from 18 months in jail. The "Digital Prison" website had listed, among others, 170 people it accused of roles in a network that blackmailed at least 74 women and underage girls into what authorities called “virtual enslavement” by sending them increasingly degrading and violent sexual imagery of themselves. The website put up personal details of those it said were criminals, ranging from photographs, names and ages to telephone numbers and employment data. Regulator the Korea Communications Standards Commission said it had been processing an August 14 takedown request from police before the site went offline on Tuesday. A Seoul university student was found dead early in September following weeks of harassment by strangers after the website featured his photograph and details. Those behind the website, set up in March, have yet to be identified, despite police arrests of more than 100 suspects in the blackmail ring, including a 24-year-old accused of having founded it. A message on the website said it existed to serve the public by bringing down social judgment on sex crime suspects despite lenient legal punishment. Psychiatry professor Chae Jeong-ho said he received hundreds of expletive-laden texts and calls from strangers after he figured on the site. Police cleared Chae, who works at the Catholic University of Korea in Seoul, but the experience took a toll.

S Korean vigilante website targetting sex crimes shuts down amid outcry

After wrecking Japan, Typhoon Haishen makes landfall in South Korea

South Korea’s factory output grew for a second straight month in July, after marking the fastest growth since 2009 in June, though a resurgence in coronavirus infections is expected to further weigh on the economy.

Second straight monthly rise registered in South Korean factories

South Korea's central bank slashed its growth forecast Thursday, predicting the world's 12th-largest economy will contract 1.3 percent this year

South Korea Central bank cuts 2020 GDP outlook

Holidays in popular destinations such as Bali or Hawaii are not possible this year for South Koreans due to the coronavirus pandemic. So some are bringing vacation spots into their homes by transforming their apartments into where they would've been had the outbreak not happened.

South Koreans turn homes into Bali resort, camp site amid pandemic

South Korea is closing schools and returning to remote learning in the capital region as the country counted its 12th straight day

South Korea closes many schools again amid surge

South Korean authorities reported the highest daily rise in novel coronavirus cases since early March on Sunday, saying tougher social distancing rules may be needed as outbreaks continued to spread from a Seoul church and other gatherings.

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 397 new infections as of midnight Saturday, up from the previous day’s 332 and marking more than a week of daily three-digit rises.

That brings South Korea’s total infections of the new coronavirus to 17,399 with 309 COVID-19 deaths, it said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-children-aged-12-and-over-should-wear-masks-like-adults-322519">Also read:&nbsp;WHO says children aged 12 and over should wear masks like adults</a>

From Sunday, the government extended second-tier social-distancing rules which had been in place in Seoul to other areas of the country, banning in-person church meetings and closing nightclubs, buffets and cyber cafes.

Health authorities say they may eventually deploy the toughest stage 3 social-distancing rules, where schools and business are urged to close, if the rate of increase in new infections does not slow soon.

“We’re on the brink of a nationwide pandemic as the number of new cases are increasing in all 17 regions across the country,” said Jung Eun-Kyeong, Director General at the KCDC at a briefing on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-coronavirus-deaths-top-800000-as-nations-ramp-up-measures-322460">Also read:&nbsp;World coronavirus deaths top 800,000 as nations ramp up measures</a>

“Please stay home as much as possible, unless you absolutely need to (be out) for necessities, or for work and visits to doctors.”

Families posted notes on social media saying they had cancelled vacation plans to nearby hotels and the southern resort island of Jeju to comply with government guidelines.

On Friday, health authorities said South Korea’s coronavirus infections were back “in full swing” as hundreds of infections have started to come out from the Sarang Jeil Presbyterian Church run by a far-right preacher.

Jung said a total of 841 confirmed cases were related to the church so far.

Members of the church attending an anti-government protest in Seoul on Aug. 15 have also led to new cases across the country, while another recent cluster has been linked to a Starbucks store.

South Korean authorities reported the highest daily rise in novel coronavirus cases since early March on Sunday, saying tougher social distancing rules may be needed as outbreaks continued to spread from a Seoul church and other gatherings.

South Korean authorities reported the highest daily rise in novel coronavirus cases since early March on Sunday, saying tougher social distancing rules may be needed as outbreaks continued to spread from a Seoul church and other gatherings. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 397 new infections as of midnight Saturday, up from the previous day’s 332 and marking more than a week of daily three-digit rises. That brings South Korea’s total infections of the new coronavirus to 17,399 with 309 COVID-19 deaths, it said. Also read: WHO says children aged 12 and over should wear masks like adults From Sunday, the government extended second-tier social-distancing rules which had been in place in Seoul to other areas of the country, banning in-person church meetings and closing nightclubs, buffets and cyber cafes. Health authorities say they may eventually deploy the toughest stage 3 social-distancing rules, where schools and business are urged to close, if the rate of increase in new infections does not slow soon. “We’re on the brink of a nationwide pandemic as the number of new cases are increasing in all 17 regions across the country,” said Jung Eun-Kyeong, Director General at the KCDC at a briefing on Sunday. Also read: World coronavirus deaths top 800,000 as nations ramp up measures “Please stay home as much as possible, unless you absolutely need to (be out) for necessities, or for work and visits to doctors.” Families posted notes on social media saying they had cancelled vacation plans to nearby hotels and the southern resort island of Jeju to comply with government guidelines. On Friday, health authorities said South Korea’s coronavirus infections were back “in full swing” as hundreds of infections have started to come out from the Sarang Jeil Presbyterian Church run by a far-right preacher. Jung said a total of 841 confirmed cases were related to the church so far. Members of the church attending an anti-government protest in Seoul on Aug. 15 have also led to new cases across the country, while another recent cluster has been linked to a Starbucks store.

South Korea reports biggest rise in coronavirus cases since March

Chang Song-min, a former aide of South Korea’s late president Kim Dae-Jung has added to fuel to the speculations regarding North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's deteriorating health.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-china-tensions-rising-us-joins-taiwan-to-mark-battle-anniversary-322506" hreflang="en">With China tensions rising, US joins Taiwan to mark battle anniversary</a>

According to Chang Song-min, the North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un is in a coma and his sister Kim Yo-jong has been made the de facto second in command with authority and responsibility delegated to her for managing relations with the US and South Korea.&nbsp;

He has claimed to have gotten the information from a source in China as per The Korea Herald.&nbsp;

In an interview with South Korean media, Chang Song-min said: &nbsp;“I assess him to be in a coma, but his life has not ended. “A complete succession structure has not been formed, so Kim Yo-jong is being brought to the fore as the vacuum cannot be maintained for a prolonged period.”

He went on to say that photos of Kim Jong Un that were released by the North Korean media in recent months were fake. As per Chang, the power restructuring does not make Kim Yo-jong the successor to Kim Jong Un.&nbsp;

South Korea's spy agency informed the country's political leaders that the North Korean leader seemed to have adopted delegating authority and responsibility to some of his most trusted aides. But according to the National Intelligence Agency, the change doesn’t appear to be linked to any major health problem, said The Korean Herald.

Fewer public appearances this year by Kim Jong Un fueled rumours of his death. According to some speculations, failed heart surgery of the North Korean leader has either left him bedridden or dead. But these rumours were laid to rest after he made an appearance at the opening of a fertiliser factory in Suchon near the North Korea's capital, Pyongyang.

Chang Song-min, a former aide of South Korea’s late president Kim Dae-Jung has added to fuel to the speculations regarding North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's deteriorating health.

Chang Song-min, a former aide of South Korea’s late president Kim Dae-Jung has added to fuel to the speculations regarding North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's deteriorating health. Also read: With China tensions rising, US joins Taiwan to mark battle anniversary According to Chang Song-min, the North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un is in a coma and his sister Kim Yo-jong has been made the de facto second in command with authority and responsibility delegated to her for managing relations with the US and South Korea. He has claimed to have gotten the information from a source in China as per The Korea Herald. In an interview with South Korean media, Chang Song-min said: “I assess him to be in a coma, but his life has not ended. “A complete succession structure has not been formed, so Kim Yo-jong is being brought to the fore as the vacuum cannot be maintained for a prolonged period.” He went on to say that photos of Kim Jong Un that were released by the North Korean media in recent months were fake. As per Chang, the power restructuring does not make Kim Yo-jong the successor to Kim Jong Un. South Korea's spy agency informed the country's political leaders that the North Korean leader seemed to have adopted delegating authority and responsibility to some of his most trusted aides. But according to the National Intelligence Agency, the change doesn’t appear to be linked to any major health problem, said The Korean Herald. Fewer public appearances this year by Kim Jong Un fueled rumours of his death. According to some speculations, failed heart surgery of the North Korean leader has either left him bedridden or dead. But these rumours were laid to rest after he made an appearance at the opening of a fertiliser factory in Suchon near the North Korea's capital, Pyongyang.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un in coma? A former South Korean diplomat claims!

With the fears of a second wave of coronavirus in the country, South Korea has decided to reimpose social distancing regulations to contain the spread of the virus, especially in the capital city, Seoul.

The decision was taken after the&nbsp;Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 315 new cases in the city on Friday night within 24 hours. The point of concern was also that majority of the cases were domestic infections.

“If we don’t curb the spread (of the virus) in early stages, this will grow as a large-scale wave. To us, there is nothing more important than focusing on responding to COVID-19,” Health Minister Park Neung-hoo told a briefing on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-traces-church-members-confines-troops-to-base-as-virus-spreads-321439">Also read:&nbsp;South Korea traces church members, confines troops to base as virus spreads</a>

South Korea was once applauded for its response to the pandemic, with the help of effective contact tracing and large-scale testing. However, the recent surge in cases is becoming a point of concern for the local authorities now.

The recent surge in cases has forced the local authorities to reimpose social distancing norms which include restrictions on parties,&nbsp;karaoke bars, buffets, nightclubs, cyber cafes and all other cultural gatherings.

While the restrictions are currently only in Seoul and few of the neighbouring towns, the authorities have claimed that there is a possibility of the restrictions extending in other populated areas of the country too, depending on the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in South Korea has now increased to&nbsp;17,002 with 309 deaths.

With the fears of a second wave of coronavirus in the country, South Korea has decided to reimpose social distancing regulations to contain the spread of the virus, especially in the capital city, Seoul.

With the fears of a second wave of coronavirus in the country, South Korea has decided to reimpose social distancing regulations to contain the spread of the virus, especially in the capital city, Seoul. The decision was taken after the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 315 new cases in the city on Friday night within 24 hours. The point of concern was also that majority of the cases were domestic infections. “If we don’t curb the spread (of the virus) in early stages, this will grow as a large-scale wave. To us, there is nothing more important than focusing on responding to COVID-19,” Health Minister Park Neung-hoo told a briefing on Saturday. Also read: South Korea traces church members, confines troops to base as virus spreads South Korea was once applauded for its response to the pandemic, with the help of effective contact tracing and large-scale testing. However, the recent surge in cases is becoming a point of concern for the local authorities now. The recent surge in cases has forced the local authorities to reimpose social distancing norms which include restrictions on parties, karaoke bars, buffets, nightclubs, cyber cafes and all other cultural gatherings. While the restrictions are currently only in Seoul and few of the neighbouring towns, the authorities have claimed that there is a possibility of the restrictions extending in other populated areas of the country too, depending on the spread of the novel coronavirus. The total number of COVID-19 cases in South Korea has now increased to 17,002 with 309 deaths.

South Korea: Social distancing regulations reimposed in Seoul amid rise in cases

South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;said on Saturday it held talks with China's top diplomat over trade, denuclearisation and the coronavirus response, in the first visit by a high-level Beijing official since the COVID-19 pandemic erupted late last year.

Yang Jiechi, a member of the Communist Party Politburo, met with&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea's new national security adviser, Suh Hoon, in the&nbsp;southern port city of Busan, the&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean government said.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-social-distancing-regulations-reimposed-in-seoul-amid-rise-in-cases-322343" hreflang="en">South Korea: Social distancing regulations reimposed in Seoul amid rise in cases</a>

The two sides discussed topics such as accelerating free-trade agreement negotiations, expanding cultural exchanges as well as the election of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Director General,&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea's presidential Blue House spokesman Kang Min-seok said in a statement.

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China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China, and&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea's national security adviser Suh Hoon leave after their meeting in Busan,&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea

Kang added that Yang addressed China's position regarding the current US-China relations and Suh in return emphasized the importance of cooperative US-China relations for peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia.

The talks come after the COVID-19 pandemic had undercut bilateral exchanges and stalled denuclearisation negotiations involving North&nbsp;Korea.

The two countries resumed exchanges last month when Seoul sent a high-level diplomat for a bilateral economic meeting.

Suh, who took up the top security job last month after serving as intelligence chief, also discussed a potential trip to Seoul by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Kang said the two countries agreed to make Xi’s visit to&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;happen promptly once the COVID-19 situation stabilized, adding that China called&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;a priority for President Xi to visit.

Yang said China will continue to talk and cooperate with&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;to achieve denuclearisation and peace on the&nbsp;Korean peninsula. The two sides also agreed on need to hold the&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea-China-Japan summit within this year.

Yang arrived on Friday and is to leave on Saturday, the government said in a statement.

South Korea said on Saturday it held talks with China's top diplomat over trade, denuclearisation and the coronavirus response, in the first visit by a high-level Beijing official since the COVID-19 pandemic erupted late last year.

South Korea said on Saturday it held talks with China's top diplomat over trade, denuclearisation and the coronavirus response, in the first visit by a high-level Beijing official since the COVID-19 pandemic erupted late last year. Yang Jiechi, a member of the Communist Party Politburo, met with South Korea's new national security adviser, Suh Hoon, in the southern port city of Busan, the South Korean government said. Also read- South Korea: Social distancing regulations reimposed in Seoul amid rise in cases The two sides discussed topics such as accelerating free-trade agreement negotiations, expanding cultural exchanges as well as the election of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Director General, South Korea's presidential Blue House spokesman Kang Min-seok said in a statement. China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China, and South Korea's national security adviser Suh Hoon leave after their meeting in Busan, South Korea Kang added that Yang addressed China's position regarding the current US-China relations and Suh in return emphasized the importance of cooperative US-China relations for peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia. The talks come after the COVID-19 pandemic had undercut bilateral exchanges and stalled denuclearisation negotiations involving North Korea. The two countries resumed exchanges last month when Seoul sent a high-level diplomat for a bilateral economic meeting. Suh, who took up the top security job last month after serving as intelligence chief, also discussed a potential trip to Seoul by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Kang said the two countries agreed to make Xi’s visit to South Korea happen promptly once the COVID-19 situation stabilized, adding that China called South Korea a priority for President Xi to visit. Yang said China will continue to talk and cooperate with South Korea to achieve denuclearisation and peace on the Korean peninsula. The two sides also agreed on need to hold the South Korea-China-Japan summit within this year. Yang arrived on Friday and is to leave on Saturday, the government said in a statement.

China, South Korea hold highest-level talks since COVID-19 outbreak

According to South Korea's spy agency North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has assigned more responsibilities to his aides, including his sister Kim Yo-jong.

Kim's sister profile in North Korea increases: Kim Yo Jong gets more power

South Korea and the United States began annual military exercises on Tuesday following a coronavirus delay, with the drills likely to infuriate the North which has long considered them rehearsals for invasion.

The drills come as tensions remain high between Seoul and Pyongyang after the North blew up an inter-Korean liaison office on its side of the border in June and threatened military measures.

The nuclear-armed North — which attacked its neighbour in 1950, triggering the Korean War — has regularly been angered by military exercises between the US and the South.

The Combined Command Post Training will run until August 28 and "focus on the maintenance of the combined defence posture" between the two countries, the US Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-announces-increase-in-military-spending-320201">Also read:&nbsp;Taiwan announces increase in military spending</a>

The decision to proceed was made "after taking into consideration related circumstances, such as the COVID-19 situation, comprehensively," it added.

Seoul and Washington had initially planned to start the exercises Sunday but pushed back the date due to the coronavirus pandemic, as a burst of new cases in the South sparks fears of a major second wave.

The South reported 246 new infections on Tuesday, taking its total to 15,761, the fifth consecutive day of triple-digit increases after several weeks with numbers generally in the 30s and 40s.

Relations between the two Koreas have been at a standstill since the collapse of a summit last year between the North and the United States in Hanoi over sanctions relief and what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in return.

South Korea and the United States began annual military exercises on Tuesday following a coronavirus delay, with the drills likely to infuriate the North which has long considered them rehearsals for invasion.

South Korea and the United States began annual military exercises on Tuesday following a coronavirus delay, with the drills likely to infuriate the North which has long considered them rehearsals for invasion. The drills come as tensions remain high between Seoul and Pyongyang after the North blew up an inter-Korean liaison office on its side of the border in June and threatened military measures. The nuclear-armed North — which attacked its neighbour in 1950, triggering the Korean War — has regularly been angered by military exercises between the US and the South. The Combined Command Post Training will run until August 28 and "focus on the maintenance of the combined defence posture" between the two countries, the US Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. Also read: Taiwan announces increase in military spending The decision to proceed was made "after taking into consideration related circumstances, such as the COVID-19 situation, comprehensively," it added. Seoul and Washington had initially planned to start the exercises Sunday but pushed back the date due to the coronavirus pandemic, as a burst of new cases in the South sparks fears of a major second wave. The South reported 246 new infections on Tuesday, taking its total to 15,761, the fifth consecutive day of triple-digit increases after several weeks with numbers generally in the 30s and 40s. Relations between the two Koreas have been at a standstill since the collapse of a summit last year between the North and the United States in Hanoi over sanctions relief and what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in return.

US, South Korea begin joint military drills after virus delay

South Korea reported a three-digit increase in novel coronavirus cases for a fifth day on Tuesday as authorities scrambled to trace hundreds of members of a church congregation, and the military locked down bases to stop the spread of the virus.

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 246 new cases as of midnight on Monday, two days after the reimposition of stricter social-distancing curbs in the Seoul metropolitan area.

South Korea has been one of the world's coronavirus mitigation success stories but it has suffered repeated spikes in infections and its total number of cases is 15,761, with 306 deaths.

Also read:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-korea-begin-joint-military-drills-after-virus-delay-321419" hreflang="en">US, South Korea begin joint military drills after virus delay</a>

At least 457 infections had been linked to the Sarang Jeil Church, 10 of whom were confirmed to have attended anti-government demonstrations over the past two weekends in Seoul, Vice Health Minister&nbsp;Kim Gang-lip&nbsp;told a briefing.

The authorities were trying to trace hundreds more members of the congregation to tell them to self-quarantine and get tested as they posed the highest transmission risk, said Kim.

Authorities have warned of a looming crisis if new outbreaks cannot be controlled, with the health system in danger of being swamped and the risk of serious economic damage.

"If the spread ... is not contained this week, it can not only halt the daily routine of the metropolitan area, with a 25 million population, but also put the safety of the elderly and the weak at risk," KCDC deputy director Kwon Jun-wook told a briefing.

Another cluster has been traced to a Starbucks Corp outlet outside Seoul with seven new cases taking the tally there to 49.

Two new cases were reported in the military, bringing the total number of infections on bases to 88, the defence ministry said.

Some 461 military personnel were in quarantine, and all troops have been confined to base, with leave cancelled and visits halted for the rest of August.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun convened an emergency meeting to discuss extending curbs nationwide.

The Seoul metropolitan area is under phase 2 restrictions, limiting indoor gatherings to fewer than 50 people and outdoor gatherings to no more than 100, and with spectators banned from sports.

Health authorities had categorized social distancing rules in three stages - stage 1 being the least intense and stage 3 the toughest, where schools are shut, businesses are advised to work from home and gatherings limited to 10 people.

Kwon said the effort was at a "grave crossroads".

"If not controlled and restrained at this level, we can't avoid an upgraded phase 3 social distancing," he said.

South Korea reported a three-digit increase in novel coronavirus cases for a fifth day on Tuesday as authorities scrambled to trace hundreds of members of a church congregation, and the military locked down bases to stop the spread of the virus.

South Korea reported a three-digit increase in novel coronavirus cases for a fifth day on Tuesday as authorities scrambled to trace hundreds of members of a church congregation, and the military locked down bases to stop the spread of the virus. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 246 new cases as of midnight on Monday, two days after the reimposition of stricter social-distancing curbs in the Seoul metropolitan area. South Korea has been one of the world's coronavirus mitigation success stories but it has suffered repeated spikes in infections and its total number of cases is 15,761, with 306 deaths. Also read: US, South Korea begin joint military drills after virus delay At least 457 infections had been linked to the Sarang Jeil Church, 10 of whom were confirmed to have attended anti-government demonstrations over the past two weekends in Seoul, Vice Health Minister Kim Gang-lip told a briefing. The authorities were trying to trace hundreds more members of the congregation to tell them to self-quarantine and get tested as they posed the highest transmission risk, said Kim. Authorities have warned of a looming crisis if new outbreaks cannot be controlled, with the health system in danger of being swamped and the risk of serious economic damage. "If the spread ... is not contained this week, it can not only halt the daily routine of the metropolitan area, with a 25 million population, but also put the safety of the elderly and the weak at risk," KCDC deputy director Kwon Jun-wook told a briefing. Another cluster has been traced to a Starbucks Corp outlet outside Seoul with seven new cases taking the tally there to 49. Two new cases were reported in the military, bringing the total number of infections on bases to 88, the defence ministry said. Some 461 military personnel were in quarantine, and all troops have been confined to base, with leave cancelled and visits halted for the rest of August. Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun convened an emergency meeting to discuss extending curbs nationwide. The Seoul metropolitan area is under phase 2 restrictions, limiting indoor gatherings to fewer than 50 people and outdoor gatherings to no more than 100, and with spectators banned from sports. Health authorities had categorized social distancing rules in three stages - stage 1 being the least intense and stage 3 the toughest, where schools are shut, businesses are advised to work from home and gatherings limited to 10 people. Kwon said the effort was at a "grave crossroads". "If not controlled and restrained at this level, we can't avoid an upgraded phase 3 social distancing," he said.

South Korea traces church members, confines troops to base as virus spreads

Thousands of Protestant church members in Seoul have been asked to quarantine as South Korea battles virus clusters linked to religious groups.

The country's "trace, test and treat" approach has been held up as a global model in how to curb the virus.

But over the weekend the capital and neighbouring Gyeonggi province -- between them home to nearly half the population -- banned all religious gatherings and urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel after a burst of new cases sparked fears of a major second wave.

South Korea reported 197 new cases on Monday, taking its total to 15,515, its fourth consecutive day of triple-digit increases after several weeks with numbers generally in the 30s and 40s.

The largest current cluster is centred on the Sarang Jeil Church in Seoul, headed by a controversial conservative pastor who is a leading figure in protests against President Moon Jae-in.

A total of 315 cases linked to the church had been confirmed so far, officials said Monday, making it one of the biggest clusters so far, and around 3,400 members of the congregation had been asked to quarantine.

Around one in six of the church members tested so far had been positive.

The initial outbreak of the virus in the South was centred on the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, which is often condemned as a cult and was also accused of obstructing investigators.

Thousands of Protestant church members in Seoul have been asked to quarantine as South Korea battles virus clusters linked to religious groups. The country's "trace, test and treat" approach has been held up as a global model in how to curb the virus.

Thousands of Protestant church members in Seoul have been asked to quarantine as South Korea battles virus clusters linked to religious groups. The country's "trace, test and treat" approach has been held up as a global model in how to curb the virus. But over the weekend the capital and neighbouring Gyeonggi province -- between them home to nearly half the population -- banned all religious gatherings and urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel after a burst of new cases sparked fears of a major second wave. South Korea reported 197 new cases on Monday, taking its total to 15,515, its fourth consecutive day of triple-digit increases after several weeks with numbers generally in the 30s and 40s. The largest current cluster is centred on the Sarang Jeil Church in Seoul, headed by a controversial conservative pastor who is a leading figure in protests against President Moon Jae-in. A total of 315 cases linked to the church had been confirmed so far, officials said Monday, making it one of the biggest clusters so far, and around 3,400 members of the congregation had been asked to quarantine. Around one in six of the church members tested so far had been positive. The initial outbreak of the virus in the South was centred on the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, which is often condemned as a cult and was also accused of obstructing investigators.

Thousands of church members in South Korea quarantined over coronavirus

South Korea accused the leader of a religious sect on Sunday of violating self-isolation rules and obstructing investigations into the country’s biggest outbreak of new coronavirus in five months.

South Korea on Sunday reported 279 new cases on Sunday, more than double the 103 reported on Friday, with most of the new infections found in and around Seoul.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/30-people-die-in-south-korea-as-heavy-rain-trigger-floods-and-landslides-319245">Also read:&nbsp;30 people die in South Korea as heavy rain trigger floods and landslides</a>

The capital posted a record 146 new cases, out of which 107 were linked to Sarang Jeil Church led by Rev. Jun Kwang-hoon, a controversial pastor and an outspoken government critic.

The health ministry said it will file a complaint against Jun later on Sunday, accusing him of violating self-isolation rules by participating in a rally on Saturday and “obstructing” epidemiological investigation by failing to submit a full list of church members for testing and tracing.

Thousands of demonstrators took to the street on the August 15 liberation day on Tuesday, protesting against President Moon Jae-in’s policies and defying a ban on rallies in the capital.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-against-moon-jae-in-as-south-korea-capital-scrambles-to-curb-virus-resurgence-320787">Also read:&nbsp;Thousands protest against Moon Jae In as South Korea capital scrambles to curb virus resurgence</a>

The surge in COVID-19 cases prompted authorities on Sunday to reimpose tighter social distancing curbs, and President Moon warned of “stern and strong measures” against “some churches”, calling their behaviour an “unforgivable act that threatens public lives.”

Jun’s church did not provide any comment on the issue.

Another Christian sect, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, was at the centre of the country’s largest outbreak of COVID-19 infections in February. The secretive group was linked to 36% of South Korea’s total cases, and on Aug.1, South Korean authorities arrested its founder, Lee Man-hee, for allegedly hiding crucial information from contact-tracers.

South Korea accused the leader of a religious sect on Sunday of violating self-isolation rules and obstructing investigations into the country’s biggest outbreak of new coronavirus in five months.

South Korea accused the leader of a religious sect on Sunday of violating self-isolation rules and obstructing investigations into the country’s biggest outbreak of new coronavirus in five months. South Korea on Sunday reported 279 new cases on Sunday, more than double the 103 reported on Friday, with most of the new infections found in and around Seoul. Also read: 30 people die in South Korea as heavy rain trigger floods and landslides The capital posted a record 146 new cases, out of which 107 were linked to Sarang Jeil Church led by Rev. Jun Kwang-hoon, a controversial pastor and an outspoken government critic. The health ministry said it will file a complaint against Jun later on Sunday, accusing him of violating self-isolation rules by participating in a rally on Saturday and “obstructing” epidemiological investigation by failing to submit a full list of church members for testing and tracing. Thousands of demonstrators took to the street on the August 15 liberation day on Tuesday, protesting against President Moon Jae-in’s policies and defying a ban on rallies in the capital. Also read: Thousands protest against Moon Jae In as South Korea capital scrambles to curb virus resurgence The surge in COVID-19 cases prompted authorities on Sunday to reimpose tighter social distancing curbs, and President Moon warned of “stern and strong measures” against “some churches”, calling their behaviour an “unforgivable act that threatens public lives.” Jun’s church did not provide any comment on the issue. Another Christian sect, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, was at the centre of the country’s largest outbreak of COVID-19 infections in February. The secretive group was linked to 36% of South Korea’s total cases, and on Aug.1, South Korean authorities arrested its founder, Lee Man-hee, for allegedly hiding crucial information from contact-tracers.

South Korea accuses religious sect leader as COVID-19 cases surge

President Moon Jae-in vowed on Friday to spotlight the plight of South Korea's last few surviving "comfort women", as those forced to work in Japan's wartime brothels are known, in efforts to resolve a dispute with its neighbour over the thorny issue.

The comments figured in a recorded message to a 100-strong gathering of activists, government officials, and others in the city of Cheonan to commemorate the victims of Japanese wartime sexual violence.

It was the third such memorial day, instituted by Moon's government in 2018, after effectively abandoning a 2015 pact between Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Moon's predecessor that had aimed for compensation for the women and an apology.

"The most important principle of resolving the problem is 'victim-centrism'," Moon, who has called the deal flawed for failing to fully reflect the desires of the survivors, said in Friday's remarks.

The event was held on a smaller scale than some in the past, hit by worries over the spread of the coronavirus, recent heavy rain, and a finance scandal in the activist community.

Lee Yong-soo, one of those prominent among the surviving comfort women, whose numbers have dwindled to just 17 now, urged survivors not to lose heart over the scandal.

"Don’t be angry," said Lee, speaking from a wheelchair. "There are people who are making efforts to resolve the (comfort women) issue. Please keep them healthy and give them happiness."

Lee, who has accused the longtime leader of an activist group of politically and financially exploiting victims, called for a halt to its weekly protest rallies outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul.

The group's former leader, Yoon Mi-hyang, has denied any wrongdoing but apologised for causing controversy. 
Ties between Seoul and Tokyo have long been strained by disputes dating from Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule over the Korea peninsula.

Last year Japan put curbs on exports of high-tech materials to South Korea after a court in its neighbour ordered Japanese firms to pay compensation to Koreans forced to work for them during the war.

Relations with Japan are expected to figure once again in an independence day speech by Moon set for Saturday. 
The day is also the anniversary of the end of World War Two, when Abe is expected to send a ritual offering to Japan's Yasukuni Shrine, where wartime leaders convicted as war criminals by an Allied tribunal are honoured along with war dead, though avoiding a personal visit.

President Moon Jae-in vowed on Friday to spotlight the plight of South Korea's last few surviving "comfort women", as those forced to work in Japan's wartime brothels are known, in efforts to resolve a dispute with its neighbour over the thorny issue.

President Moon Jae-in vowed on Friday to spotlight the plight of South Korea's last few surviving "comfort women", as those forced to work in Japan's wartime brothels are known, in efforts to resolve a dispute with its neighbour over the thorny issue. The comments figured in a recorded message to a 100-strong gathering of activists, government officials, and others in the city of Cheonan to commemorate the victims of Japanese wartime sexual violence. It was the third such memorial day, instituted by Moon's government in 2018, after effectively abandoning a 2015 pact between Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Moon's predecessor that had aimed for compensation for the women and an apology. "The most important principle of resolving the problem is 'victim-centrism'," Moon, who has called the deal flawed for failing to fully reflect the desires of the survivors, said in Friday's remarks. The event was held on a smaller scale than some in the past, hit by worries over the spread of the coronavirus, recent heavy rain, and a finance scandal in the activist community. Lee Yong-soo, one of those prominent among the surviving comfort women, whose numbers have dwindled to just 17 now, urged survivors not to lose heart over the scandal. "Don’t be angry," said Lee, speaking from a wheelchair. "There are people who are making efforts to resolve the (comfort women) issue. Please keep them healthy and give them happiness." Lee, who has accused the longtime leader of an activist group of politically and financially exploiting victims, called for a halt to its weekly protest rallies outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul. The group's former leader, Yoon Mi-hyang, has denied any wrongdoing but apologised for causing controversy. Ties between Seoul and Tokyo have long been strained by disputes dating from Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule over the Korea peninsula. Last year Japan put curbs on exports of high-tech materials to South Korea after a court in its neighbour ordered Japanese firms to pay compensation to Koreans forced to work for them during the war. Relations with Japan are expected to figure once again in an independence day speech by Moon set for Saturday. The day is also the anniversary of the end of World War Two, when Abe is expected to send a ritual offering to Japan's Yasukuni Shrine, where wartime leaders convicted as war criminals by an Allied tribunal are honoured along with war dead, though avoiding a personal visit.

South Korea's Moon Jae In to focus on victims in 'comfort women' dispute with Japan

South Korea is set to start building its first aircraft carrier next year, and acquire fighter jets to operate on it.

South Korea had said last year that it would build a "multi-purpose large transport vessel." But in its national plan for 2021-2025, published this week, the government for the first time explicitly committed to building the billion-dollar equipment.

"The 30,000-tonne level aircraft carrier can transport military forces, equipment and materials and can operate fighter jets that are capable of vertical take-off and landing," the Defense Ministry said in a press release.

"It will enable the military to more effectively suppress threats and dispatch forces and materials to a disputed region in the sea by playing a role of a controlling vessel for the navy unit."

South Korea is expected to purchase US-made F-35B fighter jets, which have short takeoff and vertical landing capability, compatible with a small aircraft carrier. F-35Bs are the only short take-off and vertical landing fighter jets in production in the world.

The country will join Japan and the United States in deploying F-35Bs on light aircraft carriers in the western Pacific.

South Korea didn't give a cost estimate for the light aircraft carrier, but US government reports price a new version of the USS America -- which is 25% to 30% bigger than the South Korean ship -- at almost $4 billion. F-35B fighter jets cost about $122 million each.

In acquiring the F-35Bs, South Korea joins the US, Japan and the UK as the only countries with the versatile stealth fighters, which manufacturer Lockheed-Martin says "redefines the multi-role fighter."

F-35Bs are fifth-generation stealth jets, capable of carrying two air-to-air missiles and two 1,000-pound guided bombs in their internal weapons bays.

South Korea is set to start building its first aircraft carrier next year, and acquire fighter jets to operate on it. South Korea had said last year that it would build a "multi-purpose large transport vessel.

South Korea is set to start building its first aircraft carrier next year, and acquire fighter jets to operate on it. South Korea had said last year that it would build a "multi-purpose large transport vessel." But in its national plan for 2021-2025, published this week, the government for the first time explicitly committed to building the billion-dollar equipment. "The 30,000-tonne level aircraft carrier can transport military forces, equipment and materials and can operate fighter jets that are capable of vertical take-off and landing," the Defense Ministry said in a press release. "It will enable the military to more effectively suppress threats and dispatch forces and materials to a disputed region in the sea by playing a role of a controlling vessel for the navy unit." South Korea is expected to purchase US-made F-35B fighter jets, which have short takeoff and vertical landing capability, compatible with a small aircraft carrier. F-35Bs are the only short take-off and vertical landing fighter jets in production in the world. The country will join Japan and the United States in deploying F-35Bs on light aircraft carriers in the western Pacific. South Korea didn't give a cost estimate for the light aircraft carrier, but US government reports price a new version of the USS America -- which is 25% to 30% bigger than the South Korean ship -- at almost $4 billion. F-35B fighter jets cost about $122 million each. In acquiring the F-35Bs, South Korea joins the US, Japan and the UK as the only countries with the versatile stealth fighters, which manufacturer Lockheed-Martin says "redefines the multi-role fighter." F-35Bs are fifth-generation stealth jets, capable of carrying two air-to-air missiles and two 1,000-pound guided bombs in their internal weapons bays.

South Korea is building its first aircraft carrier

From thermal screening to disinfection lamps: Bus stands in South Korea become shelters to battle coronavirus

More than 5,900 people from 11 provinces and cities left their homes, and some 4,600 of them remain at temporary shelters following warnings of disasters

Flooding near South Korea's Yongbyong plant | Intense rainfall in Korean peninsula | WION

A combination of an&nbsp;unprecedented pressure campaign and&nbsp;coronavirus border closures and an by a&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean government keen to engage with North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;may destroy networks defectors have long used to start new lives, activist groups say.

South&nbsp;Korea's Unification Ministry said last month it will "inspect" 25 defector-run NGOs, citing their failure to file necessary documents, and check if 64 others are following conditions to stay registered. On Wednesday, the ministry expanded the investigation to a total of 289 organisations.

The sweeping probe comes as&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean President Moon Jae-in's administration strives to restart dialogue and economic projects with Pyongyang, which is under strict international embargoes due to its nuclear weapons programme.

The ministry has already revoked the licenses of two defector groups that were sending anti-Pyongyang propaganda into the North, following complaints from North&nbsp;Korea.

<img alt="K" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77aa4fb5-4f57-4f60-bf83-a50d70f11b46" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2825%29_19.jpg" />

FILE PHOTO: A portrait of deceased North&nbsp;Korean defector Hwang Jang-yop is hung on balloons as former North&nbsp;Korean defectors and anti-North&nbsp;Korean activists prepare to release them towards the North, near the demilitarized zone separating the two&nbsp;Koreas in Paju, north of Seoul, October 10, 2011. REUTERS

Only a handful of NGOs have been investigated since 1998, and just one other has previously been stripped of its license. Without a license, the organisations cannot get tax exemptions and hold fundraisers, though donations are still allowed.

Some 30 NGOs joined forces to issue a statement urging the ministry to halt what they called a "discriminatory crackdown".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-south-korea-exchange-gunfire-at-guard-post-in-dimilitarised-zone-296348">North, South Korea exchange gunfire at guard post in dimilitarised zone</a>

Many of the groups have for decades worked with Seoul behind the scenes to bring defectors to the&nbsp;South&nbsp;via an informal network of brokers, charities and middlemen dubbed the North&nbsp;Korean "Underground Railroad".

Hired and funded by the NGOs, the intermediaries work as guides and offer shelter for defectors during their long, dangerous journey across China into&nbsp;Southeast Asia.

This year, the number of defectors arriving in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;plummeted to an all-time low at 147 as of June, mainly because the North closed borders on coronavirus concerns.

Moon's administration had already sharply cut funding and now the investigations are scaring away donors, activists said.

Several NGOs told Reuters the defector networks may never recover, even when borders reopen.

"Even if the investigation ends up with nothing, rescue networks would mostly be dismantled, defection routes gone and the NGOs closed by then," said Lee Young-hwan, the founder of the Transitional Justice Working Group, which works with defectors.

Unification Ministry spokesman Yeo Sang-gi said the investigation does not target defectors and was designed to ensure the NGOs follow rules.

Activists say Moon's administration has been less helpful than previous governments in navigating the delicate diplomacy to ensure defectors are not caught and forcibly repatriated to the North.

When 13 defectors were detained in Vietnam last year, U.S. diplomats came to rescue instead of&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean authorities, two sources familiar with the matter said.

Ji Seong-ho, a defector-turned-lawmaker who previously ran a rescue network, said he managed to help another group of refugees caught in China get to&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea, despite little help from Seoul officials.

Ji was astounded more than six months later when the officials said they were still striving to free the group.

"I was speechless," Ji said. "Government involvement may not always be successful, but how would they get the defectors released without even knowing where they were? In fact, they were already living well here."

A foreign ministry official said the government remains fully committed to defector support but some countries' relations with North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;could complicate its efforts, without elaborating on the two cases.

When&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;last year repatriated two North&nbsp;Korean sailors, calling them dangerous criminals who had killed 16 colleagues, some defectors feared they could be sent back, said Lim Il, a novelist who defected in 1997.

A coalition of 21 Seoul-based NGOs sent a petition to the United Nations last month, requesting a review of Moon's policies. Human Rights Watch and others urged Seoul to halt what they called a "political crackdown".

Imesh Pokharel, who oversees the U.N. rights agency's Seoul office, said any restrictions on the freedom of expression must be "proportionate and necessary," calling for Seoul to work with the NGOs to promote North&nbsp;Koreans' rights.

A combination of an unprecedented pressure campaign and coronavirus border closures and an by a South Korean government keen to engage with North Korea may destroy networks defectors have long used to start new lives, activist groups say.

A combination of an unprecedented pressure campaign and coronavirus border closures and an by a South Korean government keen to engage with North Korea may destroy networks defectors have long used to start new lives, activist groups say. South Korea's Unification Ministry said last month it will "inspect" 25 defector-run NGOs, citing their failure to file necessary documents, and check if 64 others are following conditions to stay registered. On Wednesday, the ministry expanded the investigation to a total of 289 organisations. The sweeping probe comes as South Korean President Moon Jae-in's administration strives to restart dialogue and economic projects with Pyongyang, which is under strict international embargoes due to its nuclear weapons programme. The ministry has already revoked the licenses of two defector groups that were sending anti-Pyongyang propaganda into the North, following complaints from North Korea. FILE PHOTO: A portrait of deceased North Korean defector Hwang Jang-yop is hung on balloons as former North Korean defectors and anti-North Korean activists prepare to release them towards the North, near the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas in Paju, north of Seoul, October 10, 2011. REUTERS Only a handful of NGOs have been investigated since 1998, and just one other has previously been stripped of its license. Without a license, the organisations cannot get tax exemptions and hold fundraisers, though donations are still allowed. Some 30 NGOs joined forces to issue a statement urging the ministry to halt what they called a "discriminatory crackdown". Also read: North, South Korea exchange gunfire at guard post in dimilitarised zone Many of the groups have for decades worked with Seoul behind the scenes to bring defectors to the South via an informal network of brokers, charities and middlemen dubbed the North Korean "Underground Railroad". Hired and funded by the NGOs, the intermediaries work as guides and offer shelter for defectors during their long, dangerous journey across China into Southeast Asia. This year, the number of defectors arriving in South Korea plummeted to an all-time low at 147 as of June, mainly because the North closed borders on coronavirus concerns. Moon's administration had already sharply cut funding and now the investigations are scaring away donors, activists said. Several NGOs told Reuters the defector networks may never recover, even when borders reopen. "Even if the investigation ends up with nothing, rescue networks would mostly be dismantled, defection routes gone and the NGOs closed by then," said Lee Young-hwan, the founder of the Transitional Justice Working Group, which works with defectors. Unification Ministry spokesman Yeo Sang-gi said the investigation does not target defectors and was designed to ensure the NGOs follow rules. Activists say Moon's administration has been less helpful than previous governments in navigating the delicate diplomacy to ensure defectors are not caught and forcibly repatriated to the North. When 13 defectors were detained in Vietnam last year, U.S. diplomats came to rescue instead of South Korean authorities, two sources familiar with the matter said. Ji Seong-ho, a defector-turned-lawmaker who previously ran a rescue network, said he managed to help another group of refugees caught in China get to South Korea, despite little help from Seoul officials. Ji was astounded more than six months later when the officials said they were still striving to free the group. "I was speechless," Ji said. "Government involvement may not always be successful, but how would they get the defectors released without even knowing where they were? In fact, they were already living well here." A foreign ministry official said the government remains fully committed to defector support but some countries' relations with North Korea could complicate its efforts, without elaborating on the two cases. When South Korea last year repatriated two North Korean sailors, calling them dangerous criminals who had killed 16 colleagues, some defectors feared they could be sent back, said Lim Il, a novelist who defected in 1997. A coalition of 21 Seoul-based NGOs sent a petition to the United Nations last month, requesting a review of Moon's policies. Human Rights Watch and others urged Seoul to halt what they called a "political crackdown". Imesh Pokharel, who oversees the U.N. rights agency's Seoul office, said any restrictions on the freedom of expression must be "proportionate and necessary," calling for Seoul to work with the NGOs to promote North Koreans' rights.

South Korea investigations threaten North Korea's 'underground railroad'

South Korea is witnessing its longest monsoon in seven years that has triggered floods and landslides in the country. The heavy rain has left 30 people dead and 12 missing, as per officials said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-abe-to-avoid-visit-to-war-linked-shrine-on-75th-war-anniversary-jiji-319233" hreflang="en">Japan's Abe to avoid visit to war-linked shrine on 75th war anniversary: Jiji</a>

The country saw nearly half of the deaths in the past three days, according to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. The rain has wreaked havoc since the beginning of the month.

Over 3,700 people have been displaced since Friday due to floods&nbsp;caused by the rain in the country's hardest-hit southern region.&nbsp;

South Korean officials have evacuated nearly 6,000 people from their homes across the country this month, out of them, 4,600 of them are staying at temporary shelters.

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The authorities have issued landslide warnings in 24 regions. 667 landslides have been reported so far in August.&nbsp;

Among the victims was a man in his 80s who was found dead after he was buried in a landslide with his tractor. A 61-year-old man and a 59-year-old woman were killed after their home was swallowed by a landslide.

The situation will worsen as Typhoon Jangmi, the season's fifth typhoon is forecast to strike the southern region from Monday, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration. The typhoon will bring in heavy rain that will cause further damage to the flooded regions in the country.&nbsp;

South Korea is witnessing its longest monsoon in seven years that has triggered floods and landslides in the country. The heavy rain has left 30 people dead and 12 missing, as per officials said on Sunday.

South Korea is witnessing its longest monsoon in seven years that has triggered floods and landslides in the country. The heavy rain has left 30 people dead and 12 missing, as per officials said on Sunday. Also read: Japan's Abe to avoid visit to war-linked shrine on 75th war anniversary: Jiji The country saw nearly half of the deaths in the past three days, according to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. The rain has wreaked havoc since the beginning of the month. Over 3,700 people have been displaced since Friday due to floods caused by the rain in the country's hardest-hit southern region. South Korean officials have evacuated nearly 6,000 people from their homes across the country this month, out of them, 4,600 of them are staying at temporary shelters. × The authorities have issued landslide warnings in 24 regions. 667 landslides have been reported so far in August. Among the victims was a man in his 80s who was found dead after he was buried in a landslide with his tractor. A 61-year-old man and a 59-year-old woman were killed after their home was swallowed by a landslide. The situation will worsen as Typhoon Jangmi, the season's fifth typhoon is forecast to strike the southern region from Monday, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration. The typhoon will bring in heavy rain that will cause further damage to the flooded regions in the country.

30 people die in South Korea as heavy rain trigger floods and landslides

At least 21 people have died after 46 days of heavy rains in South Korea, with the country`s longest monsoon in seven years causing more flooding, landslides and evacuations on Saturday.

More than 3,000 people had been evacuated as of 6 a.m. local time on Saturday (2100 GMT Friday), according to Ministry of the Interior and Safety data, as rains battered the southern part of the Korean peninsula. Eleven people are missing.

About 100 metres (109.36 yards) of levee collapsed at the Seomjin River in the southern edge of the peninsula on Saturday and flooded the area, an official at the South Jeolla province said, with about 1,900 people evacuated in the province including about 500 from around the river.

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The country`s forestry agency has raised landslide warnings to its highest level in every region except the holiday island of Jeju.

Five homes were buried in a landslide on Friday from a mountain behind a village in Gokseong, South Jeolla province, killing five people. Three people have been rescued.

In neighbouring North Korea, state media KCNA reported that Premier Pak Pong Ju, the country`s third-highest ranking official, inspected flood damage to submerged fields and crops in southwest regions of the country.

At least 21 people have died after 46 days of heavy rains in South Korea, with the country`s longest monsoon in seven years causing more flooding, landslides and evacuations on Saturday.

At least 21 people have died after 46 days of heavy rains in South Korea, with the country`s longest monsoon in seven years causing more flooding, landslides and evacuations on Saturday. More than 3,000 people had been evacuated as of 6 a.m. local time on Saturday (2100 GMT Friday), according to Ministry of the Interior and Safety data, as rains battered the southern part of the Korean peninsula. Eleven people are missing. About 100 metres (109.36 yards) of levee collapsed at the Seomjin River in the southern edge of the peninsula on Saturday and flooded the area, an official at the South Jeolla province said, with about 1,900 people evacuated in the province including about 500 from around the river. × The country`s forestry agency has raised landslide warnings to its highest level in every region except the holiday island of Jeju. Five homes were buried in a landslide on Friday from a mountain behind a village in Gokseong, South Jeolla province, killing five people. Three people have been rescued. In neighbouring North Korea, state media KCNA reported that Premier Pak Pong Ju, the country`s third-highest ranking official, inspected flood damage to submerged fields and crops in southwest regions of the country.

South Korea floods, landslides kill 21 as heavy rains continue

Many people in South Korea are reducing their income in a bit to realize the dream to buy a house. Even with unemployment spiking due to the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea, people are giving up their jobs so that they can make themselves eligible for a quota to buy a house. Watch report.

Your Story: Rising house prices hurt South Koreans, Housing prices in Seoul soar

Around 1,300 houses have been submerged or buried, while damage was also reported at 705 warehouses and cattle sheds.

South Korea battles floods: 14 killed after 42 days of rain | WION News | World News

After 42 days of consecutive rains in South Korea, 14 people have lost their lives and more than 1000 people were forced out of their homes. This has been the longest monsoon in seven years.

South Korea floods: Landslides kill 14 in South Korea | Longest monsoon in 7 years

South Korean officials are working to keep more than a thousand people displaced by flooding safe and healthy with anti-coronavirus measures in place at crowded shelters as the government weighed declaring disaster zones on Wednesday.

At least 15 people have been killed and more than 1,500 forced from their homes as 42 consecutive days of rain - South Korea's longest monsoon in seven years - triggered floods and landslides.

More than 1,146 people remained in temporary shelters set up in gyms and community centres as of Wednesday, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety said, with measures implemented at the facilities to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/rain-battered-south-korea-witnesses-14-deaths-due-to-landslides-318134" hreflang="en">Rain-battered South Korea witnesses 14 deaths due to landslides</a>

Fabric enclosures were set up for families and individuals, with beds spaced apart to encourage social distancing.&nbsp;

Local governments designated managers to check people's temperatures and screen for any COVID-19 symptoms, and displaced residents were asked to wear masks and wash their hands, health authorities said.

South Korea has reported 14,456 coronavirus cases, including 33 new cases as of midnight on Tuesday, with 302 deaths.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun told a meeting of government officials the health ministry should declare three provinces in northern South Korea as special disaster zones, which would entitle them to receive additional aid from the national government.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/south-korea-sect-leader-arrested-over-coronavirus-outbreak-317413" hreflang="en">South Korea sect leader arrested over coronavirus outbreak</a>

In neighbouring North Korea, state media warned of "torrential" rain, possible flooding, and high winds and waves.

While the reports did not mention any specific damage, North Korea has historically been vulnerable to flooding.&nbsp;

This year's heavy rains come during the summer harvest season, raising concerns about food security.

The rain appears to be hitting some of the major rice-growing areas of North Korea, and come as anti-coronavirus border closures restricted key agricultural supplies such as fertilizer from China, said Choi Yong-ho, research fellow at the Korea Rural Economic Institute in Seoul.

"This flooding will have a negative impact for North Korea's food supply," he said.

South Korean officials are working to keep more than a thousand people displaced by flooding safe and healthy with anti-coronavirus measures in place at crowded shelters as the government weighed declaring disaster zones on Wednesday.

South Korean officials are working to keep more than a thousand people displaced by flooding safe and healthy with anti-coronavirus measures in place at crowded shelters as the government weighed declaring disaster zones on Wednesday. At least 15 people have been killed and more than 1,500 forced from their homes as 42 consecutive days of rain - South Korea's longest monsoon in seven years - triggered floods and landslides. More than 1,146 people remained in temporary shelters set up in gyms and community centres as of Wednesday, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety said, with measures implemented at the facilities to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Also read: Rain-battered South Korea witnesses 14 deaths due to landslides Fabric enclosures were set up for families and individuals, with beds spaced apart to encourage social distancing. Local governments designated managers to check people's temperatures and screen for any COVID-19 symptoms, and displaced residents were asked to wear masks and wash their hands, health authorities said. South Korea has reported 14,456 coronavirus cases, including 33 new cases as of midnight on Tuesday, with 302 deaths. Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun told a meeting of government officials the health ministry should declare three provinces in northern South Korea as special disaster zones, which would entitle them to receive additional aid from the national government. Also read: South Korea sect leader arrested over coronavirus outbreak In neighbouring North Korea, state media warned of "torrential" rain, possible flooding, and high winds and waves. While the reports did not mention any specific damage, North Korea has historically been vulnerable to flooding. This year's heavy rains come during the summer harvest season, raising concerns about food security. The rain appears to be hitting some of the major rice-growing areas of North Korea, and come as anti-coronavirus border closures restricted key agricultural supplies such as fertilizer from China, said Choi Yong-ho, research fellow at the Korea Rural Economic Institute in Seoul. "This flooding will have a negative impact for North Korea's food supply," he said.

Coronavirus complicates South Korea flood response as hundreds gather in shelters

South Korea is witnessing its longest monsoon in seven years that has triggered floods and landslides in the country. 14 people have been killed and over 1,000 people have been forced to leave their homes after 42 consecutive days of rain, as per authorities said on Tuesday.

South Korea is witnessing its longest monsoon in seven years that has triggered floods and landslides in the country. 14 people have been killed and over 1,000 people have been forced to leave their homes after 42 consecutive days of rain, as per authorities said on Tuesday. Also read: 'SOS' on the sand saves lives of three men stranded on a Micronesian island The rain has battered many South Asian countries like India, China, Myanmar and Thailand. Now, the rain has flooded major highways, bridges and farmlands in South Korea's capital Seoul. Three New Zealanders from the same family were among the victims of the landslide. They were found dead on Monday after a landslide hit vacation cottages in Gapyeong country, northeast of Seoul. According to a Gapyeong police official, the deceased were a woman believed to be 65, her 36-year-old daughter and her three-year-old grandson. The New Zealand foreign ministry is aware of the deaths and is providing consular access. South Korean President Moon Jae-in expressed his concerns for the record-breaking heavy rains. He urged "all-out efforts to prevent further loss of life", such as action to avert landslides and evacuate people, even in cases of little apparent danger. Also read: Corn shortage in China? Photo ban on granaries fuels speculation According to Yonhap news agency, infrastructure along the Han River in Seoul that was damaged due to floods were back in operation on Tuesday. Their neighbours North Korea has warned its citizens of possible flooding. "All the sectors of the national economy... are taking steps to prevent damage from the downpour," state news agency KCNA said, saying that some areas were predicted to receive as much as half a metre (20 inches) of rain. Some anonymous South Korean government officials told Yonhap that North Korea opened the floodgates of a border dam on Monday without advance notice to its neighbour. (Inputs from Reuters)

Rain-battered South Korea witnesses 14 deaths due to landslides

Torrential rain pounded most of South Korea on Sunday, leaving six persons dead and seven others missing, officials said.

Over 360 people left homeless, several riverside structures damaged due to heavy rain | S Korea

As the pandemic continues to batter the global economy, South Korea has recently recorded its worst GDP growth since the Asian financial crisis

South Korea GDP to show recession; Factory activity shrinks

South Korean authorities arrested the founder of a secretive Christian sect at the centre of the country's largest outbreak of COVID-19 infections on Saturday for allegedly hiding crucial information from contact-tracers and other offences.

Lee Man-hee is the powerful head of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus which is linked to more than 5,200 coronavirus infections, or 36% of South Korea's total cases.

Prosecutors allege the 89-year-old conspired with other sect leaders to withhold information from authorities during the peak of the outbreak among his more than 200,000 followers.

Lee, who has described the novel coronavirus as the "devil’s deed" to stop the sect`s growth, allegedly hid details on members and their meeting places as authorities tried to trace infection routes in February, Yonhap news agency reported.

Lee is also suspected of embezzling about 5.6 billion won ($4.7 million) in church funds, including about 5 billion won which he allegedly used to build a retreat, Yonhap said.

The sect said in a statement that Lee was concerned about government demands for members` personal information but never tried to hide anything.

Lee was arrested immediately after a court in Suwon District, south of Seoul, approved the warrant.

A prosecution official could not be reached outside of office hours.

South Korean authorities arrested the founder of a secretive Christian sect at the centre of the country's largest outbreak of COVID-19 infections on Saturday for allegedly hiding crucial information from contact-tracers and other offences.

South Korean authorities arrested the founder of a secretive Christian sect at the centre of the country's largest outbreak of COVID-19 infections on Saturday for allegedly hiding crucial information from contact-tracers and other offences. Lee Man-hee is the powerful head of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus which is linked to more than 5,200 coronavirus infections, or 36% of South Korea's total cases. Prosecutors allege the 89-year-old conspired with other sect leaders to withhold information from authorities during the peak of the outbreak among his more than 200,000 followers. Lee, who has described the novel coronavirus as the "devil’s deed" to stop the sect`s growth, allegedly hid details on members and their meeting places as authorities tried to trace infection routes in February, Yonhap news agency reported. Lee is also suspected of embezzling about 5.6 billion won ($4.7 million) in church funds, including about 5 billion won which he allegedly used to build a retreat, Yonhap said. The sect said in a statement that Lee was concerned about government demands for members` personal information but never tried to hide anything. Lee was arrested immediately after a court in Suwon District, south of Seoul, approved the warrant. A prosecution official could not be reached outside of office hours.

South Korea sect leader arrested over coronavirus outbreak

In South Korea, the worst of coronavirus impact has passed and the country's factory production jumped at the fastest rate in more than 11 years. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: South Korea's factory production bounce back much faster than expected

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