South Korea expressed "strong regret" over steps taken by Japan on Friday, including recalling its ambassador, in protest against a statue recently set up in front of its consulate office to shed light on its wartime atrocities of forcing women into sexual slavery. "We express our strong regret over the action taken by Japan with regard to the statue," the foreign ministry said in a comment issued in the name of its spokesman. "The government wants to make it clear again that both countries shou

Jan. 6, 2017

US Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert abruptly postponed a press conference scheduled for Thursday, citing an "urgent" reason for the decision.Lippert who started his duty as top US envoy in October 2014 was supposed to hold a "farewell" press conference at 11 a.m. in his residence located in central Seoul. The ambassador appointed by President Barack Obama is expected to leave office soon after the Donald Trump administration takes office on Jan. 20.An embassy official said that the press m

Jan. 5, 2017

For New Zealand Ambassador Clare Fearnley, her trip to North Gyeongsang Province this winter was like a walk down memory lane. Fearnley visited Hahoe Village in Andong -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site -- to participate in the International Mask Dance Festival in early October. The venue offered a “window into Korea’s past,” she said, as a living sanctuary of ancient lifestyles. Participants pose at the Hahoe Village in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, Dec. 17. (Joel Lee/The Korea Herald)Hahoe V

Jan. 2, 2017

The government of Taiwan approved its New Southbound Policy on Dec. 14, a move intended to lessen economic dependence on the mainland and shore up ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other regional allies.According to the Taiwanese representative office in Seoul, the policy is expected to “propel Taiwan’s economic development and foment fruits of the future, reorienting its place as a major country in the Asian region.” By fleshing out policy directions, objectives and enter

Dec. 26, 2016

The governments of Canada and Korea signed an agreement last week to lay the ground for bilateral cooperation in science, technology and innovation.At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul on Dec. 20, Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se and Canadian Ambassador to Korea Eric Walsh inked the Science, Technology and Innovation Agreement, which builds on head of state visits in 2014. The accord sets in motion an institutional framework for civilian activities of common interest, mutual benefit a

Dec. 26, 2016

The French Embassy in Seoul will be repurposed to its original glory, unveiling its traditional and modernist structures, according to the diplomatic mission.The new plan will refashion the residence and chancery, while adding an 11-story tower office and two-story gallery spanning 60 meters. The chancery in particular, which performs administrative duties, will be refurbished to its original form under the new name “Pavillon.” “Within the framework of partnership between France and Korea, the F

Dec. 26, 2016

With the recent enactment of the investment law and lifting of sanctions, Myanmar has become friendlier to foreign investment, particularly in infrastructure, transport and energy, according to its state investment agency. The Myanmar Investment Law was passed on Oct. 18 by combining the country’s foreign investment law and citizen investment law, providing income tax exemptions of up to seven consecutive years to outside investors, operating in underdeveloped regions. When the law comes into ef

Dec. 26, 2016

Marking the 130th anniversary of bilateral ties and 30th anniversary of founding, the French Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted a gala on Dec. 10 in Seoul that spotlighted its feats and future. The event at Grand Hyatt Seoul attracted some 800 guests related to France commercially and diplomatically. The theme of the event was “Impressive Normandy,” referring to the northern region in France with a rich history and culture as well as a vibrant and creative economy. “These two anniver

Dec. 19, 2016

Philippine Ambassador to Korea Raul S. Hernandez (center) poses with Dr. Lee Hong-koo (left), Asia Society Korea center honorary chairman and former Korean prime minister, and Han Sung-joo, an Asia Society board member and former foreign minister, at a ceremony in Seoul on Dec. 9, where he was conferred the 2016 Ambassador of the Year Award. Hernandez was honored for actively supporting the organization and diplomatic community here, as well as promoting relations between the Philippines and Kor

Dec. 19, 2016

Georgia’s naturally carbonated mineral water, Nabeghlavi, will be available in Korea in the foreseeable future thanks to concerted efforts by the Georgian Embassy in Seoul. The diplomatic mission has strived to strengthen bilateral ties on various fronts between the two countries since opening its office in August 2011.Nabeghlavi, renowned for its unique taste and healthy properties, is a competitive national mineral water brand in the mountainous Caucasus country. Bottling of the Nabeghlavi wat

Dec. 19, 2016

TOKYO (AP) -- It's been five years since North Korean leader Kim Jong-un took power following the death of his father, Kim Jong-il, whose demise was observed at monuments and on city center plazas across the nation Saturday. Here's a look at five ways the country that has now been ruled by three generations of Kim -- starting with grandfather Kim Il-sung -- has changed since the ascension of its 30-something "respected marshal."    THE MAN HIMSELFKim Jong-un is in some ways a lot more like his c

Dec. 17, 2016