As the United States scrambles for trade deals with nations before the 90-day tariff pause ends, South Korea has proposed a 'July Package' in an effort to avoid US tariffs. The export-driven economy of South Korea stands to lose a lot if tariffs are imposed, particularly for major firms like Samsung and Hyundai.
South Korea's ministers have been vocal about the long-term potential damage these tariffs could cause to the $100 billion trade between the two nations. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently said the countries have agreed to a framework for future consultations. Additional discussions are scheduled during the APEC trade ministers' meeting in Seoul this May.
<h2>South Korea's economy braces for tariffs</h2>
South Korea's central bank reported a 0.1 per cent contraction in GDP for the first quarter of 2025. The decline is attributed to market volatility tied to tariff concerns, along with domestic instability. While the US believes the talks are 'very successful,' officials in South Korea are racing to Fast-track the deal.
<h2>India closes in on a trade deal</h2>
While South Korea negotiates tariff relief, India is on track to become the first country to finalise a bilateral trade agreement under the new policy framework. This was confirmed by the treasury secretary, Scott Bessent. US officials have reportedly praised India's low tariffs and absence of currency manipulation for enabling smooth negotiations.
India's finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, has also expressed optimism, stating that India hopes to conclude the first phase of the deal by fall.

Business & Economy, The export-driven economy of South Korea stands to lose a lot if tariffs are imposed, particularly for major firms like Samsung and Hyundai.

As the United States scrambles for trade deals with nations before the 90-day tariff pause ends, South Korea has proposed a 'July Package' in an effort to avoid US tariffs. The export-driven economy of South Korea stands to lose a lot if tariffs are imposed, particularly for major firms like Samsung and Hyundai. South Korea's ministers have been vocal about the long-term potential damage these tariffs could cause to the $100 billion trade between the two nations. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently said the countries have agreed to a framework for future consultations. Additional discussions are scheduled during the APEC trade ministers' meeting in Seoul this May. South Korea's economy braces for tariffs South Korea's central bank reported a 0.1 per cent contraction in GDP for the first quarter of 2025. The decline is attributed to market volatility tied to tariff concerns, along with domestic instability. While the US believes the talks are 'very successful,' officials in South Korea are racing to Fast-track the deal. India closes in on a trade deal While South Korea negotiates tariff relief, India is on track to become the first country to finalise a bilateral trade agreement under the new policy framework. This was confirmed by the treasury secretary, Scott Bessent. US officials have reportedly praised India's low tariffs and absence of currency manipulation for enabling smooth negotiations. India's finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, has also expressed optimism, stating that India hopes to conclude the first phase of the deal by fall.

South Korea proposes 'July Package' to avoid tariffs

Boeing recently reported a smaller-than-expected core operating loss in the first quarter of 2025, signaling slight operational improvement. The company’s share price rose 6% on the news. Despite internal issues including a 2024 strike and ongoing quality control concerns, boeing has managed to increase jet output.

Boeing Hopes For Trade Deal, Talks With Trump Team Daily

From making its largest-ever warship to nuclear warheads,
North Korea is growing its arsenal at a rapid pace.
North Korea is the only nation that has tested nuclear weapons this century.
Donald Trump has started referring to North Korea as a "nuclear state."
How are U.S. policies towards North Korea expected to evolve under Trump's second term? 
Will there be a move towards "Complete Denuclearisation"?
We explore these questions this week on 'North Korea’s Growing Arsenal: Trump 2.0’ on #WIONWideAngle.

North Korea's nuclear power: Can Trump stop Kim Jong-Un?

In a show of force against North Korea Washington is conducting joint nuclear drills with South Korea. US flew long range B-1B bombers in a show of force against North Korea the exercise comes days after the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un vowed to resist a US-led push to eliminate the North's nuclear programme.

US flies long-range bombers in drill with South Korea as North marks key anniversary

The countdown has begun to the presidential elections in South Korea. Han Dong-Hoon, the former representative of the People Power Party, and Lee Jae-Myung of the Democratic Party have declared their candidature for the June 3rd elections. Watch in for more details!

Acting President Han Duck-Soo announces candidacy, Han Dong-Hoon vs Lee Jae-Jyung

The election date is out for snap elections in South Korea, ending months-long speculations and uncertainty. South Korea is engulfed in political turmoil after Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law debacle, followed by the constitutional court trial. Watch in for more details!

South Korea: President Han calls elections on 3rd June

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Apr 8) talked to South Korea's acting President Han Duck-soo over the phone. This comes a day before Trump&rsquo;s 25 per cent tariffs are set to take effect.
&ldquo;I just had a great call with the Acting President of South Korea,&rdquo; the US president posted on his Truth Social platform.&nbsp;
The phone call marks the first time Trump spoke with any of South Korea's acting leaders since he took office in January. Although the US president had a phone call with now-impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol the day after his victory in the November elections last year, the South Korean leader was suspended from duties.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/playing-with-a-losing-hand-us-treasury-secretary-bessent-says-chinas-escalation-was-big-mistake-8940010">&lsquo;Playing with a losing hand&rsquo;: US Treasury Secretary Bessent says China&rsquo;s escalation was &lsquo;big mistake&rsquo;</a>
<h2>&lsquo;Great deal for both countries&rsquo;</h2>
&ldquo;We talked about their tremendous and unsustainable Surplus, Tariffs, Shipbuilding, large scale purchase of US LNG, their joint venture in an Alaska Pipeline, and payment for the big time Military Protection we provide to South Korea,&rdquo; Trump wrote.
&ldquo;They began these Military payments during my first term, Billions of Dollars, but Sleepy Joe Biden, for reasons unknown, terminated the deal. That was a shocker to all! In any event, we have the confines and probability of a great DEAL for both countries. Their top TEAM is on a plane heading to the US, and things are looking good.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-vows-to-fight-against-trumps-tariff-beijings-plan-to-ban-hollywood-movies-could-cost-us-millions-8939497">China vows to &lsquo;fight&rsquo; against Trump&rsquo;s tariff. Beijing&rsquo;s plan to ban Hollywood movies could cost US millions</a>
He continued, &ldquo;We are likewise dealing with many other countries, all of whom want to make a deal with the United States. Like with South Korea, we are bringing up other subjects that are not covered by Trade and Tariffs, and getting them negotiated also. &lsquo;ONE STOP SHOPPING&rsquo; is a beautiful and efficient process!!!&rdquo;
On China, Trump said, &ldquo;China also wants to make a deal, badly, but they don&rsquo;t know how to get it started. We are waiting for their call. It will happen! GOD BLESS THE USA.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/hogwarts-to-narnia-all-on-the-list-donald-trump-tariff-initiates-meme-fest-8939789">Hogwarts to Narnia all on the list: Trump tariff initiates meme fest</a>
<h2>Trade minister&rsquo;s US visit over tariffs negotiations</h2>
The phone call between Han and Trump also comes as South Korea's trade minister Cheong In-kyo is traveling to the US to negotiate over tariffs with his US counterpart Jamieson Greer.
Cheong said on Tuesday (Apr 8) that the government has been considering measures to raise imports from the United States. He added it was good news that Trump said that the door was open for talks over tariffs with nations other than China.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-fake-news-of-trumps-90-day-pause-in-tariffs-shook-stock-market-8938366">How fake news of Trump's '90-day pause in tariffs' shook stock market</a>
&ldquo;It is difficult to reduce exports, so shouldn&rsquo;t we then increase (US) imports? In that regard, we have been reviewing many different packages of measures to resolve the trade balance problem,&rdquo; Cheong said, before flying to Washington.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | The phone call between Han and Trump also comes as South Korea's trade minister Cheong In-kyo is traveling to the US to negotiate over tariffs with his US counterpart Jamieson Greer.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Apr 8) talked to South Korea's acting President Han Duck-soo over the phone. This comes a day before Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs are set to take effect. “I just had a great call with the Acting President of South Korea,” the US president posted on his Truth Social platform. The phone call marks the first time Trump spoke with any of South Korea's acting leaders since he took office in January. Although the US president had a phone call with now-impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol the day after his victory in the November elections last year, the South Korean leader was suspended from duties. Also read | ‘Playing with a losing hand’: US Treasury Secretary Bessent says China’s escalation was ‘big mistake’ ‘Great deal for both countries’ “We talked about their tremendous and unsustainable Surplus, Tariffs, Shipbuilding, large scale purchase of US LNG, their joint venture in an Alaska Pipeline, and payment for the big time Military Protection we provide to South Korea,” Trump wrote. “They began these Military payments during my first term, Billions of Dollars, but Sleepy Joe Biden, for reasons unknown, terminated the deal. That was a shocker to all! In any event, we have the confines and probability of a great DEAL for both countries. Their top TEAM is on a plane heading to the US, and things are looking good.” Also read | China vows to ‘fight’ against Trump’s tariff. Beijing’s plan to ban Hollywood movies could cost US millions He continued, “We are likewise dealing with many other countries, all of whom want to make a deal with the United States. Like with South Korea, we are bringing up other subjects that are not covered by Trade and Tariffs, and getting them negotiated also. ‘ONE STOP SHOPPING’ is a beautiful and efficient process!!!” On China, Trump said, “China also wants to make a deal, badly, but they don’t know how to get it started. We are waiting for their call. It will happen! GOD BLESS THE USA.” Also read | Hogwarts to Narnia all on the list: Trump tariff initiates meme fest Trade minister’s US visit over tariffs negotiations The phone call between Han and Trump also comes as South Korea's trade minister Cheong In-kyo is traveling to the US to negotiate over tariffs with his US counterpart Jamieson Greer. Cheong said on Tuesday (Apr 8) that the government has been considering measures to raise imports from the United States. He added it was good news that Trump said that the door was open for talks over tariffs with nations other than China. Also read | How fake news of Trump's '90-day pause in tariffs' shook stock market “It is difficult to reduce exports, so shouldn’t we then increase (US) imports? In that regard, we have been reviewing many different packages of measures to resolve the trade balance problem,” Cheong said, before flying to Washington. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Things are looking good’: Trump holds phone call with South Korea's acting president

As South Korea heads into a presidential election in two months, the debate over constitutional reform is heating up. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik has proposed aligning constitutional revisions with the upcoming vote, aiming to fix the current presidential system. Recent polls show 54% of South Koreans support the idea, and a national referendum has been suggested.

South Korea debates constitutional reform ahead of presidential election

South Korea's president has been removed from office after the Constitutional Court voted unanimously to uphold his impeachment. Yoon Suk Yeol was suspended from duty in December after being impeached by parliament, following his failed attempt to impose martial law.

Yoon Suk Yeol impeached, constitutional court delivers unanimous verdict against Yoon

South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol removed from office after impeachment upheld

South Korea's ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol apologised on Friday after the country's Constitutional Court upheld his impeachment.&nbsp;
Yoon was suspended from duty in December 2024 after being impeached by parliament, following his failed attempt to impose martial law in the country.&nbsp;
"I am truly sorry and heartbroken that I was unable to meet your expectations," he said in a short statement released after the court announced its unanimous verdict.
Now, a snap election to vote for Yoon's replacement must be held by June 3. Until then, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will remain as acting president. The new president will take office as soon as the National Election Commission declares the results.
Now, along with the impeachment, Yoon is also being investigated for treason over his botched martial law attempt last December.
However, this is not the only political crisis, South Korea has seen.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/breaking-news-south-korea-investigators-arrest-suspended-president-yoon-after-storming-his-residence-over-failed-martial-law-bid-8622418" rel="dofollow">South Korea's suspended president Yoon arrested, says surrendered to avoid 'bloodshed'</a>
Previous leaders have also been a part of political turmoil and disorders.&nbsp;
Since the country was founded after World War II, almost all the presidents of South Korea have faced serious allegations against them or their family members. Some of them faced impeachment, some prosecution, some prison and even assassination.&nbsp;
Only a few presidents, including the most recent former leader, Moon Jae-in, had a peaceful departure.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/breaking-news-south-korean-investigators-enter-yoon-suk-yeols-residence-to-enforce-arrest-warrant-8622385" rel="dofollow">South Korean investigators storm suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol&rsquo;s residence to arrest him</a>
C. Harrison Kim, an associate professor of Korean history at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, said, &ldquo;It has been the case that almost all South Korean presidents or their families have had a corrupt side. Almost all of them."&nbsp;
&ldquo;But what is interesting is that the South Korean public cannot stand for that, and almost always, someone will have to pay &mdash; and it&rsquo;s often the presidents themselves," Kim added.&nbsp;
&ldquo;South Koreans have no qualms about taking down a leader,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;
<h2>List of South Korean leaders who faced dramatic end in politics</h2>
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impeachment-trial-of-suspended-south-korean-president-yoon-suk-yeol-to-begin-8619809" rel="dofollow"> Impeachment trial of suspended South Korean President Yoon to begin</a>
<h3>Syngman Rhee&nbsp;</h3>
South Korean President Syngman Rhee came into power in 1948 as the first president of an infant republic, created after World War II.&nbsp;
However, he was forced to resign in 1960 due to a massive student-led uprising and forced into exile in Hawaii, where he died in 1965.&nbsp;
<h3>Park Geun-Hye&nbsp;</h3>
Park Geun-hye, the country's first female president, was impeached by Parliament in 2016 and was later imprisoned.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-yoon-gets-pay-rise-despite-facing-impeachment-trial-8618647" rel="dofollow">South Korea's Yoon gets pay rise despite facing impeachment trial</a>
She faced accusations of accepting or soliciting tens of millions of dollars from conglomerates like Samsung.&nbsp;
Additional allegations were also imposed on Geun-hye, including leaking classified documents, blacklisting artists critical of her policies, and dismissing officials who opposed her.
<h3>Park Chung-hee</h3>
Park Chung-hee, South Korea's dictator, was assassinated in October 1979, by Kim Jae-gyu, his spy chief, during a private dinner.
Following Park's death, army generals Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo plotted a coup in December 1979, which further plunged South Korea into political turmoil.&nbsp;
<h3>Yun Po-sun</h3>
President Yun Po-sun was ousted in a military coup in 1961, which was orchestrated by army officer Park Chung-hee.
Initially, Yun was allowed to remain in office, but Park effectively seized control of the government.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World, trending news: Yoon was suspended from duty in December after being impeached by parliament, following his failed attempt to impose martial law in the country.

South Korea's ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol apologised on Friday after the country's Constitutional Court upheld his impeachment. Yoon was suspended from duty in December 2024 after being impeached by parliament, following his failed attempt to impose martial law in the country. "I am truly sorry and heartbroken that I was unable to meet your expectations," he said in a short statement released after the court announced its unanimous verdict. Now, a snap election to vote for Yoon's replacement must be held by June 3. Until then, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will remain as acting president. The new president will take office as soon as the National Election Commission declares the results. Now, along with the impeachment, Yoon is also being investigated for treason over his botched martial law attempt last December. However, this is not the only political crisis, South Korea has seen. Also read: South Korea's suspended president Yoon arrested, says surrendered to avoid 'bloodshed' Previous leaders have also been a part of political turmoil and disorders. Since the country was founded after World War II, almost all the presidents of South Korea have faced serious allegations against them or their family members. Some of them faced impeachment, some prosecution, some prison and even assassination. Only a few presidents, including the most recent former leader, Moon Jae-in, had a peaceful departure. Also read: South Korean investigators storm suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol’s residence to arrest him C. Harrison Kim, an associate professor of Korean history at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, said, “It has been the case that almost all South Korean presidents or their families have had a corrupt side. Almost all of them." “But what is interesting is that the South Korean public cannot stand for that, and almost always, someone will have to pay — and it’s often the presidents themselves," Kim added. “South Koreans have no qualms about taking down a leader,” he said. List of South Korean leaders who faced dramatic end in politics Also read: Impeachment trial of suspended South Korean President Yoon to begin Syngman Rhee South Korean President Syngman Rhee came into power in 1948 as the first president of an infant republic, created after World War II. However, he was forced to resign in 1960 due to a massive student-led uprising and forced into exile in Hawaii, where he died in 1965. Park Geun-Hye Park Geun-hye, the country's first female president, was impeached by Parliament in 2016 and was later imprisoned. Also read: South Korea's Yoon gets pay rise despite facing impeachment trial She faced accusations of accepting or soliciting tens of millions of dollars from conglomerates like Samsung. Additional allegations were also imposed on Geun-hye, including leaking classified documents, blacklisting artists critical of her policies, and dismissing officials who opposed her. Park Chung-hee Park Chung-hee, South Korea's dictator, was assassinated in October 1979, by Kim Jae-gyu, his spy chief, during a private dinner. Following Park's death, army generals Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo plotted a coup in December 1979, which further plunged South Korea into political turmoil. Yun Po-sun President Yun Po-sun was ousted in a military coup in 1961, which was orchestrated by army officer Park Chung-hee. Initially, Yun was allowed to remain in office, but Park effectively seized control of the government. (With inputs from agencies)

Dark history of South Korean presidents: Exiled, impeached, shot, jailed

South Korea's Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, removing him from office. The historic decision comes after Yun's attempt to impose martial law in December.

South Korea: Court finds Yoon Suk Yeol guilty of violating constitution

South Korea's Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, removing him from office. The historic decision comes after Yoon's attempt to impose martial law in December.


Historic ruling: South Korea's president impeached; court finds Yoon guilty of violating constitution

The South Korean Constitution is all set to present its verdict on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. The court has said that the verdict will be out at 11 AM on Friday (Apr 5).
This verdict will decide Yoon Suk Yeol's fate and if he will be able to return to office until the next elections. If he is impeached, then he will be removed from office and fresh elections will take place in South Korea within 60 days.&nbsp;
As per South Korean law, at least six out of the court's eight judges must uphold his impeachment order.&nbsp;
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<h2 data-testid="Heading" class="text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__medium__1kbOh text__heading_article__3WgTF heading__base__2T28j heading__heading_article__2uc0a headline__headline__3kky1">Security tightened in South Korea</h2>
Reports indicate that South Korea is bracing for a potentially violent public reaction to the impeachment order by the courts amid the country's worst political crisis in decades. A 150-metre (164-yard) stretch of a four-lane street in front of the constitutional court will be closed to cars and pedestrians, with several layers of police buses parked bumper to bumper along both sides of the road and their wheels chained, International news agency Reuters reported. A 1.85 km (1.15 mile) radius around the court has been declared a no-fly zone for Friday and the eight justices have been given security protection, the Reuters report added. The police have warned of zero tolerance for any illegal activities related to the court decision.&nbsp;
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<h2>Why was Yoon Suk Yeol impeached?</h2>
In December 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol imposed martial law, citing a threat from communist forces and North Korea. He mentioned anti-government agents and "obstructionism and sympathetic stance towards North Korea" as his reasons for imposing martial law.
The imposition of martial law resulted in huge protests and nationwide backlash. The South Korean president was already facing criticism over several of his domestic and foreign policies, including reports of interference in investigations into allegations of corruption against his wife Kim Keon-hee. His approval ratings had also dropped massively this year, as per local reports. The imposition of martial law only made matters worse for him. The memories of the brutality of martial law are fresh in the minds of the South Korean public. Therefore, Yoon's move to impose martial law brought back memories of the past. Yoon miscalculated the public sentiment and assumed that the imposition of martial law was the only way to curb political unrest and opposition.
Yoon was forced to lift the martial law after six hours after the National Assembly unanimously voted to overturn it. But, it has put his political career at stake.&nbsp;
Read more | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-reciprocal-tariffs-indias-first-response-to-donald-trumps-reciprocal-tariff-its-mixed-bag-not-setback-8919482" rel="dofollow">Trump tariffs 'not a setback' for India: Official calls it a mixed bag as US prez imposes 26 per cent tariffs on India</a>
<h2>South Korea's martial law and history of impeachment&nbsp;</h2>
According to the South Korean constitution, when martial law is imposed civil rights, freedom of the press and all political activities are suspended and the military takes over. Martial law was a recurring tool used by military leaders to suppress dissent and consolidate power in South Korea's authoritarian, dictatorship past. It only ended with the June Democratic Struggle of 1987, when South Korea transitioned to democracy. Therefore, when martial law was imposed, the&nbsp;country&rsquo;s lawmakers rapidly mobilised and moved to the National Assembly to vote to reject martial law.
Read more | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/musks-eerie-declaration-robots-will-overpower-humanity-8920525" rel="dofollow">Musk's eerie declaration: Robots will overpower humanity. '10 billion...'</a>
Only two presidents have been impeached in South Korea's political history with only one president's impeachment upheld by the Constitution court.&nbsp;Park Geun-hye, who was South Korean president since 2013, was impeached by Parliament in 2017. The court upheld the impeachment in a unanimous 8&ndash;0 decision. She was daughter of former dictator Park Chung-hee and she was the first woman president of South Korea.&nbsp;She was accused of receiving or requesting tens of millions of dollars from conglomerates, including Samsung.
Roh Moo-hyun served as the 16th president of South Korea, serving from 2003-08. He was impeached by the South Korean parliament on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act but his impeachment was overturned by the court in 2004.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World | The South Korean Constitution is all set to present its verdict on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Here's why he was impeached and what's ahead

The South Korean Constitution is all set to present its verdict on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. The court has said that the verdict will be out at 11 AM on Friday (Apr 5). This verdict will decide Yoon Suk Yeol's fate and if he will be able to return to office until the next elections. If he is impeached, then he will be removed from office and fresh elections will take place in South Korea within 60 days. As per South Korean law, at least six out of the court's eight judges must uphold his impeachment order. Read more | Donald Trump serious about running a third term. What 'methods' is he hinting at? Security tightened in South Korea Reports indicate that South Korea is bracing for a potentially violent public reaction to the impeachment order by the courts amid the country's worst political crisis in decades. A 150-metre (164-yard) stretch of a four-lane street in front of the constitutional court will be closed to cars and pedestrians, with several layers of police buses parked bumper to bumper along both sides of the road and their wheels chained, International news agency Reuters reported. A 1.85 km (1.15 mile) radius around the court has been declared a no-fly zone for Friday and the eight justices have been given security protection, the Reuters report added. The police have warned of zero tolerance for any illegal activities related to the court decision. Read more | PM Modi-Yunus BIMSTEC meeting in limbo: How India-Bangladesh relations progressed after Hasina's fall Why was Yoon Suk Yeol impeached? In December 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol imposed martial law, citing a threat from communist forces and North Korea. He mentioned anti-government agents and "obstructionism and sympathetic stance towards North Korea" as his reasons for imposing martial law. The imposition of martial law resulted in huge protests and nationwide backlash. The South Korean president was already facing criticism over several of his domestic and foreign policies, including reports of interference in investigations into allegations of corruption against his wife Kim Keon-hee. His approval ratings had also dropped massively this year, as per local reports. The imposition of martial law only made matters worse for him. The memories of the brutality of martial law are fresh in the minds of the South Korean public. Therefore, Yoon's move to impose martial law brought back memories of the past. Yoon miscalculated the public sentiment and assumed that the imposition of martial law was the only way to curb political unrest and opposition. Yoon was forced to lift the martial law after six hours after the National Assembly unanimously voted to overturn it. But, it has put his political career at stake. Read more | Trump tariffs 'not a setback' for India: Official calls it a mixed bag as US prez imposes 26 per cent tariffs on India South Korea's martial law and history of impeachment According to the South Korean constitution, when martial law is imposed civil rights, freedom of the press and all political activities are suspended and the military takes over. Martial law was a recurring tool used by military leaders to suppress dissent and consolidate power in South Korea's authoritarian, dictatorship past. It only ended with the June Democratic Struggle of 1987, when South Korea transitioned to democracy. Therefore, when martial law was imposed, the country’s lawmakers rapidly mobilised and moved to the National Assembly to vote to reject martial law. Read more | Musk's eerie declaration: Robots will overpower humanity. '10 billion...' Only two presidents have been impeached in South Korea's political history with only one president's impeachment upheld by the Constitution court. Park Geun-hye, who was South Korean president since 2013, was impeached by Parliament in 2017. The court upheld the impeachment in a unanimous 8–0 decision. She was daughter of former dictator Park Chung-hee and she was the first woman president of South Korea. She was accused of receiving or requesting tens of millions of dollars from conglomerates, including Samsung. Roh Moo-hyun served as the 16th president of South Korea, serving from 2003-08. He was impeached by the South Korean parliament on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act but his impeachment was overturned by the court in 2004. (With inputs from agencies)

Will South Korea's Yoon Suk Yeol be impeached? Verdict tomorrow. Here's what we know so far

South Korea is bracing for possible blowback from the impending verdict on suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment. Acting President Han Duck-Soo has urged political leaders across party lines to accept the verdict and not make statements that trigger violence.  Watch in for more details!

South Korea's Constitutional Court to rule on Yoon impeachment; Acting President urges for calm

Russia has unleashed a deadly attack on Ukraine. Three people have died in the central Ukrainian city of Kyiv. This is while one person died in a drone attack on Kharkiv.

Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv says Russia drone strikes on Ukraine kill one, wound 10

South Korea: More security for judges ahead of Friday verdict on Yoon

An inferno that engulfed South Korea brought down many historical sites could have possibly been the result of sparks from a cigarette lighter.
What came to light was rather shocking. A man was tending to his grandparents' gravesites, and while clearing the weeds around, he set twigs on fire, which reportedly led to the largest wildfire the country has seen in its history.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-wildfires-24-killed-as-inferno-threatens-unesco-listed-sites-with-unprecedented-damage-8893062">South Korea wildfires: 24 killed as inferno threatens UNESCO-listed sites with &lsquo;unprecedented damage&rsquo;</a>
The police currently investigating the matter, told news agency AFP, &ldquo;We booked him without detention for investigation on Saturday on suspicions of inadvertently starting the wildfires."
This trigger has set ablaze about 118,610 acres of forest land and killed 30 people. North Gyeongsang province&rsquo;s Uiseong is by far the worst hit with 31629 acres affected. The gravity of the disaster was so intense that the fumes were visible through satellite imagery. Officials investigating the disaster are terming it the worst disaster, and global warming has only made the situation worse by multiplying the impact.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/helicopter-fighting-south-korea-wildfires-crashes-pilot-killed-8892556">Helicopter fighting South Korea wildfires crashes, Pilot killed</a>
The fire spread across the region; the winds and ultra-dry conditions fuelled the situation further. South Korea had also recorded the hottest summer in 2024 as the average rainfall was way below average. The blaze has also burned down the Gounsa temple complex in Uiseong, which is believed to have been built in the seventh century.
Whether the situation was triggered by the man clearing the gravesite is yet to be ascertained. The report with on-site findings could take longer than a month.
&nbsp;

An inferno that engulfed South Korea brought down many historical sites could have possibly been the result of sparks from a cigarette lighter.

An inferno that engulfed South Korea brought down many historical sites could have possibly been the result of sparks from a cigarette lighter. What came to light was rather shocking. A man was tending to his grandparents' gravesites, and while clearing the weeds around, he set twigs on fire, which reportedly led to the largest wildfire the country has seen in its history. Also read: South Korea wildfires: 24 killed as inferno threatens UNESCO-listed sites with ‘unprecedented damage’ The police currently investigating the matter, told news agency AFP, “We booked him without detention for investigation on Saturday on suspicions of inadvertently starting the wildfires." This trigger has set ablaze about 118,610 acres of forest land and killed 30 people. North Gyeongsang province’s Uiseong is by far the worst hit with 31629 acres affected. The gravity of the disaster was so intense that the fumes were visible through satellite imagery. Officials investigating the disaster are terming it the worst disaster, and global warming has only made the situation worse by multiplying the impact. Also read: Helicopter fighting South Korea wildfires crashes, Pilot killed The fire spread across the region; the winds and ultra-dry conditions fuelled the situation further. South Korea had also recorded the hottest summer in 2024 as the average rainfall was way below average. The blaze has also burned down the Gounsa temple complex in Uiseong, which is believed to have been built in the seventh century. Whether the situation was triggered by the man clearing the gravesite is yet to be ascertained. The report with on-site findings could take longer than a month.

South Korea: Did a man clearing grandparents' gravesite trigger massive wildfires? Probe underway

South Korea has earned an unusual title as the world's largest baby exporter, and Seoul is now apologizing to all those who were sent abroad like luggage so that adoption agencies could profit. Findings by South Korea's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a government agency, have revealed that children were sent overseas for profit decades ago, during a time when the country was rebuilding itself after World War II and the devastating Korean War. Adoption agencies falsified documents to show babies as orphans in order to facilitate the adoptions...

South Korea violated human rights to meet adoption demand

Scenes of devastation dominate South Korea's Southeastern regions, in the country's worst wildfire crisis in history.

South Korea battles raging wildfires

South Korea&rsquo;s Foreign Ministry released the newly declassified diplomatic files of 1994 on Friday, and they reveal that major world powers were deeply concerned about North Korean leader Kim Il-sung&rsquo;s succession plan after his sudden death in 1994, as they doubted the capabilities of his heir, Kim Jong-il.
The files reveal that one US diplomat even called Kim Jong-il &ldquo;goofy&rdquo; while a Russian expert predicted that he would lose control of the country within two years, reports South China Morning Post. The documents detail how officials worldwide interpreted Kim Il-sung&rsquo;s demise and assessed his son&rsquo;s ability to govern. Former US vice-president Walter Mondale, who was then serving as ambassador to Japan, was quoted in the files as saying: &ldquo;[Kim Jong-il] seems a bit goofy and childish, and not very good as a leader.&rdquo; The files show that experts from Russia also expressed doubts over the younger Kim&rsquo;s ability to rule North Korea. Notably, Russia was distancing itself from Pyongyang at that time as it navigated post-Communist reforms. &ldquo;After about six months of Kim Jong-il&rsquo;s regime, the military will begin to intervene in politics in earnest,&rdquo; a Russian scholar who had worked in Pyongyang was quoted as saying in the files. &ldquo;At most, Kim Jong-il will only be in power until the end of 1996.&rdquo; The documents reveal that a Chinese official said that Beijing had no choice but to support the younger Kim due to the influence of then leader Deng Xiaoping. Kim Il-sung had personally asked Deng to &ldquo;look after&rdquo; his son, and therefore, Beijing could only respect the request as long as Deng was alive, the official explained.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-to-start-meeting-candidates-to-replace-internal-intelligence-agency-chief-ronen-bar-8890568" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Netanyahu to start meeting candidates to replace internal intelligence agency chief Ronen Bar</a> Kim Il-sung&rsquo;s death came weeks ahead of what was supposed to be the first inter-Korea Summit, where leaders of North and South were expected to discuss nuclear issues. Though North Korea officially announced that he died of a heart attack, the files show that some Chinese officials believed the real cause of his death was overwork and stress brought on by nuclear issues and the summit. The meet was eventually cancelled and the first inter-Korea nuclear summit was held in Pyongyang in 2000. Despite all the doubts, Kim Jong-il went on to rule North Korea until his death in 2011, though his period was marked by deep economic hardships, international isolation, and the first nuclear weapons test in 2006. Seoul also released files from 1993, showing how it responded to its designation as a &ldquo;sensitive country&rdquo; by Washington. The designation imposed stricter controls on the transfer of nuclear-related technology, reflecting concerns over Seoul&rsquo;s suspected ambitions to develop its own nuclear weapons. South Korea was listed as a sensitive country by the US in January 1981 and was removed from the list in July 1994, Aju News reported. South Korean officials then worked to persuade the US that grouping Seoul with North Korea was &ldquo;unfair&rdquo; and harmful to future bilateral scientific and technological cooperation.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-strikes-gold-again-discovers-record-1000-tonne-deposit-8900095">China strikes gold again, discovers record 1,000-tonne deposit, reports suggest</a> The US Department of Energy once again designated South Korea as a nuclear sensitive country in January, shortly before former president Joe Biden left office. China, Iran, and North Korea are also on Washington&rsquo;s sensitive countries list.&nbsp; The rationale for South Korea&rsquo;s recent inclusion is suspected to be suspended South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol&rsquo;s brief imposition of martial law in December amid talk of Seoul potentially developing its own nuclear weapons.

World: The documents reveal that a Chinese official said that Beijing had no choice but to support the younger Kim due to the influence of then leader Deng Xiaoping. Kim Il-sung had personally asked Deng to “look after” his son.

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry released the newly declassified diplomatic files of 1994 on Friday, and they reveal that major world powers were deeply concerned about North Korean leader Kim Il-sung’s succession plan after his sudden death in 1994, as they doubted the capabilities of his heir, Kim Jong-il. The files reveal that one US diplomat even called Kim Jong-il “goofy” while a Russian expert predicted that he would lose control of the country within two years, reports South China Morning Post. The documents detail how officials worldwide interpreted Kim Il-sung’s demise and assessed his son’s ability to govern. Former US vice-president Walter Mondale, who was then serving as ambassador to Japan, was quoted in the files as saying: “[Kim Jong-il] seems a bit goofy and childish, and not very good as a leader.” The files show that experts from Russia also expressed doubts over the younger Kim’s ability to rule North Korea. Notably, Russia was distancing itself from Pyongyang at that time as it navigated post-Communist reforms. “After about six months of Kim Jong-il’s regime, the military will begin to intervene in politics in earnest,” a Russian scholar who had worked in Pyongyang was quoted as saying in the files. “At most, Kim Jong-il will only be in power until the end of 1996.” The documents reveal that a Chinese official said that Beijing had no choice but to support the younger Kim due to the influence of then leader Deng Xiaoping. Kim Il-sung had personally asked Deng to “look after” his son, and therefore, Beijing could only respect the request as long as Deng was alive, the official explained. Also read: Netanyahu to start meeting candidates to replace internal intelligence agency chief Ronen Bar Kim Il-sung’s death came weeks ahead of what was supposed to be the first inter-Korea Summit, where leaders of North and South were expected to discuss nuclear issues. Though North Korea officially announced that he died of a heart attack, the files show that some Chinese officials believed the real cause of his death was overwork and stress brought on by nuclear issues and the summit. The meet was eventually cancelled and the first inter-Korea nuclear summit was held in Pyongyang in 2000. Despite all the doubts, Kim Jong-il went on to rule North Korea until his death in 2011, though his period was marked by deep economic hardships, international isolation, and the first nuclear weapons test in 2006. Seoul also released files from 1993, showing how it responded to its designation as a “sensitive country” by Washington. The designation imposed stricter controls on the transfer of nuclear-related technology, reflecting concerns over Seoul’s suspected ambitions to develop its own nuclear weapons. South Korea was listed as a sensitive country by the US in January 1981 and was removed from the list in July 1994, Aju News reported. South Korean officials then worked to persuade the US that grouping Seoul with North Korea was “unfair” and harmful to future bilateral scientific and technological cooperation. Also read | China strikes gold again, discovers record 1,000-tonne deposit, reports suggest The US Department of Energy once again designated South Korea as a nuclear sensitive country in January, shortly before former president Joe Biden left office. China, Iran, and North Korea are also on Washington’s sensitive countries list. The rationale for South Korea’s recent inclusion is suspected to be suspended South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol’s brief imposition of martial law in December amid talk of Seoul potentially developing its own nuclear weapons.

Seoul’s declassified files reveal how world powers doubted North Korea’s Kim Jong-il, US diplomat called him ‘goofy’

​South Korea is battling its worst wildfires on record, resulting in at least 27 deaths and the destruction of hundreds of buildings, including the historic Gounsa temple. The fires also threaten UNESCO sites like the Hahoe Folk Village, prompting emergency alerts. ​

Strong winds fan deadly South Korea wildfires

Auto stocks fell on Thursday as the US is pushing ahead with some harsh tariffs on automakers and threatened more sweeping trade taxes, reinforcing investor concern about the hit to global economic growth. Asian shares skidded with Wall Street after Trump's announcement. Shares in Japan's biggest car companies fell. Stocks of Japanese automakers Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi Motors, and South Korea's Hyundai fell by over 3%.

Trump's 25% auto import tax triggers trade war fears

South Korea's main opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, has been cleared of violating election law. Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung was under trial for violating election law during his 2022 presidential campaign. Lee's political career was on the line, as a conviction in this case would have barred him from contesting in the upcoming presidential election. In 2022, the Democratic Party was left 0.7% behind President Yoon Suk-yeol's People Power Party. Watch in for more details!

South Korea court clears opposition leader Lee Jae-myung in election law violation case

The death toll climbed up to 24 on Wednesday (Mar 26) as South Korea&rsquo;s worst-ever wildfire rages in the south-east region, said officials. Around 27,000 people have been forced to urgently evacuate as more than a dozen fires broke out over the weekend, cutting off roads and disrupting communication lines.&nbsp;
The blazes have resulted in &ldquo;unprecedented damage&rdquo; and are threatening two UNESCO-listed sites, as wind-driven flames engulf neighbourhoods.
&ldquo;Twenty-four people are confirmed dead in the wildfires so far,&rdquo; while 12 have been seriously injured, a ministry of interior and safety official told AFP. The official added that these &ldquo;preliminary figures&rdquo; and the death toll could rise.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/helicopter-fighting-south-korea-wildfires-crashes-pilot-killed-8892556">Helicopter fighting South Korea wildfires crashes, Pilot killed</a>
While most who lost their lives due to fires were local residents, at least three firefighters were killed. A firefighting helicopter pilot was also killed when his aircraft crashed in a mountain area, the official added.
According to the interior ministry, the fires have brought 17,398 hectares (42,991 acres) to ashes, 87 per cent of which burns in Uiseong county alone, making it South Korea's second largest after the April 2000 inferno that scorched 23,913 hectares.
<h2>&lsquo;Unprecedented damage&rsquo;</h2>
&ldquo;Wildfires burning for a fifth consecutive day... are causing unprecedented damage,&rdquo; said South Korea's acting president Han Duck-soo.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-wildfires-8891086">VIDEO: South Korea's raging wildfires kill at least 18, destroy 1,300-year-old temple</a>
The blazes were &ldquo;developing in a way that is exceeding both existing prediction models and earlier expectations,&rdquo; he told an emergency safety and disaster meeting.
A crisis alert has been raised to its highest level by the government. In addition, some inmates have been transferred out of prisons in the area.
&ldquo;Throughout the night, chaos continued as power and communication lines were cut in several areas and roads were blocked,&rdquo; Han Duck-soo said.&nbsp;
The wildfires are &ldquo;the most devastating&rdquo; yet in South Korea, he added.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-truth-commission-holds-government-responsible-for-fraudulent-foreign-adoption-program-8891071">South Korea&rsquo;s Truth Commission holds government responsible for fraudulent foreign adoption program</a>
Authorities have been battling the inferno using helicopters but halted such operations after a helicopter crashed, killing the pilot. Officials said that changing wind patterns and dry weather have highlighted limitations of conventional firefighting techniques.
<h2>UNESCO sites at risk</h2>
The blazes are also threatening two UNESCO-listed tourist locations, Byeongsan Seowon and historic Hahoe Folk Village.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wildfires-devastate-south-korea-killing-18-forcing-27000-to-flee-8891120">Wildfires devastate South Korea, killing 18, forcing 27,000 to flee</a>
By late Wednesday (Mar 26), the fires had reached five kilometres away from Hahoe, a village with some houses covered with thatched roofs. While firefighters have been on standby near Byeongsan Seowon, known for its pavilion-style ancient academies.
s the sky over the historic locations turned grey with smoke and ash in the air, fire trucks were spraying water and fire-retardants in an attempt to save them.
<h2>Unusual dry weather</h2>
Authorities have attributed the fires to unusually dry weather with below-average precipitation, which they have linked with climate change and heatwaves.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-a-washing-machine-helped-catch-a-rapist-in-south-korea-8888999">How a washing machine helped catch a rapist in South Korea</a>
&ldquo;We can&rsquo;t say that it&rsquo;s only due to climate change, but climate change is directly (and) indirectly affecting the changes we are experiencing now. This is a sheer fact,&rdquo; Yeh Sang-Wook, professor of climatology at Seoul's Hanyang University, told AFP.
&ldquo;Wildfires will become more frequent,&rdquo; he added.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World | The blazes have resulted in “unprecedented damage” and are threatening two UNESCO-listed sites, as wind-driven flames engulf neighbourhoods.

The death toll climbed up to 24 on Wednesday (Mar 26) as South Korea’s worst-ever wildfire rages in the south-east region, said officials. Around 27,000 people have been forced to urgently evacuate as more than a dozen fires broke out over the weekend, cutting off roads and disrupting communication lines. The blazes have resulted in “unprecedented damage” and are threatening two UNESCO-listed sites, as wind-driven flames engulf neighbourhoods. “Twenty-four people are confirmed dead in the wildfires so far,” while 12 have been seriously injured, a ministry of interior and safety official told AFP. The official added that these “preliminary figures” and the death toll could rise. Also read | Helicopter fighting South Korea wildfires crashes, Pilot killed While most who lost their lives due to fires were local residents, at least three firefighters were killed. A firefighting helicopter pilot was also killed when his aircraft crashed in a mountain area, the official added. According to the interior ministry, the fires have brought 17,398 hectares (42,991 acres) to ashes, 87 per cent of which burns in Uiseong county alone, making it South Korea's second largest after the April 2000 inferno that scorched 23,913 hectares. ‘Unprecedented damage’ “Wildfires burning for a fifth consecutive day... are causing unprecedented damage,” said South Korea's acting president Han Duck-soo. Also read | VIDEO: South Korea's raging wildfires kill at least 18, destroy 1,300-year-old temple The blazes were “developing in a way that is exceeding both existing prediction models and earlier expectations,” he told an emergency safety and disaster meeting. A crisis alert has been raised to its highest level by the government. In addition, some inmates have been transferred out of prisons in the area. “Throughout the night, chaos continued as power and communication lines were cut in several areas and roads were blocked,” Han Duck-soo said. The wildfires are “the most devastating” yet in South Korea, he added. Also read | South Korea’s Truth Commission holds government responsible for fraudulent foreign adoption program Authorities have been battling the inferno using helicopters but halted such operations after a helicopter crashed, killing the pilot. Officials said that changing wind patterns and dry weather have highlighted limitations of conventional firefighting techniques. UNESCO sites at risk The blazes are also threatening two UNESCO-listed tourist locations, Byeongsan Seowon and historic Hahoe Folk Village. Also read | Wildfires devastate South Korea, killing 18, forcing 27,000 to flee By late Wednesday (Mar 26), the fires had reached five kilometres away from Hahoe, a village with some houses covered with thatched roofs. While firefighters have been on standby near Byeongsan Seowon, known for its pavilion-style ancient academies. s the sky over the historic locations turned grey with smoke and ash in the air, fire trucks were spraying water and fire-retardants in an attempt to save them. Unusual dry weather Authorities have attributed the fires to unusually dry weather with below-average precipitation, which they have linked with climate change and heatwaves. Also read | How a washing machine helped catch a rapist in South Korea “We can’t say that it’s only due to climate change, but climate change is directly (and) indirectly affecting the changes we are experiencing now. This is a sheer fact,” Yeh Sang-Wook, professor of climatology at Seoul's Hanyang University, told AFP. “Wildfires will become more frequent,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea wildfires: 24 killed as inferno threatens UNESCO-listed sites with ‘unprecedented damage’

At least eighteen people have died as massive wildfires rage across South Korea. About 27,000 to be evacuated as firefighters battle strong winds and dry conditions. The southeastern regions have declared an emergency. Watch this report for more details!

South Korea: Pilot killed as helicopter crashes during wildfire response

Wildfires ravage South Korea, killing 18 and destroying a 1,300-year-old temple

Wildfires devastate South Korea, killing 18, forcing 27,000 to flee

At least four people, including three firefighters and a civil servant, have died as massive wildfires rage across South Korea. Over 200 residents from 15 villages were ordered to evacuate as emergency crews, including helicopters, battled the flames. The southeastern regions have declared an emergency. Watch this report for more details!

South Korea wildfires spread, forcing evacuations, burning away temples and UNESCO site

South Korea: Ravaging wildfires engulf residential building and a temple

The political crisis in South Korea has taken another dramatic turn. Major legal relief has been granted to impeached Prime Minister Han Duck-soo after the country's Constitutional Court dismissed his impeachment. Judges voted seven against one to dismiss the impeachment. The judgment reinstated Han Duck-soo as the acting president, confirming his return to the interim post. Watch in for more details!

South Korea: Constitutional court dismisses Prime Minister's impeachment

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