South Korea

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — For months, North Korea has been relatively uncombative, as leader Kim Jong Un grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, natural disasters and the deepening economic pain under years of tough U.S.-led sanctions.

But ahead of the 75th founding anniversary of his ruling party this weekend, speculation has risen that Kim may hold a massive military parade and unveil newly developed, powerful missiles. The goal, experts say, would be to bolster internal unity and draw U.S. attention amid deadlocked nuclear diplomacy between the countries.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea accused South Korea of sending ships across the disputed sea boundary to find the body of a man recently killed by North Korean troops, warning Sunday the alleged intrusion could escalate tensions.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea said Saturday it will request North Korea to further investigate the killing of a South Korean government official who was shot by North Korean troops after being found adrift near the rivals’ disputed sea boundary while apparently trying to defect.

Seoul could also possibly call for a joint investigation into Tuesday’s shooting, which sparked outrage in the South and drew a rare apology from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un apologized Friday over the killing of a South Korea official near the rivals’ disputed sea boundary, saying he’s “very sorry” about the incident he called unexpected and unfortunate, South Korean officials said.

It’s extremely unusual for a North Korean leader to apologize to South Korea on any issue. Kim’s move could de-escalate tensions between the Koreas as it’s expected to ease anti-North sentiments in South Korea over the man’s death as well as mounting criticism of its liberal President Moon Jae-in.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea said Thursday North Korean troops shot a South Korean government official who may have attempted to defect and set his body on fire, after they found him on a floating object in waters near the rivals’ disputed sea boundary.

According to Seoul’s announcement, the man disappeared from a government ship that was checking on potential unauthorized fishing in an area south of the boundary on Monday, a day before he was found in North Korean waters.

SEOUL, Sept 15 (NNN-YONHAP) — South Korea aims to secure enough new coronavirus vaccines to administer to 30 million people, or roughly 60 percent of the country’s population, the health ministry said Tuesday.

Under the COVID-19 vaccine plan discussed at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, the country will seek to get vaccines for 10 million people from the COVAX Facility, set up by the World Health Organization and global vaccine alliance Gavi, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare said.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for urgent efforts to rebuild thousands of homes and other structures destroyed by a typhoon that slammed the country’s eastern region last week, state media said Wednesday.

Kim during the Workers’ Party meeting Tuesday also said the damage from Typhoon Maysak has forced the country to reconsider unspecified year-end projects, the North’s official Korean Central News Agency said.

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun will visit Washington this week for talks with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun, Seoul's foreign ministry said Tuesday.

Choi will make a three-day trip to Washington through Friday at the invitation of Biegun. It would be the first such visit by Choi since he took office on Aug. 18.

During the talks, Choi and Biegun will make a comprehensive discussion on issues of mutual concern, including the overall South Korea-U.S. relations and regional situations, the Seoul ministry said.

SEOUL, Sept 7 (NNN) — The United Nations marked the first International Day of Clean Air for blues skies, today, September 7 as part of a global move to bring about increased awareness and international cooperation to reduce air pollution.

South Korea, which led global efforts to create this new International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, will host an event today to start celebrations around the world.

Various other events have been lined up worldwide to mark the day as well.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A powerful typhoon damaged buildings, flooded roads and knocked out power to thousands of homes in South Korea on Monday after battering islands in southern Japan. More than 20 people were injured.