Japan and South Korea are set to hold their first official talks in almost three years on Sunday. Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol will meet in Cambodia on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit. Both countries have shown willingness to bolster bilateral ties in recent times.

South Korea, Japan set to hold first official talks in almost three years

As North Korea threatens to beef up its nuclear capabilities, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said that the nation has nothing to gain from it.

"North Korea is consistently developing and upgrading its nuclear weapons and posing nuclear threats to not only our Republic of Korea but the world," Yoon told reporters, referring to South Korea by its official name.

"I believe it has nothing to gain from nuclear weapons."

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | North Korea is readying itself for a nuclear test: UN Report

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He further vowed to build "robust capabilities" &nbsp;through an alliance with the US and trilateral security cooperation that includes Japan to counter the North's threats.

South Korea's main opposition chief has accused the President of pursuing a "pro-japan defence policy" that might end up with Japanese forces stationed in the nation. Due to Japan's 35 years of colonial rule over South Korea from 1910-45, military cooperation with the nation remains a sensitive issue.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-claims-recent-missile-tests-were-tactical-nuclear-drills-523871" hreflang="en">North Korea's recent missile tests include 'tactical nuclear' drills, overseen by Kim</a>

Yoon however dismissed the opposition's statement and said that such concerns cannot be "justified in the face of nuclear threats."

In response to recent joint naval manoeuvres between South Korean and American forces featuring an aircraft carrier, North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, according to the country's official media, KCNA, has directed nuclear tactical exercises directed against South Korea over the past two weeks.

The recent flurry of missile tests was part of those exercises. As per KCNA, they were a simulation with mock nuclear heads.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-us-should-create-conditions-for-dialogue-with-north-korea-523792" hreflang="en">China: US should create conducive conditions for dialogue with North Korea</a>

North Korea's increasingly explicit nuclear threats as per Reuters have triggered an uproar in the South, with some leaders and experts calling for redeploying of US tactical nuclear arms.

Yoon too had earlier advocated a redeployment during his election campaign, reports Reuters, however the leader later backtracked. He claimed that he is in consultation on the issue in Seoul and Washinton but declined further comments.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As North Korea threatens to beef up its nuclear capabilities, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said that the nation has nothing to gain from it. "North Korea is consistently developing and upgrading its nuclear weapons and posing nuclear threats to not only our Republic of Korea but the world," Yoon told reporters, referring to South Korea by its official name.

As North Korea threatens to beef up its nuclear capabilities, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said that the nation has nothing to gain from it. "North Korea is consistently developing and upgrading its nuclear weapons and posing nuclear threats to not only our Republic of Korea but the world," Yoon told reporters, referring to South Korea by its official name. "I believe it has nothing to gain from nuclear weapons." Watch | WION Fineprint | North Korea is readying itself for a nuclear test: UN Report He further vowed to build "robust capabilities" through an alliance with the US and trilateral security cooperation that includes Japan to counter the North's threats. South Korea's main opposition chief has accused the President of pursuing a "pro-japan defence policy" that might end up with Japanese forces stationed in the nation. Due to Japan's 35 years of colonial rule over South Korea from 1910-45, military cooperation with the nation remains a sensitive issue. Also read | North Korea's recent missile tests include 'tactical nuclear' drills, overseen by Kim Yoon however dismissed the opposition's statement and said that such concerns cannot be "justified in the face of nuclear threats." In response to recent joint naval manoeuvres between South Korean and American forces featuring an aircraft carrier, North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, according to the country's official media, KCNA, has directed nuclear tactical exercises directed against South Korea over the past two weeks. The recent flurry of missile tests was part of those exercises. As per KCNA, they were a simulation with mock nuclear heads. Also read | China: US should create conducive conditions for dialogue with North Korea North Korea's increasingly explicit nuclear threats as per Reuters have triggered an uproar in the South, with some leaders and experts calling for redeploying of US tactical nuclear arms. Yoon too had earlier advocated a redeployment during his election campaign, reports Reuters, however the leader later backtracked. He claimed that he is in consultation on the issue in Seoul and Washinton but declined further comments. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

As N Korea ramps up missile tests, South Korean president says it has 'nothing to gain from nuclear weapons'

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was overheard insulting lawmakers of the United States. The incident, which was caught on a microphone, happened on Wednesday when the South Korean leader was leaving a brief chat with US President Joe Biden at a Global Fund event where Biden had just pledged $6 billion.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was overheard insulting lawmakers of the United States. The incident, which was caught on a microphone, happened on Wednesday when the South Korean leader was leaving a brief chat with US President Joe Biden at a Global Fund event where Biden had just pledged $6 billion. Yoon is in New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which is underway in New York. ALSO READ | 'We had a good handshake,' says Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif after meeting Joe Biden - Watch In a broadcast on South Korean television, Yoon was heard telling his Foreign Minster Park Jin in New York, "What an embarrassment for Biden, if these idiots refuse to grant it in Congress." The small clip of Yoon's comments went viral on social media platforms. It was uploaded on YouTube and garnered over two million views just hours after it was posted. "The president's words and actions are the national dignity of the country," one YouTube commenter wrote. Watch the video here: South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol in New York: "How could Biden not lose damn face if these f***ers do not pass it in Congress?" 🍉 pic.twitter.com/veVXYVSWvi — QUAN Quan 全权 كمال (@QuanQuan_1231) September 22, 2022 × ALSO READ | Female news anchor 'refuses demand to wear hijab', Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi cancels interview It appears Yoon has landed himself in trouble as the opposition South Korean lawmakers saw his comments as damaging to the country's image. On the other hand, Bloomberg reported that a senior South Korean presidential office official said that Yoon's remarks were unofficial and unverified. Yoon's crude comments appear to refer to Biden's drive to increase US funding to the Global Fund, which would require congressional approval. The United States is South Korea's key security ally, with Washington stationing about 27,000 troops in the country to help counter nuclear-armed North Korea. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'If these idiots refuse to...': South Korean president insults US lawmakers, hot mic moment goes viral - Watch

Billionaire Lee Jae-yong, the heir and de facto leader of the Samsung group, was granted a presidential pardon Friday, on the occasion of next week's Liberation Day anniversary.

Lee was among 1,692 prisoners with terminal illnesses and those ending their terms to be pardoned by President Yoon Suk-yeol on Friday.

However, Lee’s reprieve raised the eyebrows of many as he was convicted of bribery and embezzlement in January last year.

His release is the latest example of South Korea's long tradition of freeing business leaders convicted of corruption on economic grounds.

Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon said that the 54-year-old was reinstated to give him a chance to "contribute to overcoming the economic crisis" of the country.

According to Forbes, Lee is the 278th-richest person in the world, with a net worth of $7.9 billion.

In August 2021, Lee was released on parole after serving 18 months in jail, just over half of his original sentence.

But Friday's pardon has lifted a post-prison employment restriction that had been set for five years, and it will allow him to fully return to work.

"Due to the global economic crisis, the dynamism and vitality of the national economy have deteriorated, and the economic slump is feared to be prolonged," the Justice Ministry said in a statement.

The Liberation Day anniversary marks Japan's 1945 World War II surrender, which liberated Korea from decades of colonial rule. The event is celebrated every year with the pardon of hundreds of prisoners.

What’s next for Lee?

Lee is the vice-chairman of Samsung Electronics, the world's biggest smartphone maker. The conglomerate's overall turnover is equivalent to about one-fifth of South Korea's gross domestic product.

The pardon will allow Lee to work without restrictions. According to South Korean law, if a person is convicted of embezzlement or breach of trust worth more than 500 million Korean won ($384,101), that person cannot work for a company related to the crime for five years even after the prison sentence ends.

But he is completely free of his legal troubles. He still faces a separate trial over accusations of accounting fraud regarding a merger of two Samsung firms in 2015.

Eleven executives from Samsung, including Lee, were indicted in 2020 on charges including illegal transactions, stock manipulation, and perjury. The&nbsp;case is still pending.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Billionaire Lee Jae-yong, the heir and de facto leader of the Samsung group, was granted a presidential pardon Friday, on the occasion of next week's Liberation Day anniversary.

Billionaire Lee Jae-yong, the heir and de facto leader of the Samsung group, was granted a presidential pardon Friday, on the occasion of next week's Liberation Day anniversary. Lee was among 1,692 prisoners with terminal illnesses and those ending their terms to be pardoned by President Yoon Suk-yeol on Friday. However, Lee’s reprieve raised the eyebrows of many as he was convicted of bribery and embezzlement in January last year. His release is the latest example of South Korea's long tradition of freeing business leaders convicted of corruption on economic grounds. Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon said that the 54-year-old was reinstated to give him a chance to "contribute to overcoming the economic crisis" of the country. According to Forbes, Lee is the 278th-richest person in the world, with a net worth of $7.9 billion. In August 2021, Lee was released on parole after serving 18 months in jail, just over half of his original sentence. But Friday's pardon has lifted a post-prison employment restriction that had been set for five years, and it will allow him to fully return to work. "Due to the global economic crisis, the dynamism and vitality of the national economy have deteriorated, and the economic slump is feared to be prolonged," the Justice Ministry said in a statement. The Liberation Day anniversary marks Japan's 1945 World War II surrender, which liberated Korea from decades of colonial rule. The event is celebrated every year with the pardon of hundreds of prisoners. What’s next for Lee? Lee is the vice-chairman of Samsung Electronics, the world's biggest smartphone maker. The conglomerate's overall turnover is equivalent to about one-fifth of South Korea's gross domestic product. The pardon will allow Lee to work without restrictions. According to South Korean law, if a person is convicted of embezzlement or breach of trust worth more than 500 million Korean won ($384,101), that person cannot work for a company related to the crime for five years even after the prison sentence ends. But he is completely free of his legal troubles. He still faces a separate trial over accusations of accounting fraud regarding a merger of two Samsung firms in 2015. Eleven executives from Samsung, including Lee, were indicted in 2020 on charges including illegal transactions, stock manipulation, and perjury. The case is still pending. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Samsung boss Lee, convicted for corruption, given pardon to ‘revive’ South Korea’s economy

Leader Kim Jong Un on Monday (May 16) ordered North Korea's military to ''stabilise'' the medicine supply&nbsp;amid an explosive COVID-19 outbreak in&nbsp;the country.

North Korea, which has a population of over 25 million, on Monday reported eight more deaths from "unidentified fever".

Days after announcing its first coronavirus cases, the impoverished country detected 392,920 new cases with more than 564,860 people in quarantine.

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State media KCNA reported that Kim inspected pharmacies in Pyongyang located near the Taedong River to check drug supply.

He had previously held an emergency politburo meeting, in which he criticised the "irresponsible" work attitude of officials.

He blasted the executing ability of the Cabinet and the public health sector saying that the drugs procured by the state are not reaching people in a timely and accurate manner through pharmacies.

Kim has deployed "powerful forces" to "immediately stabilize the supply of medicines in Pyongyang City."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-reports-15-more-deaths-amid-explosive-covid-19-outbreak-479004">Also read |&nbsp;North Korea reports 15 more deaths amid 'explosive' COVID-19 outbreak</a>

Health experts have raised concerns about North Korea's healthcare system, one of the worst in the world, saying it lacks basic health facilities.

Pyongyang had refused to accept it had found any coronavirus cases for almost two years since the beginning of the pandemic and does not have any vaccination campaign.

In a speech at the plenary session of the National Assembly, South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol said "If North Korea responds (to our support), we will spare no medicines including COVID-19 vaccines, medical equipment, and health personnel."

China and the World Health Organization (WHO) had offered North Korea vaccines under its COVAX scheme but Kim Jong Un had rejected the offer.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Leader Kim Jong Un on Monday (May 16) ordered North Korea's military to ''stabilise'' the medicine supply amid an explosive COVID-19 outbreak in the country. North Korea, which has a population of over 25 million, on Monday reported eight more deaths from "unidentified fever".

Leader Kim Jong Un on Monday (May 16) ordered North Korea's military to ''stabilise'' the medicine supply amid an explosive COVID-19 outbreak in the country. North Korea, which has a population of over 25 million, on Monday reported eight more deaths from "unidentified fever". Days after announcing its first coronavirus cases, the impoverished country detected 392,920 new cases with more than 564,860 people in quarantine. State media KCNA reported that Kim inspected pharmacies in Pyongyang located near the Taedong River to check drug supply. He had previously held an emergency politburo meeting, in which he criticised the "irresponsible" work attitude of officials. He blasted the executing ability of the Cabinet and the public health sector saying that the drugs procured by the state are not reaching people in a timely and accurate manner through pharmacies. Kim has deployed "powerful forces" to "immediately stabilize the supply of medicines in Pyongyang City." Also read | North Korea reports 15 more deaths amid 'explosive' COVID-19 outbreak Health experts have raised concerns about North Korea's healthcare system, one of the worst in the world, saying it lacks basic health facilities. Pyongyang had refused to accept it had found any coronavirus cases for almost two years since the beginning of the pandemic and does not have any vaccination campaign. In a speech at the plenary session of the National Assembly, South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol said "If North Korea responds (to our support), we will spare no medicines including COVID-19 vaccines, medical equipment, and health personnel." China and the World Health Organization (WHO) had offered North Korea vaccines under its COVAX scheme but Kim Jong Un had rejected the offer. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV:

Kim Jong Un orders North Korea's military to 'stabilise' medicine supply as COVID-19 outbreak surges

Yoon Suk-Yeol has sworn in as the new South Korean leader. After winning by the smallest margin ever, Yoon took over the world's 10th largest economy.

South Korea swears in new President, promises significant amount of economic aid in return

South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol in his inauguration speech in Seoul after being sworn in, offered a door to dialogue with North Korea but on a few conditions. Listen in.

Watch: South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol speaks on North Korea’s nuclear weapons program

South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol on Tuesday (May 10) asked his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Un to embark on path of complete denuclearisation.

Yoon has suggested that he will help come up with an ''audacious'' economic plan for Pyongyang if North Korea agrees to giving up nukes.

After being sworn in at a ceremony in Seoul, Yoon said "If North Korea genuinely embarks on a process to complete denuclearisation, we are prepared to work with the international community to present an audacious plan that will vastly strengthen North Korea's economy and improve the quality of life for its people."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-hypersonics-to-cruise-missiles-north-koreas-long-range-ballistic-missile-technology-461354">Also see |&nbsp;From hypersonics to cruise missiles: North Korea's long-range ballistic missile technology</a>

"While North Korea's nuclear weapon programs are a threat not only to our security and that of Northeast Asia, the door to dialogue will remain open so that we can peacefully resolve this threat," Yoon added.

The 61-year-old, who had won a tight election in March, faces two major problems as he takes office: a belligerent North Korea testing new weapons and inflation threatening to undermine an economic recovery from two years of COVID-19 gloom.

Talks between North and South Korea collapsed in 2019 after a summit between Kim and then-US president Donald Trump and diplomacy has stalled since.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-north-korea-known-as-the-most-isolated-country-in-the-world-430945">Also read |&nbsp;Why is North Korea known as the most isolated country in the world?</a>

Highlighting the "multiple crises," faced by South Korea Yoon said "Such complex, multi-faceted crises are casting a long and dark shadow over us."

Trying to boost the morale of the country, Yoon added "Koreans never succumbed; we became stronger and wiser."

Yoon, who was previously a prosecutor for 26 years, became the standard-bearer of the main conservative People Power Party, less than a year after entering politics.

(With inputs from agencies)

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South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol on Tuesday (May 10) asked his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Un to embark on path of complete denuclearisation. Yoon has suggested that he will help come up with an ''audacious'' economic plan for Pyongyang if North Korea agrees to giving up nukes.

South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol on Tuesday (May 10) asked his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Un to embark on path of complete denuclearisation. Yoon has suggested that he will help come up with an ''audacious'' economic plan for Pyongyang if North Korea agrees to giving up nukes. After being sworn in at a ceremony in Seoul, Yoon said "If North Korea genuinely embarks on a process to complete denuclearisation, we are prepared to work with the international community to present an audacious plan that will vastly strengthen North Korea's economy and improve the quality of life for its people." Also see | From hypersonics to cruise missiles: North Korea's long-range ballistic missile technology "While North Korea's nuclear weapon programs are a threat not only to our security and that of Northeast Asia, the door to dialogue will remain open so that we can peacefully resolve this threat," Yoon added. The 61-year-old, who had won a tight election in March, faces two major problems as he takes office: a belligerent North Korea testing new weapons and inflation threatening to undermine an economic recovery from two years of COVID-19 gloom. Talks between North and South Korea collapsed in 2019 after a summit between Kim and then-US president Donald Trump and diplomacy has stalled since. Also read | Why is North Korea known as the most isolated country in the world? Highlighting the "multiple crises," faced by South Korea Yoon said "Such complex, multi-faceted crises are casting a long and dark shadow over us." Trying to boost the morale of the country, Yoon added "Koreans never succumbed; we became stronger and wiser." Yoon, who was previously a prosecutor for 26 years, became the standard-bearer of the main conservative People Power Party, less than a year after entering politics. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

South Korea's President Yoon asks North to embark on path of complete denuclearisation

Imagine if you could get a year ‘younger’. This could be possible for people in South Korea! South Korea’s president-elect has announced to do away with the ‘Korean age’ system. South Korea has not one but three systems to decide age of the population. Yoon Suk-yeol’s team said the president-elect is looking to standardize counting of age.

South Korea population may become a year ‘younger’. Here’s how

Do you want to get younger? This idea surely does intrigue human beings. But is it really possible? Ageing is the natural process of becoming older. There's no way one can turn back the clock. But South Koreans might.&nbsp;

There's a possibility that South Korea's population may become a year younger, but just on paper. It can happen when the country's president-elect Yoon Suk-yeol succeeds in abolishing the concept of the "Korean age."&nbsp;

The concept of counting age in South Korea is slightly confusing because when babies are born they are considered a year old and on New Year's Day, another year is added to their age.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/breakthrough-in-search-for-aliens-what-does-a-habitable-ice-shell-on-jupiters-moon-europa-mean-472318">Breakthrough in search for aliens? What does a habitable ice shell on Jupiter's moon Europa mean?</a>

For example, a baby born in December is one year old, and just after four weeks, meaning New Year's Day, the baby would be considered to be two years old.&nbsp;

During a press conference a few days ago, Lee Yong-ho, who is the chief of Yoon's transition team's political, judicial, and administrative subcommittee, said that they are advocating standardising the way age is counted in South Korea, Yonhap News reported. Lee further added that they want the change for practical reasons.&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency, he said, "Due to the different calculations of legal and social age, we have experienced unnecessary social and economic costs from persistent confusion and disputes over calculating age when receiving social, welfare and other administrative services or signing or interpreting various contracts."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-holoports-a-doctor-on-earth-to-iss-in-first-such-achievement-472248">NASA 'holoports' a doctor on Earth to ISS in first such achievement</a>

Other age counting systems in South Korea

"Korean age" is the one, in which South Koreans become one year old at birth and another year is added to their age on the next New Year's Day. As per this system, the nine months of pregnancy, meaning the time child spends in the womb rounded up to one year — the first year of his/her life.&nbsp;

Apart from that, South Koreans also follow the internationally recognised system of calculating age, as per the birthdays.&nbsp;

In the third method, babies are considered "zero years old" at birth and another year to a person's age is added on New Year's Day. &nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Japanese researchers develop taste-enhancing electric chopsticks

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Do you want to get younger? This idea surely does intrigue human beings. But is it really possible? Ageing is the natural process of becoming older. There's no way one can turn back the clock.

Do you want to get younger? This idea surely does intrigue human beings. But is it really possible? Ageing is the natural process of becoming older. There's no way one can turn back the clock. But South Koreans might. There's a possibility that South Korea's population may become a year younger, but just on paper. It can happen when the country's president-elect Yoon Suk-yeol succeeds in abolishing the concept of the "Korean age." The concept of counting age in South Korea is slightly confusing because when babies are born they are considered a year old and on New Year's Day, another year is added to their age. ALSO READ | Breakthrough in search for aliens? What does a habitable ice shell on Jupiter's moon Europa mean? For example, a baby born in December is one year old, and just after four weeks, meaning New Year's Day, the baby would be considered to be two years old. During a press conference a few days ago, Lee Yong-ho, who is the chief of Yoon's transition team's political, judicial, and administrative subcommittee, said that they are advocating standardising the way age is counted in South Korea, Yonhap News reported. Lee further added that they want the change for practical reasons. As quoted by the news agency, he said, "Due to the different calculations of legal and social age, we have experienced unnecessary social and economic costs from persistent confusion and disputes over calculating age when receiving social, welfare and other administrative services or signing or interpreting various contracts." ALSO READ | NASA 'holoports' a doctor on Earth to ISS in first such achievement Other age counting systems in South Korea "Korean age" is the one, in which South Koreans become one year old at birth and another year is added to their age on the next New Year's Day. As per this system, the nine months of pregnancy, meaning the time child spends in the womb rounded up to one year — the first year of his/her life. Apart from that, South Koreans also follow the internationally recognised system of calculating age, as per the birthdays. In the third method, babies are considered "zero years old" at birth and another year to a person's age is added on New Year's Day. WATCH | Japanese researchers develop taste-enhancing electric chopsticks ×

South Koreans to get a year younger? As strange as it sounds, it is quite possible

South Korea's incoming President Yoon Suk-yeol on Sunday named Choo Kyung-ho to be deputy prime minister and finance minister, as the country seeks to tackle surging inflation, household debt and demand for welfare.

Yoon, who takes office on May 10, announced eight cabinet minister nominations, including defence, industry, health and land. All are subject to parliamentary confirmation hearings.

As deputy prime minister, Choo, 62, would double as finance minister and oversee economic policy, replacing Hong Nam-ki.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-is-demolishing-a-south-korean-owned-hotel-which-is-symbol-of-inter-korean-engagement-469515">North Korea is demolishing a South Korean-owned hotel which is symbol of inter-Korean engagement</a>

Choo is a second-term lawmaker in Yoon's conservative People Power Party. He served 33 years in government roles including vice minister of economy and finance, and vice chairman of the Financial Services Commission.

His nomination came as Asia's fourth-largest economy faces challenges of quelling decade-high inflation without destabilising markets as recovery from the pandemic continues.

Standing with Choo, Yoon said the nominee would facilitate policy coordination among agencies and with the parliament.

"The current economic situation are extremely serious, and internal and external circumstances are tough," said Choo told a news conference, citing inflation and slowing growth.

"The new government's top priority is to stabilise prices and people's livelihoods."

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Why are South Koreans sleep deprive

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South Korea's economy last year grew 4.0 per cent, an 11-year high, but is expected to slow in 2022 and consumer inflation is at a decade-high of 4.1 per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;amid global supply shocks and disruptions caused by Russia's invasion into Ukraine.

As a member of the presidential transition committee, Choo has been working to draw up an extra budget plan to support small businesses and the self-employed who have been affected by covid.

Choo told a separate briefing that he plans to loosen the real estate policies of the outgoing government, including an easing of capital gains taxes and a levy on property ownership.

He did not specify the size of the planned extra budget but said the amount should not destabilise the macroeconomy and markets.

Yoon nominated Lee Jong-sup, a retired military commander who formerly served as deputy chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to be defence minister.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-president-elect-wants-us-nuclear-bombers-submarines-to-return-468929">South Korea's president-elect wants US nuclear bombers, submarines to return</a>

The incoming president is mapping out his foreign policy agenda just as tension flares after North Korea launched a new intercontinental ballistic missile last month.

Lee said he would bolster Seoul's independent response capability and "maximise US&nbsp;deterrence" to counter the North's threats.

A team of Yoon's foreign policy and security advisers said last week they discussed redeploying US strategic assets, such as nuclear bombers and submarines, to South Korea during talks with Washington officials.

South Korea's incoming President Yoon Suk-yeol on Sunday named Choo Kyung-ho to be deputy prime minister and finance minister, as the country seeks to tackle surging inflation, household debt and demand for welfare.

South Korea's incoming President Yoon Suk-yeol on Sunday named Choo Kyung-ho to be deputy prime minister and finance minister, as the country seeks to tackle surging inflation, household debt and demand for welfare. Yoon, who takes office on May 10, announced eight cabinet minister nominations, including defence, industry, health and land. All are subject to parliamentary confirmation hearings. As deputy prime minister, Choo, 62, would double as finance minister and oversee economic policy, replacing Hong Nam-ki. Also read | North Korea is demolishing a South Korean-owned hotel which is symbol of inter-Korean engagement Choo is a second-term lawmaker in Yoon's conservative People Power Party. He served 33 years in government roles including vice minister of economy and finance, and vice chairman of the Financial Services Commission. His nomination came as Asia's fourth-largest economy faces challenges of quelling decade-high inflation without destabilising markets as recovery from the pandemic continues. Standing with Choo, Yoon said the nominee would facilitate policy coordination among agencies and with the parliament. "The current economic situation are extremely serious, and internal and external circumstances are tough," said Choo told a news conference, citing inflation and slowing growth. "The new government's top priority is to stabilise prices and people's livelihoods." Watch | Gravitas: Why are South Koreans sleep deprive South Korea's economy last year grew 4.0 per cent, an 11-year high, but is expected to slow in 2022 and consumer inflation is at a decade-high of 4.1 per cent amid global supply shocks and disruptions caused by Russia's invasion into Ukraine. As a member of the presidential transition committee, Choo has been working to draw up an extra budget plan to support small businesses and the self-employed who have been affected by covid. Choo told a separate briefing that he plans to loosen the real estate policies of the outgoing government, including an easing of capital gains taxes and a levy on property ownership. He did not specify the size of the planned extra budget but said the amount should not destabilise the macroeconomy and markets. Yoon nominated Lee Jong-sup, a retired military commander who formerly served as deputy chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to be defence minister. Also read | South Korea's president-elect wants US nuclear bombers, submarines to return The incoming president is mapping out his foreign policy agenda just as tension flares after North Korea launched a new intercontinental ballistic missile last month. Lee said he would bolster Seoul's independent response capability and "maximise US deterrence" to counter the North's threats. A team of Yoon's foreign policy and security advisers said last week they discussed redeploying US strategic assets, such as nuclear bombers and submarines, to South Korea during talks with Washington officials.

South Korea's president-elect nominates conservative lawmaker as finance chief

When North Korea on Thursday conducted a test of its most ​powerful intercontinental ballistic missile to date, South Korea’s Defense Ministry was busy with another urgent task: making plans to move.

Earlier this month, South Korea’s president-elect, Yoon Suk-yeol, announced plans to move the Defense Ministry to another building in Seoul so that his presidential office could move into the ministry’s current headquarters by May 10, the day of his inauguration.

The ministry was caught off guard by Yoon’s decision, which came at a time when North Korea is rapidly escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea has often used presidential transitions as an opportunity to make a show of force. This year, the confusion created by Yoon’s plan to relocate both the presidential office and the Defense Ministry could add to the South’s security concerns, analysts said.

The current presidential office is situated in the Blue House, a secluded compound with graceful pine trees and manicured lawns, nestled between the capital’s ancient Gyeongbokgung Palace and Mount Bukaksan. During his election campaign, Yoon said he would make the Blue House a park and “return it to the people.”

The Blue House has been the seat of presidential power since the birth of South Korea at the end of World War II. Its location has come to symbolize the secrecy and unbridled power of the president. Almost all South Korean presidents have been either imprisoned or embroiled in corruption scandals after leaving office.

South Korea’s social media was abuzz with rumors that Yoon’s wife, Kim Kun-hee, had been told by shamans that the Blue House was cursed and should not be occupied by the president-elect. Yoon’s transition team dismissed those rumors as groundless.

“I know there is concern that I am hurrying too much to move the presidential office,” Yoon said at a news conference Sunday. “But I thought that once I moved into the Blue House, it would become more difficult to get out of the place, a symbol of imperial power of the president.”

Moving both the presidential office and the Defense Ministry — with their underground bunkers equipped with sensitive equipment to deal with national emergencies like North Korea’s military provocations — immediately incited outrage in South Korea. In a survey this week, nearly 54% of respondents said they opposed the hasty move.

Yoon first said his new office would be at a government complex a few blocks from the Blue House, but after the election, he learned that his plan was infeasible because the busy area would create insurmountable security risks, as well as traffic jams and other inconveniences for citizens. He eventually settled on the Defense Ministry’s current headquarters in Yongsan, a district in central Seoul.

One of Yoon’s most vocal critics on the plan is the outgoing president, Moon Jae-in, whose office said the president-elect’s plan would leave South Korea badly prepared for North Korean provocations, like its test launch of the new Hwasong-17 missile on Thursday. Moon had also promised to move the presidential office out of the Blue House, but ditched the plan after his election.

Moon’s government has refused to allocate the 49.6 billion won ($41 million) that Yoon has requested for the move, citing the disruption it would cause for the remainder of his term. Yoon has vowed to press ahead with his plan, saying if the move is not completed by May 10, he would continue to work in the office of his transition team.

In the interim, Yoon’s team said he would deal with North Korean provocations from a mobile situation room — a minibus equipped with big screens and high-speed encrypted communication gear that South Korean presidents use when traveling outside Seoul.

The disorder of the transition has created an opportunity for North Korea, analysts said, and the timing of Thursday’s launch allowed the North to “greet the newly elected conservative South Korean president with a message about who is the big dog on the peninsula,” said Daniel R. Russel, a former United States diplomat who is now vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute in New York.

During the campaign, Yoon vehemently criticized Moon’s policy of seeking dialogue with North Korea, even as its leader, Kim Jong Un, rapidly expanded the country’s nuclear and missile programs. Yoon has championed a stronger alliance with Washington and a tougher stance on the North. He has also proposed rejuvenating the joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises that were scaled down under Moon.

North Korea has said that “hostile” acts like joint military drills were part of the reason it has developed a “nuclear war deterrent” against its enemies.

According to photos released by the North’s state media, the Hwasong-17 launch Thursday showed at least one major technical advance: Its first-stage booster rocket had four nozzles, compared with two for the North’s earlier Hwasong-15 ICBM.

North Korea appeared to have clustered two Hwasong-15 booster engines to give more power to the Hwasong-17, which soared 3,852 miles into space before crashing down into waters west of Japan. If the North flattens the trajectory, it can send the missile 9,320 miles, a range great enough to cover the whole of the continental United States, missile experts said.

Yoon’s transition office called the launch a “grave provocation” and urged the U.N. Security Council to discuss how to punish North Korea for its aggression. 
&nbsp;

When North Korea on Thursday conducted a test of its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile to date, South Korea’s Defense Ministry was busy with another urgent task: making plans to move.

When North Korea on Thursday conducted a test of its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile to date, South Korea’s Defense Ministry was busy with another urgent task: making plans to move. Earlier this month, South Korea’s president-elect, Yoon Suk-yeol, announced plans to move the Defense Ministry to another building in Seoul so that his presidential office could move into the ministry’s current headquarters by May 10, the day of his inauguration. The ministry was caught off guard by Yoon’s decision, which came at a time when North Korea is rapidly escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea has often used presidential transitions as an opportunity to make a show of force. This year, the confusion created by Yoon’s plan to relocate both the presidential office and the Defense Ministry could add to the South’s security concerns, analysts said. The current presidential office is situated in the Blue House, a secluded compound with graceful pine trees and manicured lawns, nestled between the capital’s ancient Gyeongbokgung Palace and Mount Bukaksan. During his election campaign, Yoon said he would make the Blue House a park and “return it to the people.” The Blue House has been the seat of presidential power since the birth of South Korea at the end of World War II. Its location has come to symbolize the secrecy and unbridled power of the president. Almost all South Korean presidents have been either imprisoned or embroiled in corruption scandals after leaving office. South Korea’s social media was abuzz with rumors that Yoon’s wife, Kim Kun-hee, had been told by shamans that the Blue House was cursed and should not be occupied by the president-elect. Yoon’s transition team dismissed those rumors as groundless. “I know there is concern that I am hurrying too much to move the presidential office,” Yoon said at a news conference Sunday. “But I thought that once I moved into the Blue House, it would become more difficult to get out of the place, a symbol of imperial power of the president.” Moving both the presidential office and the Defense Ministry — with their underground bunkers equipped with sensitive equipment to deal with national emergencies like North Korea’s military provocations — immediately incited outrage in South Korea. In a survey this week, nearly 54% of respondents said they opposed the hasty move. Yoon first said his new office would be at a government complex a few blocks from the Blue House, but after the election, he learned that his plan was infeasible because the busy area would create insurmountable security risks, as well as traffic jams and other inconveniences for citizens. He eventually settled on the Defense Ministry’s current headquarters in Yongsan, a district in central Seoul. One of Yoon’s most vocal critics on the plan is the outgoing president, Moon Jae-in, whose office said the president-elect’s plan would leave South Korea badly prepared for North Korean provocations, like its test launch of the new Hwasong-17 missile on Thursday. Moon had also promised to move the presidential office out of the Blue House, but ditched the plan after his election. Moon’s government has refused to allocate the 49.6 billion won ($41 million) that Yoon has requested for the move, citing the disruption it would cause for the remainder of his term. Yoon has vowed to press ahead with his plan, saying if the move is not completed by May 10, he would continue to work in the office of his transition team. In the interim, Yoon’s team said he would deal with North Korean provocations from a mobile situation room — a minibus equipped with big screens and high-speed encrypted communication gear that South Korean presidents use when traveling outside Seoul. The disorder of the transition has created an opportunity for North Korea, analysts said, and the timing of Thursday’s launch allowed the North to “greet the newly elected conservative South Korean president with a message about who is the big dog on the peninsula,” said Daniel R. Russel, a former United States diplomat who is now vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute in New York. During the campaign, Yoon vehemently criticized Moon’s policy of seeking dialogue with North Korea, even as its leader, Kim Jong Un, rapidly expanded the country’s nuclear and missile programs. Yoon has championed a stronger alliance with Washington and a tougher stance on the North. He has also proposed rejuvenating the joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises that were scaled down under Moon. North Korea has said that “hostile” acts like joint military drills were part of the reason it has developed a “nuclear war deterrent” against its enemies. According to photos released by the North’s state media, the Hwasong-17 launch Thursday showed at least one major technical advance: Its first-stage booster rocket had four nozzles, compared with two for the North’s earlier Hwasong-15 ICBM. North Korea appeared to have clustered two Hwasong-15 booster engines to give more power to the Hwasong-17, which soared 3,852 miles into space before crashing down into waters west of Japan. If the North flattens the trajectory, it can send the missile 9,320 miles, a range great enough to cover the whole of the continental United States, missile experts said. Yoon’s transition office called the launch a “grave provocation” and urged the U.N. Security Council to discuss how to punish North Korea for its aggression.

Relocation of presidential office in Seoul heightens security concerns

From missiles to scandals: Issues at stake in South Korea's presidential election

South Korea has started voting for a presidential election in the shadow of the pandemic, as up to a million people with COVID-19 are expected to cast ballots during a spike driving one of the world's highest caseloads.

Voters are choosing a replacement for liberal President Moon Jae-in, who cannot run for re-election due to term limits. Moon's ruling party is represented by Lee Jae-myung.

Renewed tensions between Washington and Pyongyang have been a major setback for Moon, a dovish liberal and son of northern war refugees who staked his single presidential term on his ambitions for inter-Korean rapprochement.

A 15-second video clip in which Lee did a spoof of a hair-loss commercial sparked explosive reaction on social media as well as complaints from some experts and rival candidates that he was pushing a populist agenda.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-deepfake-democracy-man-uses-digital-avatar-to-win-elections-453593/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He courted younger voters in January by calling for legalising the estimated $1 billion tattoo industry, which operates underground because South Korean law allows only doctors to perform the procedure.

Lee is especially targeting young people who joined candlelight vigils leading up to the 2017 impeachment and ouster of conservative then-president Park Geun-hye.

South Korean presidential candidate Yoon Suk-yeol got a boost when a rival dropped out, but if the conservative former prosecutor wins next week, it may also be thanks to "deepfake" avatars and viral short videos.

Opposition leader Yoon and the top liberal contender have gone to unusual lengths in the nation's tradition-bound politics to shed the image of grumpy old men, courting young voters who could prove decisive in what has been a close race.&nbsp;

The race has focussed on seeking a leader to clean up polarised politics and corruption, and tackle the runaway housing prices and deepening inequality that have dogged Asia's fourth-largest economy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-missiles-to-scandals-issues-at-stake-in-south-koreas-presidential-election-453520">Also see |&nbsp;From missiles to scandals: Issues at stake in South Korea's presidential election</a>

Analysts believe that what will propel the winner towards victory will not be his populist campaign promises or North Korea policy but what the papers have dubbed a "cycle of revenge" in South Korea's famously adversarial politics.

"This election is a battle between two opposite forces,&nbsp;the progressives and conservatives," said political analyst Park Sang-byoung.

South Korean presidents are allowed by law to serve a single five year term, and every living former president has been investigated and jailed for corruption after leaving office.

Outgoing President Moon Jae-in himself swept to power in 2017 after his disgraced predecessor Park Geun-hye was impeached over an influence-peddling scandal that also put a Samsung heir behind bars.

Now, Park's conservatives are eager for revenge. Ironically, their candidate Yoon was chief prosecutor under Moon and pursued Park when she was impeached,&nbsp;an experience that boosted his profile and popularity and pushed him to enter politics.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-divided-over-candidates-proposal-of-allowing-health-insurance-to-cover-hair-loss-443214">Also read |&nbsp;South Korea divided over candidate's proposal of allowing health insurance to cover hair loss</a>

Yoon has encouraged people with COVID or isolating to vote, saying they could amount to millions out of more than 40 million eligible voters.

While the pandemic did not prevent big campaign rallies, leading presidential runners have run "contact-free" campaigns. Lee met supporters at a drive-in movie theatre.

Moon is spending his last days in office grappling with an unprecedented wave in coronavirus infections driven by fast-moving Omicron variant, which has stretched worn-out health workers.

The surge has come after a delta-driven spread that spiked hospitalisations and deaths in December and early January, which erased the country’s earlier epidemiological gains Moon had touted as a major accomplishment.

South Korea held a national election in 2020 and regional polls last year, with infected people required to mail in their ballots or use special polling stations at hospitals. Daily COVID infections were in the hundreds at most at that time. This week they topped 200,000.

South Korean politics has seen a "deepening division" in recent years, with elections more focused on party rivalry than policy, analyst Yoo Jung-hoon said.

"Many conservatives still hold a grudge over the impeachment of Park Geun-hye," he said.

Yoon is appealing to these disgruntled voters, offering a chance at "revenge" for Park's ousting -- even going so far as to threaten to investigate Moon for unspecified "irregularities".&nbsp;

"We should do it," Yoon said last month, referring to prosecuting Moon and his administration.

His comments earned a rare rebuke from the presidential Blue House and the ruling Democratic party's candidate Lee said they indicated his rival was not fit to lead the nation.

But analysts say it's just political business as usual in Seoul.

"The Moon administration has prosecuted many former officials in the name of rooting out deep-rooted corruption," Shin Yul, a political science professor at Myongji University.

"I expect the same standard to be applied under the Yoon government should wrongdoings be found," he said.

Yoon's wife in January gave an unwitting insight into the realpolitik to come, claiming enemies and critics would be prosecuted if her husband won because that's "the nature of power," according to taped comments released after a court battle.

Polls show that voters' top concerns this election cycle are skyrocketing house prices in the capital Seoul, stagnant growth, and stubborn youth unemployment,&nbsp;but campaigning has been dominated by mud-slinging.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

South Korea has started voting for a presidential election in the shadow of the pandemic, as up to a million people with COVID-19 are expected to cast ballots during a spike driving one of the world's highest caseloads.

South Korea has started voting for a presidential election in the shadow of the pandemic, as up to a million people with COVID-19 are expected to cast ballots during a spike driving one of the world's highest caseloads. Voters are choosing a replacement for liberal President Moon Jae-in, who cannot run for re-election due to term limits. Moon's ruling party is represented by Lee Jae-myung. Renewed tensions between Washington and Pyongyang have been a major setback for Moon, a dovish liberal and son of northern war refugees who staked his single presidential term on his ambitions for inter-Korean rapprochement. A 15-second video clip in which Lee did a spoof of a hair-loss commercial sparked explosive reaction on social media as well as complaints from some experts and rival candidates that he was pushing a populist agenda. He courted younger voters in January by calling for legalising the estimated $1 billion tattoo industry, which operates underground because South Korean law allows only doctors to perform the procedure. Lee is especially targeting young people who joined candlelight vigils leading up to the 2017 impeachment and ouster of conservative then-president Park Geun-hye. South Korean presidential candidate Yoon Suk-yeol got a boost when a rival dropped out, but if the conservative former prosecutor wins next week, it may also be thanks to "deepfake" avatars and viral short videos. Opposition leader Yoon and the top liberal contender have gone to unusual lengths in the nation's tradition-bound politics to shed the image of grumpy old men, courting young voters who could prove decisive in what has been a close race. The race has focussed on seeking a leader to clean up polarised politics and corruption, and tackle the runaway housing prices and deepening inequality that have dogged Asia's fourth-largest economy. Also see | From missiles to scandals: Issues at stake in South Korea's presidential election Analysts believe that what will propel the winner towards victory will not be his populist campaign promises or North Korea policy but what the papers have dubbed a "cycle of revenge" in South Korea's famously adversarial politics. "This election is a battle between two opposite forces, the progressives and conservatives," said political analyst Park Sang-byoung. South Korean presidents are allowed by law to serve a single five year term, and every living former president has been investigated and jailed for corruption after leaving office. Outgoing President Moon Jae-in himself swept to power in 2017 after his disgraced predecessor Park Geun-hye was impeached over an influence-peddling scandal that also put a Samsung heir behind bars. Now, Park's conservatives are eager for revenge. Ironically, their candidate Yoon was chief prosecutor under Moon and pursued Park when she was impeached, an experience that boosted his profile and popularity and pushed him to enter politics. Also read | South Korea divided over candidate's proposal of allowing health insurance to cover hair loss Yoon has encouraged people with COVID or isolating to vote, saying they could amount to millions out of more than 40 million eligible voters. While the pandemic did not prevent big campaign rallies, leading presidential runners have run "contact-free" campaigns. Lee met supporters at a drive-in movie theatre. Moon is spending his last days in office grappling with an unprecedented wave in coronavirus infections driven by fast-moving Omicron variant, which has stretched worn-out health workers. The surge has come after a delta-driven spread that spiked hospitalisations and deaths in December and early January, which erased the country’s earlier epidemiological gains Moon had touted as a major accomplishment. South Korea held a national election in 2020 and regional polls last year, with infected people required to mail in their ballots or use special polling stations at hospitals. Daily COVID infections were in the hundreds at most at that time. This week they topped 200,000. South Korean politics has seen a "deepening division" in recent years, with elections more focused on party rivalry than policy, analyst Yoo Jung-hoon said. "Many conservatives still hold a grudge over the impeachment of Park Geun-hye," he said. Yoon is appealing to these disgruntled voters, offering a chance at "revenge" for Park's ousting -- even going so far as to threaten to investigate Moon for unspecified "irregularities". "We should do it," Yoon said last month, referring to prosecuting Moon and his administration. His comments earned a rare rebuke from the presidential Blue House and the ruling Democratic party's candidate Lee said they indicated his rival was not fit to lead the nation. But analysts say it's just political business as usual in Seoul. "The Moon administration has prosecuted many former officials in the name of rooting out deep-rooted corruption," Shin Yul, a political science professor at Myongji University. "I expect the same standard to be applied under the Yoon government should wrongdoings be found," he said. Yoon's wife in January gave an unwitting insight into the realpolitik to come, claiming enemies and critics would be prosecuted if her husband won because that's "the nature of power," according to taped comments released after a court battle. Polls show that voters' top concerns this election cycle are skyrocketing house prices in the capital Seoul, stagnant growth, and stubborn youth unemployment, but campaigning has been dominated by mud-slinging. (With inputs from agencies)

What is 'cycle of revenge' in South Korea's famously adversarial politics?

South Korean presidential candidate Yoon Suk-yeol is using deepfake technology to garner votes.

His team has created a digital avatar of the frontrunner and set "AI Yoon" loose on the campaign trail ahead of a March 9 election.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tom-cruises-deepfake-videos-raise-an-alarm-367264/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

From a deepfake video of Barack Obama insulting Donald Trump to failed New York mayoral candidate Andrew Yang campaigning in the metaverse, AI technology has been used in elections before.&nbsp;

But AI Yoon's creators believe he is the world's first official deepfake candidate, a concept gaining traction in South Korea, which has the world's fastest average internet speeds.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-viral-chinese-app-is-using-deepfake-tech-to-morph-faces-triggering-privacy-concerns-247368">Also see |&nbsp;How viral Chinese app is using deepfake tech to morph faces triggering privacy concerns</a>

With neatly-combed black hair and a smart suit, the avatar looks near-identical to the real South Korean candidate but uses salty language and meme-ready quips in a bid to engage younger voters who get their news online.

The former prosecutor general had earlier apologised over inaccuracies on his wife's resume when she applied for teaching jobs years ago, amid growing anger over what many voters see as politicians' hypocrisy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/spot-the-real-elon-musk-deepfake-or-doppelganger-netizens-cant-decide-437678">Also read |&nbsp;Spot the real Elon Musk: Deepfake or doppelganger? netizens can't decide</a>

Yoon Suk-yeol is the flag bearer of the main conservative opposition People Power Party and will face off against his challenger from the ruling Democratic Party, Lee Jae-myung.

Though a political novice, Yoon shot to fame as prosecutor-general for indicting Cho Kuk, a former justice minister and aide to President Moon Jae-in, over several charges including bribery and fraud in getting his daughter into university.

Going by opinion polls, the two leading candidates for South Korea's presidency have a big problem - their disapproval ratings are so high that the March 9 vote has been dubbed the "unlikeable election".

Started by pundits and popularised by the media, the name has stuck, and even the candidates shamefacedly acknowledge the ugly image they've helped create.

Voters wanting to hear what they will do about runaway property prices and the widening income inequality in Asia's fourth largest economy have been disappointed by election campaigns that have stooped to vicious personal attacks.

Public disillusion with the country's political class festered during the five-year term of the outgoing president, Moon Jae-in.

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korean presidential candidate Yoon Suk-yeol is using deepfake technology to garner votes. His team has created a digital avatar of the frontrunner and set "AI Yoon" loose on the campaign trail ahead of a March 9 election.

South Korean presidential candidate Yoon Suk-yeol is using deepfake technology to garner votes. His team has created a digital avatar of the frontrunner and set "AI Yoon" loose on the campaign trail ahead of a March 9 election. From a deepfake video of Barack Obama insulting Donald Trump to failed New York mayoral candidate Andrew Yang campaigning in the metaverse, AI technology has been used in elections before. But AI Yoon's creators believe he is the world's first official deepfake candidate, a concept gaining traction in South Korea, which has the world's fastest average internet speeds. Also see | How viral Chinese app is using deepfake tech to morph faces triggering privacy concerns With neatly-combed black hair and a smart suit, the avatar looks near-identical to the real South Korean candidate but uses salty language and meme-ready quips in a bid to engage younger voters who get their news online. The former prosecutor general had earlier apologised over inaccuracies on his wife's resume when she applied for teaching jobs years ago, amid growing anger over what many voters see as politicians' hypocrisy. Also read | Spot the real Elon Musk: Deepfake or doppelganger? netizens can't decide Yoon Suk-yeol is the flag bearer of the main conservative opposition People Power Party and will face off against his challenger from the ruling Democratic Party, Lee Jae-myung. Though a political novice, Yoon shot to fame as prosecutor-general for indicting Cho Kuk, a former justice minister and aide to President Moon Jae-in, over several charges including bribery and fraud in getting his daughter into university. Going by opinion polls, the two leading candidates for South Korea's presidency have a big problem - their disapproval ratings are so high that the March 9 vote has been dubbed the "unlikeable election". Started by pundits and popularised by the media, the name has stuck, and even the candidates shamefacedly acknowledge the ugly image they've helped create. Voters wanting to hear what they will do about runaway property prices and the widening income inequality in Asia's fourth largest economy have been disappointed by election campaigns that have stooped to vicious personal attacks. Public disillusion with the country's political class festered during the five-year term of the outgoing president, Moon Jae-in. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korean presidential candidate Yoon Suk-yeol using deepfake technology to garner votes

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