‘Diplomacy never too late to curb NK nuke’

With Pyongyang ratcheting up its nuclear brinksmanship and missile provocations, the international community has stood firm in sanctioning the regime through United Nations Security Council resolution 2270, considered the toughest in history. Predicting “North Korea will fall on a path of isolation and self-destruction through strengthened sanctions and pressure by the international community,” South Korean President Park Geun-hye has justified her preference for using sticks over carrots in dis

Aug. 28, 2016

[HERALD INTERVIEW] ICRC urges empathy on plight of the missing

In July 2007 in Afghanistan, 23 South Korean Christian missionaries were captured and held hostage by Taliban terrorists, who demanded a hefty ransom, the withdrawal of Korean troops from Afghanistan and the release of their imprisoned fighters. The whole debacle embroiled Korea in sleepless soul-searching and do-or-die dickering spanning six weeks. The National Security Council at Cheong Wa Dae was summoned, and eventually a reported $20 million was paid to free 21 survivors following the assas

Aug. 28, 2016

Sex slavery survivors each offered W100m

The fund for the victims of Japan’s sex slavery during World War II plans to offer each of its survivors some 100 million won ($89,500) and the families of the deceased victims 20 million won in cash benefits, Seoul officials said Thursday. The decision came one day after Japan’s Cabinet approved the transfer of 1 billion yen ($9.9 million) pledged under the two countries’ Dec. 28 settlement intended to end the disputes. Seoul has since set up the Reconciliation and Healing Foundation, a public-

Aug. 25, 2016

Korea, Hawaii sign pact to mutually recognize driver's licenses

South Korea and Hawaii have signed a pact to recognize the validity of noncommercial driver's licenses issued by each other, the foreign ministry said Thursday. Under the agreement, which went into force Wednesday in the US state after being signed, holders of driver's licenses issued by their own authorities are eligible for a driving permit in the counterpart region without additional training or tests, ministry officials said.  (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)Hawaii, home to 4,631 South Koreans

Aug. 25, 2016

Top diplomats from Japan, China, S. Korea start meeting

TOKYO (AFP) -- Foreign ministers from Japan, China and South Korea began a two-day meeting on Tuesday with their countries at odds over territorial disputes, a US missile defence system and perennial regional problem North Korea.Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, China's Wang Yi and South Korea's Yun Byung-Se met for dinner at a Tokyo hotel before the start of formal talks on Wednesday.The three shook hands and smiled for the cameras without making any remarks.Japanese Foreign Minister Fum

Aug. 23, 2016

Pakistan-Korea ties celebrated on Independence Day

The independence days of Pakistan and Korea are just one day apart, on Aug. 14 and 15, respectively. The two countries also have in common experiences of colonialism, emancipation and partition, which have inspired their postwar international engagement. The Pakistani Embassy hosted a reception earlier this month to celebrate its 70th Independence Day and expanding ties with Korea, as the two middle power nations seek to cooperate with one other for regional and global initiatives. “The Independ

Aug. 21, 2016

Singapore lays down sustainable future with Korea

Over the last few years, Singapore has navigated through a rough sea of global financial unpredictability, making structural reforms to secure its footing. The small island state at the foot of Malaysia, acclaimed for international competitiveness and openness, is moving past nearly six decades of guidance under national founder Lee Kuan Yew, who passed away last year in March. Amid the uncertainties of low growth in economy and population, it is searching for innovative solutions to ensure the

Aug. 21, 2016

Pakistan bids to join Nuclear Suppliers Group

Pakistan, one of nine states worldwide to possess nuclear weapons, aspires to be a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, an association of 48 nations that oversees the international trade of atomic and atomic-related materials and technologies with a shared commitment to global nonproliferation. Although not a signatory of the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons or the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, the country’s experience in civil nuclear program warrants attention of the NSG, s

Aug. 21, 2016

Fire breaks out at Japanese consulate in Busan

A fire broke out on the premises of the Japanese Consulate in the southeast coastal city of Busan on Thursday, blackening a wall, with no other damage reported, police said. (Yonhap)The blaze, which erupted around 6:00 a.m. at a spot that is off-limits to the public and where wooden delivery boxes to the consulate are stored, was put out in seven minutes.  (Yonhap)The police are investigating what caused the fire, including the possibility of an arson attack. (Yonhap) (Yonhap)

Aug. 18, 2016

Ecuador enchants with treasures of Galapagos Islands

Coinciding with the country’s Independence Day, the Ecuadorian embassy has organized an exhibition that showcases the wonders of the Galapagos Islands, acclaimed for its pristine wildlife and unadulterated landscape. Titled “Enchanting Galapagos Islands,” the show runs until Aug. 17 at D-Cube City’s Daesung Art Center in Seoul. It displays 30 pictures captured by Korean photographer Kim Byung-ho, who visited the volcanic archipelago off the western coast of Ecuador last year. The National Day on

Aug. 16, 2016

Sowing seeds of future in Afghanistan with soybeans

With a scorching sun and arid air, steeped in rugged terrain, Afghanistan seems from afar to be an unlikely place for farmland. Up close, many areas of the country straddling central and south Asia have ripe conditions for agriculture: sweltering days, fertile soil and water trickling down from snowcapped mountains to irrigate the lands. For Dr. Steven Kwon, founder and president of Nutrition and Education International, Afghanistan was an opportunity rather than a threat during the war on terro

Aug. 16, 2016