Most Popular
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[Exclusive] Korean adoptee sisters meet for the first time in 39 years
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Yoon calls for measures to protect Koreans amid escalating Iran-Israel conflicts
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Signs point to N. Korean troops in Russia-Ukraine combat zone
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Rose's 'Apt.' redefines K-pop's global appeal
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Civil servant’s death linked to workplace bullying
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[Weekender] Walk around Korea to really get to know the country
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Two years on, thousands mourn Itaewon tragedy, calling for accountability
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N. Korea slams Seoul-Washington joint air exercise
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[Herald Interview] K-pop’s 'best years are ahead of us': Spotify’s general manager for Asia Pacific
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[Herald Interview] Love for K-drama, food defines 'Secret Ingredient'
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Govt. to review easing virus measures before Lunar New Year if situation stabilizes: PM
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun on Monday asked for the public's continued patience with state measures against COVID-19, adding that authorities could potentially loosen social distancing measures ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday. "After monitoring this week's developments, we will carefully review additional easing of antivirus measures if we have the confidence that the situation has definitely stabilized," Chung said during an interagency meeting on the COVID-19 response held at
Feb. 1, 2021
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Opposition party demands probe into Seoul's alleged push to build nuke plant in N. Korea
The main opposition party on Sunday called for an investigation into allegations that the government of President Moon Jae-in attempted to help build a nuclear power plant in North Korea. Calling the allegations "earth-shattering" if true, Kim Chong-in, the leader of the People Power Party (PPP), said the government should act quickly to resolve suspicions and answer questions raised over the issue. The allegations arose after a local TV station reported that a document about the nuc
Jan. 31, 2021
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Education minister promises to deal with college admission fraud according to 'law and principle'
Education Minister Yoo Eun-hae has said the ministry will handle the alleged college admission fraud involving the daughter of former Justice Minister Cho Kuk according to "law and principle." "I know college admission fairness is a grave social topic that receives high public attention," the minister said during an interview with Yonhap News Agency on Friday, adding that the ministry has been dealing with the matter sternly without exception, and will continue to do so. Sh
Jan. 31, 2021
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Gov. Lee sends letter to US Congress, UN to call for support for anti-leafleting law
Gyeonggi Province Gov. Lee Jae-myung has sent a letter to the United Nations and the US Congress to call for support for a law that South Korea enacted to ban the sending of anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets into North Korea, officials said Sunday. Lee, considered a leading presidential hopeful, said in the letter that the leafleting ban is the minimum measure to protect the lives, safety and properties of the people of Gyeonggi Province that includes regions bordering North Korea. Lee also s
Jan. 31, 2021
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PM warns against discrimination in COVID-19 vaccinations, pledges transparency
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun on Friday warned against any discrimination in administrating COVID-19 vaccines, pledging the government's efforts to keep the upcoming national vaccination campaign fair and transparent. "There shouldn't be any discrimination based on the level of status, wealth disparity, nationality, sex or others when administering the vaccines," the prime minister said during an interagency meeting on COVID-19 vaccines and treatment. The remarks came as all eyes are
Jan. 29, 2021
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Ruling party reviewing 4th round of COVID-19 relief fund
The ruling Democratic Party (DP) has been discussing measures to provide a new round of a COVID-19 relief fund as stringent social distancing rules continue to weigh on small businesses and the self-employed, party officials said. Since May last year, the government has distributed more than 31 trillion won ($27.8 billion) to households, as well as small merchants and business owners, through three rounds of a COVID-19 relief fund. The need for a fresh, fourth round of emergency handouts has b
Jan. 29, 2021
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Moon vows no let-up in fight against corruption
President Moon Jae-in pointed out Thursday that South Korea's yearslong campaign to root out corruption has won a positive assessment from the international community, citing an annual survey of Transparency International. In its updated report on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), the country ranked 33rd, up from 39th last year. "The international community's assessment of the transparency and integrity of our society has greatly improved," Moon wrote on his social messaging ac
Jan. 28, 2021
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Minor party leader found guilty of forging internship certificate for ex-justice minister's son
The chief of a minor opposition party was convicted Thursday of forging an internship certificate for the son of former Justice Minister Cho Kuk. The Seoul Central District Court sentenced Rep. Choe Kang-wook of the Open Democratic Party to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, on charges of obstruction of business. If the ruling is finalized, Choe would lose his parliamentary seat. "The defendant's criminal act cannot be taken lightly as it undermines the fairness of the schoo
Jan. 28, 2021
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Politics gets uglier as lawmakers on all sides face harassment claims
It has been harassment after harassment this week, with an opposition lawmaker using a “royal concubine” reference as she disparaged another female legislator, just a day after a progressive party leader was sacked for sexual misconduct against a fellow lawmaker. Adding to the series of disclosures, criminal actions, apologies and ensuing uproar was the accusation that the main opposition party leader made inappropriate physical contact on a reporter’s body as he pushed her ou
Jan. 28, 2021
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New justice minister begins term with visit to detention center
New Justice Minister Park Beom-kye began his term Thursday by visiting a correctional facility at the center of a recent COVID-19 outbreak. During the visit to Dongbu Detention Center in southeastern Seoul, Park told reporters that he chose the facility as his first stop because the public's welfare depends on controlling the coronavirus pandemic. "I'm worried that the virus situation is getting worse again after getting better," he said. "I plan to focus judicial administration
Jan. 28, 2021
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PM: COVID-19 situation turns unstable again, new distancing levels to be fixed with prudence
The government will "prudently" determine whether to lower social distancing levels this week against the backdrop of the still unstable COVID-19 situation, as well as the approach of the traditional Lunar New Year holiday, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said Thursday. The prime minister's remarks were made during an interagency meeting on the COVID-19 response held at the government complex in Seoul. The government will announce new social distancing levels over the weekend ahead of
Jan. 28, 2021
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Court upholds constitutionality of new anti-corruption probe body
The Constitutional Court said Thursday that the establishment of a powerful anti-corruption investigation agency is constitutional, clearing the way for the new body's full operation. The court said the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) essentially belongs to the executive branch and thus a law governing its status does not violate the principle of separation of powers stipulated in the Constitution. It noted that running the agency independently from the execut
Jan. 28, 2021
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Moon appoints new justice minister
President Moon Jae-in appointed Park Beom-kye, a ruling Democratic Party lawmaker, as his new justice minister Wednesday, Cheong Wa Dae said. Park's tenure is to begin the following day, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok. Hours earlier, a parliamentary committee adopted a confirmation report on Park amid a boycott by members of the main opposition People Power Party. The party has argued that Park, who used to a judge, is not qualified for the ministerial post, citing multip
Jan. 27, 2021
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Moon briefs global leaders on S. Korea's inclusive policy amid pandemic
President Moon Jae-in introduced global political and business leaders Wednesday to South Korea's policy measures designed to promote inclusive growth in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was delivering a special speech at an online meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) as part of its Davos Agenda Week event. He enumerated Seoul's policy measures to help households and businesses that have suffered a heavy blow from the virus spread, including three batches of emergency cash handouts
Jan. 27, 2021
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[News Focus] Bill to assist self-employed faces budgetary, political hurdles
The South Korean government and the ruling Democratic Party of Korea are pushing for a legislation to compensate the self-employed and small-business owners for losses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. But the move faces budgetary constraints and criticism from opposition parties, which say the ruling camp is using the plan to boost its ratings ahead of the April 7 mayoral by-elections. The Democratic Party is internally discussing a bill that it hopes will pass during the provisional ses
Jan. 27, 2021
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Sexually harassed lawmaker says civic group’s criminal complaint ‘regrettable’
Rep. Jang Hye-young of minor progressive opposition Justice Party has expressed her “regret” that a civic group filed a criminal complaint against former party leader who had sexually harassed her. She says recalling the damage again during an unwanted investigation “is a hindrance to her return to daily life.” Jang’s remarks on her social media comes after conservative civic group Hwalbindan said Tuesday it would file a complaint with the Seoul Southern District
Jan. 27, 2021
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Constitutional petition filed against alternative military service law
A conscientious objector, now carrying out his alternative military service as a prison staff member under the current law after refusing to enlist for religious reasons, has filed a constitutional appeal contending that the alternative military service law is unconstitutional due to its punitive nature, judicial officials said Wednesday. By law, all able-bodied South Korean men must carry out military service for 18 to 22 months. But the National Assembly passed the Act on the Assignment and P
Jan. 27, 2021
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PM urges vigilance as missionary training school outbreaks crop up in multiple regions
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun on Wednesday urged health authorities to remain vigilant against new virus outbreaks linked to unregistered regional schools operated by a Christian missionary group with a vast national network. "The number of daily cases has risen back to above 500. We've confirmed a mass outbreak at an unauthorized school owned by the Gwangju branch of IM missionary society," Chung said during an interagency meeting on the COVID-19 response held at the government compl
Jan. 27, 2021
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Xi expresses hope for early visit to S. Korea in phone talks with Moon: Cheong Wa Dae
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed hope for an "early visit" to South Korea, as soon as conditions are created, during his phone talks with President Moon Jae-in on Tuesday night, Cheong Wa Dae said. Moon told Xi that he expects the two countries to continue communication for the Chinese leader's trip here once the COVID-19 situation is stabilized. Xi responded positively, saying he is looking forward to traveling to South Korea and meeting with Moon at an early date as soon as c
Jan. 27, 2021
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Seoul city apologizes over ex-mayor's sexual harassment
The Seoul city government apologized Tuesday after the state human rights watchdog deemed the sexual harassment allegations against former Mayor Park Won-soon to be true. In a statement, acting Mayor Seo Jeong-hyup said the city government "humbly accepts" the results of the National Human Rights Commission's investigation into Park's alleged abuse of a secretary, which lasted several years until his death in an apparent suicide in July. "We sincerely apologize to the victim and
Jan. 26, 2021