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 votes 7-1 to dismiss PM's impeachment

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, with 16 fire incidents reported in a single day. Watch this report for more details!

State of emergency declared in southeastern South Korea

Deadly wildfires sweep South Korea, forcing mass evacuations

Thousands of people are rallying across South Korea, supporting suspended President Yun Suk-yeol ahead of a Constitutional Court verdict. The court ruling, expected later this month, will decide if South Korea will uphold Yun's impeachment over his declaration of martial law. Watch in for more details!

South Korea: Huge crowd march in rival rallies against South Korea's impeached president

South Korea: Rival rallies erupt before ruling on President Yoon's impeachment

As American and South Korean forces commence their massive war games, Pyongyang responds with a show of force that threatens to escalate tensions. South Korea's military says that North Korea has fired multiple ballistic missiles. Watch in for more details!

North Korea fires missiles as south begins drills with US

News outlets reported that South Korean court had ordered the release of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from prison. 
South Korea's impeached president has been released from detention after a court in Seoul overturned his arrest on technical grounds. Yoon Suk Yeol walked free on Saturday to cheers from his supporters

South Korea: Yoon awaits judgement on validity of impeachment in separate trial

News outlets reported that South Korean court had ordered the release of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from prison. 
A court in South Korea has declared that impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol will be released from prison, where he has been detained since his arrest in January due to his brief declaration of martial law at the end of last year.

South Korea: President Yoon Released From Jail After 52 Days | Yoon Souk Yeol | Korea News | WION

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was impeached, is now awaiting a separate court ruling on the validity of his impeachment. Meanwhile, a district court has invalidated his arrest warrant. The political divide deepens over December’s short-lived martial law order, further fueling tensions across the country.

South Korea: Impeached President Yoon awaits court ruling on validity

A district court in South Korea has granted some major legal relief to the impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, who's been at the epicenter of a major political crisis ever since his short-lived martial law had plunged the country into chaos. In a judgment, the court has now canceled the arrest warrant against Yun, announcing their decision. Watch in for more details!

Seoul: Court cancels arrest warrant against Yoon Suk Yeol

A South Korean bomber accidentally dropped a bomb on its own territory, injuring 15 people. In fact, an Air Force fighter jet dropped not one, but eight bombs in the wrong place. The incident occurred as South Korea was holding combined live-fire drills with the United States in the area. Watch in for more details!

South Korean Air Force KF-16 Aircraft Drops Bombs In Civilian Area

Two South Korean Air Force fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs on a village during a joint training exercise with US forces on Thursday, officials said, with civilians among 15 people injured.
The Air Force KF-16 jets were participating in joint US-South Korea live-fire training exercises in Pocheon, about 25 kilometres (16 miles) south of the heavily fortified border with nuclear-armed North Korea, military and government officials said.
The two jets accidentally released eight MK-82 general-purpose bombs -- four each -- which landed "outside the designated firing range", the Air Force said.
"The pilot appears to have entered incorrect coordinates during the pre-flight preparation process," an Air Force official told reporters.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-yo-jong-slams-show-of-force-after-us-aircraft-carrier-visits-south-korea-8775998">North Korea's Kim Yo Jong slams show of force after US aircraft carrier visits South Korea</a>
One Pocheon resident told Yonhap news agency he was watching television when he heard the bombs explode.
"I suddenly heard an enormous explosion, like a thunderclap, and the whole house shook," said the resident, who gave only his surname Park.
"When I went outside, everything was in chaos," he said.
The two aircraft were meant to fire simultaneously at a target as part of the exercise, the Air Force official said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-birth-rate-rose-last-year-first-time-in-a-decade-8757549">South Korea birth rate rose last year, first time in a decade</a>
"It is believed that the first pilot entered incorrect coordinates, leading the second aircraft to drop its munitions as well."
A defence ministry official said an investigation was underway.
"We deeply regret the unintended release of the bombs, which resulted in civilian casualties, and wish those injured a swift recovery," the Air Force said in an earlier statement.
It said it would "take all necessary measures, including compensation for damages".
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-yo-jong-slams-show-of-force-after-us-aircraft-carrier-visits-south-korea-8775998">North Korea's Kim Yo Jong slams show of force after US aircraft carrier visits South Korea</a>
South Korea's National Fire Agency said the bombs had "fallen on a village during a South Korea-US joint exercise".
That resulted in "casualties and property damage, with many displaced residents", it said.
Fifteen people were injured, including civilians and military personnel, the agency said.
One church building and sections of two houses were damaged, according to an agency statement.
<h2><hl2>'Simply unimaginable' </hl2></h2>
The mayor of Pocheon demanded that all military exercises cease until preventive measures were made.
"While there have been accidents where bullets bounced off targets and landed elsewhere, it is simply unimaginable that an aircraft would directly fire at civilian homes," said mayor Baek Young-hyeun.
Baek told reporters that "until a thorough and acceptable safety plan is established to the satisfaction of Pocheon residents, all military exercises must be suspended".
"I strongly urge the government to recognise the gravity of this incident and act swiftly in response," Baek said.
The blast was felt at a centre for seniors about a kilometre away.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-yo-jong-slams-show-of-force-after-us-aircraft-carrier-visits-south-korea-8775998">North Korea's Kim Yo Jong slams show of force after US aircraft carrier visits South Korea</a>
"A sudden explosion shook the building. The windows shattered, and one of our teachers was injured and taken to the hospital," the centre's director, surnamed Yu, told Yonhap.
"Fortunately, none of the seniors were hurt but they were so frightened that we sent them all home," Yu said.
The South Korea-US "Freedom Shield" military exercises, one of the allies' largest annual joint exercises, are set to begin later this month.
The two Koreas remain technically at war since their 1950-1953 conflict ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty.
The United States stations tens of thousands of soldiers in the South, in part to protect Seoul against Pyongyang.
In 2022, a South Korean Hyunmu-2 short-range ballistic missile accidentally crashed into a military golf course in the South's eastern Gangwon province, after it was fired in response to a North Korean missile launch.
The missile did not explode and no one was injured in that incident.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World: The two jets accidentally released eight MK-82 general-purpose bombs -- four each -- which landed "outside the designated firing range", the Air Force said.

Two South Korean Air Force fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs on a village during a joint training exercise with US forces on Thursday, officials said, with civilians among 15 people injured. The Air Force KF-16 jets were participating in joint US-South Korea live-fire training exercises in Pocheon, about 25 kilometres (16 miles) south of the heavily fortified border with nuclear-armed North Korea, military and government officials said. The two jets accidentally released eight MK-82 general-purpose bombs -- four each -- which landed "outside the designated firing range", the Air Force said. "The pilot appears to have entered incorrect coordinates during the pre-flight preparation process," an Air Force official told reporters. Also read: North Korea's Kim Yo Jong slams show of force after US aircraft carrier visits South Korea One Pocheon resident told Yonhap news agency he was watching television when he heard the bombs explode. "I suddenly heard an enormous explosion, like a thunderclap, and the whole house shook," said the resident, who gave only his surname Park. "When I went outside, everything was in chaos," he said. The two aircraft were meant to fire simultaneously at a target as part of the exercise, the Air Force official said. Also read: South Korea birth rate rose last year, first time in a decade "It is believed that the first pilot entered incorrect coordinates, leading the second aircraft to drop its munitions as well." A defence ministry official said an investigation was underway. "We deeply regret the unintended release of the bombs, which resulted in civilian casualties, and wish those injured a swift recovery," the Air Force said in an earlier statement. It said it would "take all necessary measures, including compensation for damages". Also read: North Korea's Kim Yo Jong slams show of force after US aircraft carrier visits South Korea South Korea's National Fire Agency said the bombs had "fallen on a village during a South Korea-US joint exercise". That resulted in "casualties and property damage, with many displaced residents", it said. Fifteen people were injured, including civilians and military personnel, the agency said. One church building and sections of two houses were damaged, according to an agency statement. 'Simply unimaginable' The mayor of Pocheon demanded that all military exercises cease until preventive measures were made. "While there have been accidents where bullets bounced off targets and landed elsewhere, it is simply unimaginable that an aircraft would directly fire at civilian homes," said mayor Baek Young-hyeun. Baek told reporters that "until a thorough and acceptable safety plan is established to the satisfaction of Pocheon residents, all military exercises must be suspended". "I strongly urge the government to recognise the gravity of this incident and act swiftly in response," Baek said. The blast was felt at a centre for seniors about a kilometre away. Also read: North Korea's Kim Yo Jong slams show of force after US aircraft carrier visits South Korea "A sudden explosion shook the building. The windows shattered, and one of our teachers was injured and taken to the hospital," the centre's director, surnamed Yu, told Yonhap. "Fortunately, none of the seniors were hurt but they were so frightened that we sent them all home," Yu said. The South Korea-US "Freedom Shield" military exercises, one of the allies' largest annual joint exercises, are set to begin later this month. The two Koreas remain technically at war since their 1950-1953 conflict ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. The United States stations tens of thousands of soldiers in the South, in part to protect Seoul against Pyongyang. In 2022, a South Korean Hyunmu-2 short-range ballistic missile accidentally crashed into a military golf course in the South's eastern Gangwon province, after it was fired in response to a North Korean missile launch. The missile did not explode and no one was injured in that incident. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

South Korea fighter jets accidentally drop bombs on civilian district, 15 injured

K-pop is proving to be South Korea’s economic bright spot amid political uncertainty, a slowing economy, and looming U.S. tariffs. Shares of the country’s major entertainment companies have surged up to 33% this year, outpacing the KOSPI’s 5.39% gain. Investor confidence is buoyed by the industry’s resilience, as K-pop remains unaffected by potential U.S. tariffs.

K-pop: South Korea's economic bright spot

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol faces a crucial moment as the Constitutional Court concludes his impeachment trial. The final verdict, expected next month, will determine his political future. Yoon has apologized while defending his controversial martial law proposal during the final hearing. The nation watches closely as the decision looms.

South Korea awaits verdict on Yoon's impeachment trial outcome

South Korea's Yoon Suk-Yeol's impeachment trial is over, and now he awaits a verdict on his presidency from the country's Constitutional Court. On the final day of the hearing, Yoon apologized for his martial law order but also mentioned that the decision was made because the country was facing an existential crisis. External forces, including North Korea, along with anti-state elements within society, are working together to seriously threaten our national security and sovereignty. Watch in for more details!

South Korea: Constitutional Court trial ends, verdict to determine Yoon's future

For the first time in a decade, South Korea's birthrate has increased, rising by 3.6% in 2024 compared to the previous year. This uptick comes amid a record surge in marriages, with 238,300 babies born.

South Korea's birthrate rises for the first time in a decade

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South&nbsp;Korea's birth rate rose last year for the first time in a decade, official data showed on Wednesday, bucking a trend for a country battling a demographic crisis.
The country has one of the world's longest life expectancies and lowest birth rates, a combination that presents a looming demographic challenge.
Seoul has poured billions of dollars into efforts to encourage women to have more children and maintain population stability.
The crude birth rate -- the number of babies born per 1,000 people -- was 4.7, interrupting a continuous downward trend since 2014, according to preliminary data from Statistics&nbsp;Korea.
And the fertility rate, or the average number of babies a woman is expected to have in her lifetime, was 0.75, "up 0.03 from 0.72 in 2023", it said.
"The number of births in 2024 was 238,300, an increase of 8,300 (3.6 percent) from the previous year," the report added.
Park Hyun-jeong, an official from Statistics&nbsp;Korea, attributed the rise to an increase in marriages since the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as shifting demographic changes.
"The population has seen a significant increase in the number of people in their early 30s," Park told a press conference.
The average maternal age at childbirth in 2024 was 33.7 years, Seoul said -- one of the highest in the world.
But the fertility rate remains far below the 2.1 children needed to maintain&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea's population of 51 million.
At current rates, the population will nearly halve to 26.8 million by 2100, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington in Seattle.
<h2>Continued decline</h2>
Experts say there are multiple causes for the low birth rate, from high child-rearing costs and property prices to a notoriously competitive society that makes well-paid jobs difficult to secure.
The double burden of working mothers managing the brunt of household chores and childcare while also maintaining their careers is another key factor, they say.
The&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean government offers cash subsidies, babysitting services and support for infertility treatment.
But the fertility rate has until now continued its chronic decline.
Neighbouring Japan is grappling with the same issue -- it has the world's second-oldest population after Monaco and the country's relatively strict immigration rules mean it faces growing labour shortages.
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World | Explore the implications of South Korea's birth rate increase on its demographic crisis, with government efforts to stabilize population growth amidst low fertility rates.

South Korea's birth rate rose last year for the first time in a decade, official data showed on Wednesday, bucking a trend for a country battling a demographic crisis. The country has one of the world's longest life expectancies and lowest birth rates, a combination that presents a looming demographic challenge. Seoul has poured billions of dollars into efforts to encourage women to have more children and maintain population stability. The crude birth rate -- the number of babies born per 1,000 people -- was 4.7, interrupting a continuous downward trend since 2014, according to preliminary data from Statistics Korea. And the fertility rate, or the average number of babies a woman is expected to have in her lifetime, was 0.75, "up 0.03 from 0.72 in 2023", it said. "The number of births in 2024 was 238,300, an increase of 8,300 (3.6 percent) from the previous year," the report added. Park Hyun-jeong, an official from Statistics Korea, attributed the rise to an increase in marriages since the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as shifting demographic changes. "The population has seen a significant increase in the number of people in their early 30s," Park told a press conference. The average maternal age at childbirth in 2024 was 33.7 years, Seoul said -- one of the highest in the world. But the fertility rate remains far below the 2.1 children needed to maintain South Korea's population of 51 million. At current rates, the population will nearly halve to 26.8 million by 2100, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington in Seattle. Continued decline Experts say there are multiple causes for the low birth rate, from high child-rearing costs and property prices to a notoriously competitive society that makes well-paid jobs difficult to secure. The double burden of working mothers managing the brunt of household chores and childcare while also maintaining their careers is another key factor, they say. The South Korean government offers cash subsidies, babysitting services and support for infertility treatment. But the fertility rate has until now continued its chronic decline. Neighbouring Japan is grappling with the same issue -- it has the world's second-oldest population after Monaco and the country's relatively strict immigration rules mean it faces growing labour shortages.

South Korea birth rate rose last year, first time in a decade

In his final statement of the impeachment trial, South Korean President Yun Suk-yeol said that he had a right to declare martial law but never meant to impose full military rule. Watch in for more details!

South Korea court hears closing statements in Yoon impeachment trial

Ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol, on Tuesday (Jan 25), said that South Korea was facing an "existential crisis" when he declared martial law as he faced the final day of impeachment hearings that could formally remove him from office.
In his concluding remarks, Yoon justified the December 3 declaration, characterising it as a "proclamation that the nation was facing an existential crisis".
"This was never a decision made for my personal benefit as Yoon Suk Yeol," he told the court.
He said "external forces, including North Korea, along with anti-state elements within our society" were "working together to seriously threaten our national security and sovereignty".
He further denied committing "insurrection" in declaring martial law.
"The opposition party claims that I declared martial law to establish a dictatorship and extend my rule. This is a fabricated scheme to frame me for insurrection," Yoon told the court.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/criminal-trial-against-south-koreas-ousted-ousted-president-yoon-suk-yeol-begins-in-seoul-8738126">Also read: Criminal trial against South Korea's ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol begins in Seoul</a>
<h2>'Countless would not have had their lives spared'</h2>
Opposition lawmaker Jung Chung-rae delivered an emotional closing statement, urging the court to uphold President Yoon's impeachment. Chung-rae's plea was deeply personal, as he recalled the torture he endured at the hands of South Korea's military government in the 1980s.
"Blindfolded with my underwear, I endured four hours of torture. Being alive was pain in itself," Lee said, stopping for a few seconds to compose himself.
He urged the court to consider that "countless people would not have had their lives spared" if martial law had succeeded as Yoon had planned.
<h2>What happens if Yoon is impeached?</h2>
The stakes are high&mdash;if the court upholds the impeachment, Yoon will be permanently removed from office, triggering a fresh presidential election within 60 days.
On December 3, Yoon, in a dramatic move, temporarily suspended civilian rule, plunging the nation into political chaos. The declaration of martial law was short-lived, lasting only six hours, as opposition lawmakers defied military presence outside parliament to vote it down. This led to Yoon's impeachment and eventual arrest in January on charges of insurrection&mdash;making him the first sitting South Korean president to face such charges.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: "It was an urgent plea for the people, as the sovereign power of this country, to recognise the situation and take action to overcome it together," he told Seoul's Constitutional Court.

Ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol, on Tuesday (Jan 25), said that South Korea was facing an "existential crisis" when he declared martial law as he faced the final day of impeachment hearings that could formally remove him from office. In his concluding remarks, Yoon justified the December 3 declaration, characterising it as a "proclamation that the nation was facing an existential crisis". "This was never a decision made for my personal benefit as Yoon Suk Yeol," he told the court. He said "external forces, including North Korea, along with anti-state elements within our society" were "working together to seriously threaten our national security and sovereignty". He further denied committing "insurrection" in declaring martial law. "The opposition party claims that I declared martial law to establish a dictatorship and extend my rule. This is a fabricated scheme to frame me for insurrection," Yoon told the court. Also read: Criminal trial against South Korea's ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol begins in Seoul 'Countless would not have had their lives spared' Opposition lawmaker Jung Chung-rae delivered an emotional closing statement, urging the court to uphold President Yoon's impeachment. Chung-rae's plea was deeply personal, as he recalled the torture he endured at the hands of South Korea's military government in the 1980s. "Blindfolded with my underwear, I endured four hours of torture. Being alive was pain in itself," Lee said, stopping for a few seconds to compose himself. He urged the court to consider that "countless people would not have had their lives spared" if martial law had succeeded as Yoon had planned. What happens if Yoon is impeached? The stakes are high—if the court upholds the impeachment, Yoon will be permanently removed from office, triggering a fresh presidential election within 60 days. On December 3, Yoon, in a dramatic move, temporarily suspended civilian rule, plunging the nation into political chaos. The declaration of martial law was short-lived, lasting only six hours, as opposition lawmakers defied military presence outside parliament to vote it down. This led to Yoon's impeachment and eventual arrest in January on charges of insurrection—making him the first sitting South Korean president to face such charges. (With inputs from agencies)

Yoon says South Korea was facing ‘existential crisis’ when he declared martial law

South Korea and the United States have conducted a joint air drill with a B1B strategic bomber, demonstrating deterrence against North Korea's potential nuclear threats. Watch in for more details!

South Korea military air drills with the US to deter North Korean military threats

Park Chan-Wook's landmark film 'Joint Security Area' (JSA) celebrates its 25th anniversary. A timeless story of friendship and reconciliation, JSA broke barriers and captured hearts worldwide.

Celebrating 25 years of 'JSA': Timeless classic of friendship and unity

The “Youngtro” trend, a mix of “young” and “retro,” is taking over South Korea’s social media. With old iPhones and vintage aesthetics in high demand, the trend blends nostalgia with modern youth culture. South Koreans are embracing this new wave of retro style.

Youngtro trend takes over South Korea’s social media scene

Chinese AI model DeepSeek has been temporarily removed from South Korean app stores due to privacy law concerns. The company admitted to a privacy oversight, leading to the suspension of downloads. South Korea is investigating the potential risks further.

DeepSeek pulled from South Korean stores amid privacy concerns

Suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attends his impeachment trial, blaming opposition forces for the political crisis. Protests erupt as supporters demand his reinstatement.

Yoon says South Korean opposition failed to offer him due respect

It has been two months since South Korea suspended President Yoon Suk-yeol after he declared a short-lived martial law. As his fate hangs in the balance, Yoon has directed the blame for declaring martial law at the South Korean opposition. During the impeachment hearing in the Constitutional Court, Yoon complained that the opposition had failed to offer him due respect while he was in office.

Yoon Suk Yeol blames 'malicious' opposition for martial law bid

Suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday (Feb 11) accused the opposition of what he called "malicious" actions which he said led to his controversial decision to declare martial law in the country. Watch this report for more details!

South Korea: Yoon blames 'malicious' opposition for martial law bid

South Korean and US troops have been staging a large-scale combined live-fire exercise at a firing range near the inter-Korean border. Watch this report for more details!

US & South Korea perform military drills near demilitarised zone

South Korean and U.S. troops have been staging a large-scale combined live-fire exercise at a firing range near the inter-Korean border. Watch this report for more details!

US and South Korea conduct joint live-fire military exercise

South Korea marks Jeongwol Daeboreum, the first full moon of the year, with dazzling lights, bonfires, and traditional performances. The festival symbolizes driving away bad luck and welcoming prosperity. People gather to enjoy folk games, moonlit dances, and special delicacies.

South Koreans celebrate 'Jeongwol Daeboreum' with bonfires and festivities

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attended a hearing at the Constitutional Court, where justices are weighing whether to uphold his impeachment and permanently remove him from office. Watch this report for more details!

Impeached South Korean President faces constitutional court

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State of emergency declared in southeastern South Korea

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South Korea: President Yoon Released From Jail After 52 Days | Yoon Souk Yeol | Korea News | WION

South Korea: Impeached President Yoon awaits court ruling on validity

Seoul: Court cancels arrest warrant against Yoon Suk Yeol

South Korean Air Force KF-16 Aircraft Drops Bombs In Civilian Area

South Korea fighter jets accidentally drop bombs on civilian district, 15 injured

K-pop: South Korea's economic bright spot

K-pop: South Korea's economic bright spot

South Korea awaits verdict on Yoon's impeachment trial outcome

South Korea: Constitutional Court trial ends, verdict to determine Yoon's future

South Korea's birthrate rises for the first time in a decade

South Korea birth rate rose last year, first time in a decade

South Korea court hears closing statements in Yoon impeachment trial

Yoon says South Korea was facing ‘existential crisis’ when he declared martial law

South Korea military air drills with the US to deter North Korean military threats

Celebrating 25 years of 'JSA': Timeless classic of friendship and unity

Youngtro trend takes over South Korea’s social media scene

DeepSeek pulled from South Korean stores amid privacy concerns

Yoon says South Korean opposition failed to offer him due respect

Yoon Suk Yeol blames 'malicious' opposition for martial law bid