International

South Korea Thursday welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip, which was reached on Wednesday.The foreign ministry of South Korea said in a statement that the government of South Korea welcomes the agreement regarding the ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip, and highly appreciates the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar and Egypt, which played a vital role in the conclusion of the agreement."We hope that the full and swift implementation of the agreement will lead to the release of all hostages and improvement of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. We hope that the positive momentum created by the agreement will serve as a foundation for renewed discussions on diplomatic solutions for peace and stability in the region," the statement noted.As a non permanent member of the UN Security Council, South Korea will continue to take part in international efforts to restore and promote peace in the Middle East, it added.The joint mediation efforts carried out by the State of Qatar, in cooperation with Egypt and the United States, successfully led to an agreement between the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and Israel for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the exchange of prisoners and detainees. The agreement is set to take effect next Sunday.

The first impeachment trial session of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol ended abruptly today, lasting only four minutes due to his absence and the Constitutional Court's decision to deny his request to remove Judge Chung Kye Sun from the panel of eight judges overseeing the case.The next session is scheduled for Thursday, with the court confirming it will proceed regardless of Yoon's attendance. Acting Chief Judge Moon Hyung Bae cited legal provisions permitting the trial to continue in his absence.According to Yonhap News Agency, today's session follows a National Assembly vote a month ago to impeach Yoon over his brief imposition of martial law on December 3 last year.Yoon's legal team previously announced that he would not attend the hearing, citing concerns over his personal safety as investigators pursue charges of rebellion and abuse of power related to martial law decree.His lawyers also called for the exclusion of Judge Jeong, claiming her past role as leader of a progressive legal research association could compromise Yoon's chance for a fair trial.The court has 180 days, starting from December 14, to decide on the impeachment. If upheld, Yoon will be permanently removed from office, triggering a presidential election within 60 days. If rejected, he will be reinstated.

South Korea's anti-corruption agency has asked the police to take over the execution of a warrant to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed martial law bid.The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) made the request in an official letter late Sunday with one day left until the warrant's expiry, Yonhap News Agency reported.It stressed that the agency would not relinquish investigative duties concerning the president, who faces charges of power abuse and insurrection connected to his Dec. 3 martial law declaration and related orders to military commanders.The CIO also said it would request from the court later in the day for an extension of the arrest warrant, which is set to expire on Monday at midnight.The request came two days after the CIO tried to detain Yoon at his official residence but withdrew after an hours-long standoff with presidential security staff.Following the attempt to arrest Yoon, the president's legal representatives filed an objection on execution of the warrant, which the court dismissed Sunday. In response to the CIO's announcement Monday, Yoon's legal representatives said that relegating Yoon's arrest to police is yet another illegal action.The CIO has been working with the police and the defense ministry's investigation unit to conduct a joint probe into the events surrounding Yoon's martial law decree.The Seoul Western District Court issued an arrest warrant against Yoon on December 31 after he ignored several requests by the probing agency to appear for questioning.

Experts say many questions yet to be answeredThey see it as unlikely that a bird strike would cause landing gear malfunctionJeju Air says only that investigation is underwayDeputy transport minister says runway length not a contributing factorUncertainties surround the deadliest crash on South Korean soil, experts said on Sunday, questioning initial suggestions that a bird strike might have brought down the Jeju Air flight.The apparent absence of landing gear, the timing of the twin-engine Boeing 737-800's belly-landing at Muan International Airport and the reports of a possible bird strike all raised questions that could not yet be answered.The single-aisle aircraft was seen in video broadcast on local media skidding down the runway with no visible landing gear before slamming into a wall in an explosion of flame and debris."Why didn't fire tenders lay foam on the runway? Why weren't they in attendance when the plane touched down? And why did the aircraft touch down so far down the runway? And why was there a brick wall at the end of the runway?" said Airline News editor Geoffrey Thomas.South Korean officials said they were investigating the cause of the crash of Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, including a possible bird strike. The crash killed 179 of the 181 people on board.A spokesperson for Jeju Air was not immediately available for comments. Jeju Air declined to comment on the cause of the accident during news conferences, saying an investigation is under way.Under global aviation rules, South Korea will lead a civil investigation into the crash and automatically involve the National Transportation Safety Board in the United States where the plane was designed and built.The flight data recorder was found at 11:30 a.m. (0230 GMT), about two and a half hours after the crash, and the cockpit voice recorder was found at 2:24 p.m., according to South Korea's transport ministry."That gives you all the parameters of all the systems of the plane. The heartbeat of the airplane is on the flight data recorder," Thomas said. "The voice recorder will probably provide the most interesting analysis of what went on on this tragic crash."Experts caution that air accidents are usually caused by a cocktail of factors and it can take months to piece together the sequence of events in and outside the plane.In the space of a few minutes, the control tower issued a bird strike warning, pilots declared mayday and then attempted to land, officials said, although it was not clear whether the aircraft had hit any birds.Experts said it seemed unlikely a bird strike would have caused the landing gear to malfunction."A bird strike is not unusual, problems with an undercarriage are not unusual. Bird strikes happen far more often, but typically they don't cause the loss of an airplane by themselves," Thomas said.Australian airline safety expert Geoffrey Dell said, "I've never seen a bird strike prevent the landing gear from being extended."Australian aviation consultant Trevor Jensen said fire and emergency services would normally be ready for a belly-landing, "so this appears to be unplanned".A bird strike could have impacted the CFM International engines if a flock had been sucked into them, but that would not have shut them down straightaway, giving the pilots some time to deal with the situation, Dell said.It was unclear why the plane did not decelerate after it hit the runway, Dell and Jensen said.Typically in a belly-landing, "You are going to land on your engines and you're going to have a bumpy ride," Thomas said."You come in with minimum fuel, you have fire tenders in attendance, covering the runway with foam and you land at the furthest end of the runway and usually it ends up being an OK situation."After the control tower issued the bird strike warning and the pilots declared mayday, the pilots attempted to land on the runway from the opposite direction, a transport ministry official said."In the process of landing it hit a navigation safety facility called a localizer and collided with the wall," the official said.Joo Jong-wan, deputy transport minister, said the runway's 2,800-metre length was not a contributing factor, and that the walls at the ends had been built according to standards."Both ends of the runway have safety zones with green buffer areas before reaching the outer wall," he told a separate briefing. "The airport is designed according to standard aviation safety guidelines, even if the wall may appear closer than it actually is."The captain had worked at that rank since 2019 and had logged 6,823 flight hours, the ministry said. The first officer had worked at that rank since 2023 and had logged approximately 1,650 flight hours.The Boeing model involved in the crash, a 737-800, is one of the world's most flown airliners with a generally strong safety record and was developed well before the MAX variant involved in a recent Boeing safety crisis.

North Korea has declared its toughest response strategy toward the United States during a year-end plenary party meeting, asserting that the military cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan is evolving into an invasive nuclear military bloc, state media reported Sunday.The strategy was adopted during the annual year-end general meeting of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, held from Monday to Friday and presided over by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.The United States is the "most reactionary" state, unwaveringly adhering to anti-communism as its national policy, the KCNA reported, adding that "the strongest response strategy toward the US" was declared in the interest of national security.During the meeting, Kim ordered the refinement of warfare tactics to meet the demands of modern warfare, while also calling for continued improvement in the warfare capacities of the army, the KCNA also said.During the session, Pak Thae-song, a party secretary, was appointed premier, replacing his predecessor Kim Tok-hun.

Video shows plane skidding without landing gear before explodingJeju Air flight was carrying 181 people from BangkokTwo crew members rescued from Boeing 737-800Deadliest South Korea airline crash since 1997 The deadliest air accident ever in South Korea killed 179 people on Sunday, when an airliner belly-landed and skidded off the end of the runway, erupting in a fireball as it slammed into a wall at Muan International Airport.Jeju Air flight 7C2216, arriving from the Thai capital Bangkok with 175 passengers and six crew on board, was attempting to land shortly after 9 a.m. (0000 GMT) at the airport in the south of the country, South Korea's transport ministry said.Two crew members survived and were being treated for injuries.The deadliest air accident on South Korean soil was also the worst involving a South Korean airline in nearly three decades, according to the transport ministry.The twin-engine Boeing 737-800 was seen in local media video skidding down the runway with no visible landing gear before crashing into navigation equipment and a wall in an explosion of flames and debris."Only the tail part retains a little bit of shape, and the rest of (the plane) looks almost impossible to recognise," Muan fire chief Lee Jung-hyun told a press briefing.The two crew members, a man and a woman, were rescued from the tail section of the burning plane, Lee said. They were being treated at hospitals with medium to severe injuries, said the head of the local public health centre.Authorities combed nearby areas for bodies possibly thrown from the plane, Lee said.Investigators are examining bird strikes and weather conditions as possible factors, Lee said.Yonhap news agency cited airport authorities as saying a bird strike may have caused the landing gear to malfunction.The crash was the worst for any South Korean airline since a 1997 Korean Air crash in Guam that killed more than 200 people, according to transportation ministry data. The previous worst on South Korean soil was an Air China crash that killed 129 in 2002.Experts said the bird strike report and the way the aircraft attempted to land raised more questions than answers."A bird strike is not unusual, problems with an undercarriage are not unusual," said Airline News editor Geoffrey Thomas. "Bird strikes happen far more often, but typically they don't cause the loss of an airplane by themselves."Under global aviation rules, South Korea will lead a civil investigation into the crash and automatically involve the National Transportation Safety Board in the United States where the plane was designed and built.Hours after the crash, family members gathered in the airport's arrival area, some crying and hugging as Red Cross volunteers handed out blankets.Many victims appeared to be residents of nearby areas returning from vacation, officials said.Families screamed and wept as a medic announced the names of victims identified by their fingerprints. Papers were circulated for families to write down their contact details.One relative stood at a microphone to ask for more information from authorities. "My older brother died and I don't know what's going on," he said. "I don't know."Another asked journalists not to film. "We are not monkeys in a zoo," he said. "We are the bereaved families."Mortuary vehicles lined up outside to take bodies away, and authorities said a temporary morgue had been established.The crash site smelled of aviation fuel and blood, according to Reuters witnesses. Workers in protective suits and masks combed the area while soldiers searched through bushes.The control tower issued a bird strike warning and shortly afterward the pilots declared mayday and then attempted to land from the opposite direction, a transport ministry official said.A passenger texted a relative to say a bird was stuck in the wing, the News1 agency reported. The person's final message was, "Should I say my last words?"The aircraft was manufactured in 2009, the transport ministry said.The two CFM56-7B26 engines were manufactured by CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and France's Safran, the transport ministry said.A CFM spokesperson said, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jeju Air flight 2216. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of those on board."Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae apologised for the accident, bowing deeply during a televised briefing.He said the aircraft had no record of accidents and there were no early signs of malfunction.The airline will cooperate with investigators and make supporting the bereaved its top priority, Kim said.No abnormal conditions were reported when the aircraft left Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, said Kerati Kijmanawat, president of Airports of Thailand.The passengers included two Thai nationals and the rest are believed to be South Koreans, according to the transportation ministry.It was the first fatal flight for Jeju Air, a low-cost airline founded in 2005 that ranks behind only Korean Air Lines and Asiana Airlines in terms of the number of passengers in South Korea.The accident happened only three weeks after Jeju Air started regular flights from Muan to Bangkok and other Asian cities on Dec. 8.Muan International is one of South Korea's smallest airports but it has seen the number of international passengers jump nearly 20 times to 310,702 from January to November from the same period in 2022, according to government data.The Boeing model involved in the crash, a 737-800, is one of the world's most flown airliners with a generally strong safety record. It was developed well before the MAX variant involved in a recent Boeing safety crisis.Boeing said in a emailed statement, "We are in contact with Jeju Air regarding flight 2216 and stand ready to support them. We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew."The US Federal Aviation Administration did not immediately respond to a request for comment.All domestic and international flights at Muan airport were cancelled, Yonhap reported.South Korean acting President Choi Sang-mok, named interim leader of the country on Friday in an ongoing political crisis, arrived at the scene of the accident and said the government was putting all its resources into dealing with the crash.Two Thai women were on the plane, aged 22 and 45, Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub said.The Thai foreign ministry later confirmed both were among those killed. The embassy in Seoul was coordinating with the South Koreans and arranging for family members to travel from Thailand, the ministry said in a statement.Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra sent condolences to the families of the dead and injured in a post on X, saying she had instructed the foreign ministry to provide assistance.

For tourists seeking an enriching and family-friendly adventure, South Korea also ensures that Islamic practices and needs are fully respected. That is why Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is proud to present an array of Muslim-friendly services, making Korea an ideal destination for Muslim travellers who wish to explore the country.Halal dining and Muslim-friendly restaurantsSouth Korea has witnessed a significant rise in halal-certified and Muslim-friendly restaurants across major provinces like Seoul, Busan, and Gangwon-do. Renowned eateries, including EID Halal Korean Food and Makan Halal Korean Restaurant, offer authentic Korean cuisine prepared in strict accordance with Islamic dietary lawsIn Seoul’s Itaewon district, Muslim travellers can savour iconic Korean dishes such as Bibimbap, made with halal ingredients, or enjoy street food like Tteokbokki at certified halal stalls. Areas like Myeongdong also offer a growing number of halal food carts, allowing visitors to experience authentic street food culture in a comfortable settingThrough KTO’s dedicated resources, Muslim travellers can easily locate a diverse range of restaurants that cater to their dietary needs, ensuring a delightful and stress-free dining experience.Prayer facilities and mosquesUnderstanding the importance of maintaining daily prayers, South Korea provides numerous prayer areas and mosques throughout the country. The Seoul Central Mosque in Itaewon serves as a central hub for the Muslim community, offering not only a space for worship but also a centre for cultural exchange.In addition to the Seoul Central Mosque, prayer rooms can be found in major shopping centers like COEX Mall and Incheon International Airport, making it easy for Muslim travellers to maintain their religious practices while exploring the city. Many of these facilities also provide ablution areas, ensuring convenience for prayer preparation. Moreover, many hotels, with the guidance of KTO, now provide prayer mats and Qibla direction indicators in guest rooms, allowing guests to comfortably observe their religious practices. A map of all mosques and prayer areas are provided on the KTO website.Wellness, beauty, and family-friendly activitiesSouth Korea is a destination that effortlessly blends relaxation, beauty, and family-friendly entertainment while catering to the needs of Muslim travellers. Wellness seekers can explore Seoul’s world-class spas, such as the Muslim-friendly Sulwhasoo Flagship Store, which offers rejuvenating treatments using halal-certified products inspired by traditional Korean beauty rituals. Families can enjoy vibrant attractions like Everland and Lotte World, known for their thrilling rides, or venture to the tranquil natural beauty of Jeju Island. The eco-friendly resorts, such as Ramada Plaza, provide halal dining options alongside wellness facilities, offering a serene escape for family bonding while respecting Islamic principles. To top it off, a cruise along the Hangang River provides breathtaking views of Seoul’s illuminated skyline, making for a memorable family outing in the heart of the city.Hallyu and Shopping: A Must-Experience for VisitorsThe global phenomenon of Hallyu, or the Korean Wave, presents an exciting opportunity for visitors to dive into Korean pop culture. Fans can explore iconic locations featured in popular K-dramas, visit K-pop entertainment companies, and enjoy live performances. Shopping enthusiasts will be enchanted by Seoul’s vibrant districts such as Myeongdong and Gangnam, where luxury brands, K-beauty products, and unique Korean fashion are readily available.In addition to Gangnam, visit the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, where Muslim-friendly cafes and rest areas are becoming more common. For those interested in Korean pop culture, guided tours are available that combine visits to K-pop entertainment companies with halal dining stops along the way.Korea: A Destination of Diversity and HospitalityKTO is deeply committed to ensuring that Muslim travellers feel welcomed and thoroughly accommodated throughout their journey in South Korea. With comprehensive resources available online and travel guides, visitors can easily discover halal dining options, locate nearby mosques, and plan activities that align with their values and interests.South Korea invites travellers to uncover the wonders of a nation where the past and present harmoniously coexist, where every detail is designed to provide a comfortable and enriching experience for all. From its rich traditions and historic culture to its diverse attractions, Korea is poised to offer an unforgettable journey that has something for everyone, including Muslim travellers.

With its rich cultural history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant modernity, South Korea has become a favoured travel destination for families from Qatar and across the GCC. Often referred to as “The Land of Morning Calm,” South Korea offers much more than just calm mornings. It is a country where tradition meets innovation, and where every family member can find something exciting, enriching, and memorable to enjoy.From its thriving K-culture scene to its world-class medical tourism offerings, South Korea’s allure continues to captivate travelers from the Middle East. Here are ten reasons why South Korea should top your family’s travel list:1. Safe and welcoming environmentRenowned for its safety and hospitality, South Korea provides a reassuring sense of security for families travelling from the GCC. The Korean culture values respect, warmth, and kindness, which creates a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets or strolling through tranquil parks, you’ll experience the generosity of the Korean people. Basic Korean etiquette, such as showing respect to elders and polite interactions with strangers, enhances the visitor experience and ensures that families feel comfortable and embraced.2. Natural beautyThe Songaksan Mountain on Jeju Island, a famous coastal drive with breathtaking scenic views, South Korea.South Korea offers a diverse range of landscapes, perfect for families who appreciate nature. From the snow-capped mountains of the winter season to the vibrant autumn foliage, the country’s natural beauty is awe-inspiring. The eastern coast features beautiful beaches, ideal for a family vacation by the sea, while the western coastline offers expansive shores perfect for water sports and outdoor activities. Jeju Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts lush gardens and volcanic landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. The changing seasons provide a variety of experiences, ensuring that every visit to South Korea offers something new.3. Diverse seasonsThe country’s four distinct seasons offer unique experiences throughout the year. In the summer, temperatures range from 23°C to 30°C, providing ideal conditions for sightseeing and outdoor adventures. The winter transforms South Korea into a winter wonderland, perfect for activities like skiing, snowboarding, and ice fishing. Spring and autumn bring moderate temperatures and stunning scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and brilliant fall colors making for unforgettable family moments. Whether you visit in the warmth of summer or the chill of winter, South Korea’s climate accommodates all kinds of travel experiences.4- Variety of accommodationsAccommodations in South Korea range from traditional Korean houses (hanok) to luxurious international hotels, offering a variety of experiences to suit every traveler’s needs. For a truly immersive experience, families can stay in a hanok, which allows them to explore Korea’s traditional architecture and lifestyle. Alternatively, modern hotels and guesthouses cater to international travelers seeking comfort and convenience. Whether you’re looking for a high-end experience or a more authentic stay, South Korea offers options that cater to families of all preferences.5. Kids-friendly attractionsSouth Korea is packed with family-friendly attractions that cater specifically to children. Amusement parks such as Everland and Lotte World offer a wealth of exciting rides, parades, and themed attractions suitable for all ages. These parks also feature educational elements, combining fun with learning. Kids can dress up in traditional Korean hanbok, explore royal palaces, or visit museums like the Samsung Innovation Museum, which introduces young visitors to the world of technology through interactive exhibits. South Korea ensures that young travellers will have an enriching and exciting experience.6- Public transportationSouth Korea is known for its efficient and affordable public transportation system. The subway systems in cities like Seoul are world-renowned for their punctuality, cleanliness, and ease of use. Travellers can easily navigate the city using a rechargeable T-money card, which works for both buses and subways. The transportation system’s ease of use and widespread accessibility make it incredibly convenient for families to travel around the country. For added convenience, taxis are also readily available, including luxury taxis for a more comfortable experience.7- Korean shoppingSouth Korea is a paradise for shoppers, offering everything from street markets to high-end malls. Myeongdong in Seoul is a bustling shopping district filled with fashionable boutiques, cosmetics stores, and street food vendors. For luxury shopping, districts like Gangnam feature high-end international brands and sleek modern malls. What sets South Korea apart is its combination of tradition and innovation—families can shop for both cutting-edge products and traditional Korean goods. K-beauty products, Korean fashion, and unique handicrafts are just some of the items you can discover while exploring the local shopping scene.8- Delicious foodKorean cuisine is a sensory experience that families can enjoy together. From spicy Tteokbokki (rice cakes) to savory hotteok (pancakes), Korean street food offers delicious flavors in every bite. Family-friendly restaurants serve a range of traditional dishes like bibimbap (mixed rice) and bulgogi (marinated beef), often accompanied by banchan, small side dishes that bring added variety to the meal. Food markets like Gwangjang Market and Jagalchi Fish Market provide an opportunity to savor authentic Korean delicacies while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of local culture.9- Medical and beauty tourismSouth Korea is a leading destination for medical tourism, offering high-quality healthcare services at competitive prices. The country is renowned for its expertise in cosmetic surgery, dermatology, and advanced medical procedures. For families seeking medical care or wellness treatments, South Korea’s hospitals are equipped with the latest technology and staffed by skilled professionals. Moreover, the country’s beauty industry—famous for its innovative skincare products and treatments—attracts many visitors looking to experience the best in self-care and rejuvenation.10. Year-round festivitiesSouth Korea’s calendar is filled with vibrant festivals that celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage. From the colorful Lantern Festival in the spring to the lively Dano Festival in the summer, there is always something exciting happening. In the fall, the Chuseok harvest festival brings families together to celebrate and share traditional foods, while the winter season lights up with festive events like the Seoul Christmas markets and the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, where glowing lanterns light up the river. These festivals are an excellent way for families to immerse themselves in the culture and traditions of South Korea, with modern K-pop influences adding a dynamic edge to some of the celebrations.

North Korea fired several cruise missiles toward the Yellow Sea on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, the latest in a series of saber-rattling that heightened tensions. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said the North's launch took place around 7 a.m., but did not elaborate, citing an ongoing analysis. It marks the North's first cruise missile launch since September 2023, when it test-fired two long-range strategic cruise missiles with mock nuclear warheads toward the Yellow Sea. The latest launch comes 10 days after Pyongyang test-fired a solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missile carrying a hypersonic warhead into the East Sea in its first missile launch this year. Tensions remain high along the inter-Korean border as buffer zones created under a 2018 inter-Korean military agreement became invalid following North Korea's conducting of live-fire drills near the western maritime border earlier this month. The South Korean military said it will resume artillery firings and drills near the border as Pyongyang's shellings near the Northern Limit Line (NLL), the de facto maritime border in the Yellow Sea, scrapped the mutually agreed buffer zones. (QNA)

South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said Sunday that the path to inflation stabilization is certain this year and consumer prices are expected to be stabilized at about 2%.Han made the remarks at a meeting with senior officials at the ruling People Power Party, including Han Dong-hoon, chairman of the party's emergency committee, South Korean News Agency (Yonhap) reported.Han told the meeting that exports will lead to an economic recovery this year and inflation will "regain stability in the 2 percent range."Han said the government will also make efforts to revive private consumption this year.The finance ministry has expected annual inflation in 2024 to come to 2.6%, slowing from last year's 3.6%.To meet the inflation target, the government decided to earmark around 11 trillion won (US$8.38 billion) this year for policy responses, such as energy voucher programs and discount coupons for farm produce.Consumer prices, a key gauge of inflation, rose 3.2% on-year in December, the fifth consecutive month that the prices have stayed above the 3% level. (QNA)

Some of the artillery shells recently fired by the North Korean military fell just above the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the Yellow Sea, a South Korean military source said Sunday, stoking tension on the tensely guarded western border, where past naval skirmishes have taken place.Most of the North Korean shells splashed into the maritime buffer zone, with some falling in waters as close as 7 kilometers north of the NLL, South Korea's (Yonhap) news agency reported citing the source."As North Korea vowed to scrap the inter-Korean military pact and conducted live-fire drills near the maritime buffer zone, mutually agreed buffer zones that ban hostile acts no longer exist," the source said.The South Korean military is considering taking corresponding measures when North Korea's artillery shells cross the NLL or land near the de facto maritime border.North Korea fired some 200 artillery shells from its southwestern coastal areas Friday, prompting the South Korean troops on the front-line islands of Yeonpyeong and Baengnyeong to stage live-fire drills in response.The latest threats came after Pyongyang in November vowed to restore military measures halted under a 2018 inter-Korean military agreement, which set up buffer zones in land, sea and air and banned live-fire drills near the border area to prevent accidental clashes.North Korea's Friday artillery firing marked the 16th one of its kind, including a missile launch in December 2022. The South Korean military conducted live-fire drills near the maritime buffer zone for the first time since the signing of the 2018 pact.On Saturday, the North carried out live-fire drills for the second consecutive day, firing around 60 shells from the western coast, which landed in the maritime buffer zone above the NLL.Naval skirmishes between South and North Korea took place near the western maritime border in 1999, 2002 and 2009.In 2010, North Korea fired a barrage of artillery shells on Yeonpyeong Island, killing two South Korean Marines and two civilians. (QNA)

South Korea and the US have staged a joint live-fire exercise near the border with North Korea to bolster their joint combat readiness, the South Korean Army said.The allies' first joint training of the year was aimed at bolstering combined operational capabilities against North Korea's military threats, the Korean Army indicated.The drill involved 110 weapons systems from South Korea and the U.S, including K1A2 tanks, A-19 combat aircraft, Stryker armored vehicles and artillery systems.North Korea's state media said South Korea began the new year with "self-destructive" acts, warning that chances of a clash between the two sides will be the highest this year.The South Korean military said it has heightened monitoring on North Korea's moves to deter potential provocations.The North usually kicks off regular military training in December, which continues through early spring and often involves artillery firing drills.The South Korean military has conducted a series of firing drills and other maneuvers this week, drawing sharp criticism from North Korea, and its naval forces also conducted exercises with the participation of warships and aircrafts in an attempt to strengthen the defensive posture against what Seoul described as "potential provocations" by North Korea. (QNA)

North Korea denounced a series of military drills conducted by South Korea in the new year, warning that chances of clashes between the two sides will be the highest this year.The North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said that Seoul began the new year with "self-destructive" acts, referring to Army artillery exercises, naval firing drills and other maneuvers that South Korea's military has recently conducted; warning that South Korean "warmongers" will only face the "most painful moments they cannot even imagine" if they continue to stage confrontational moves against North Korea.The South Korean Army carried out artillery and live-fire drills, this week, and the Navy also conducted exercises involving warships and aircraft in a bid to strengthen its defense posture against North Korea's "potential provocation".North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called on his country's armed forces to intensify efforts to prepare for war, in light of the United States' involvement in "unprecedented" acts of confrontation against Pyongyang. (QNA)

One person was killed and 10 others were injured Tuesday, after a fire erupted in a residential building in Gunpo, located 24 kilometers south of Seoul, in South Korea.Fire authorities said that there were 3 people on the ninth floor, where the fire broke out in the 15-story building.Twelve other apartment residents suffered smoke inhalation and other minor injuries.Police and fire authorities plan to investigate the cause of the fire.In December, two people were killed and dozens were injured in a residential building fire, north of Seoul. (QNA)

South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik warned North Korea against continuing its provocative acts."We must make North Korea feel in their bones that reckless provocative behavior threatening the Republic of Korea will soon become a prelude to destruction," Shin said.Shin added North Korea's provocative threats will continue in the new year, and called for strengthened readiness in his country in order to confront these provocations.He affirmed that in light of the dangerous security situation on the Korean Peninsula, the South Korean army needs to strengthen its readiness, adding that "Only 'powerful strength' can maintain 'real peace.'"The South Korean Defense Minister's statements come days after North Korea announced that it intends to launch three additional military spy satellites in 2024 in order to enhance the capabilities of its army, after it succeeded in placing its first satellite Malligyong-1 into orbit Nov. 21, 2023. (QNA)

South Korea's opposition leader Lee Jae-myung was attacked during a visit to the southern city of Busan.According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee, the leader of the Democratic Party, collapsed after being stabbed on the left side of his neck by an unidentified man while he was touring the new Gadeok Airport. He received first aid before being rushed to the hospital.Yonhap quoted eyewitnesses saying that the perpetrator, who pretended to be a supporter of the leader, approached him and asked for his autograph, then assaulted him with an unknown weapon measuring 20-30 cm in length, before being arrested at the scene of the accident.President Yoon Suk Yeol condemned the attack and expressed deep concern for Lee's condition, calling on the police and relevant authorities to quickly determine the facts. He stressed that "such violence should not be tolerated under any circumstances." (QNA)

South Korean automobile exports to the United States exceeded 1 million units during the January-November period, already beating its previous all-time annual record from eight years ago, industry data showed Sunday.In the first 11 months of this year, South Korea's car shipments to the US reached 1,172,612 units, according to the data from the Korea Automobile & Mobility Association.The annual tally is expected to grow when counting December shipments. The 11-month total is already larger than the previous annual record of 1,066,164 units in 2015.Auto shipments to the US, which peaked in 2015, later dropped to as low as the 800,000-unit range in 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic and protectionist US trade policy introduced during the former US President Donald Trump administration. (QNA)

North Korea aims to launch three additional spy satellites next year, the North's state media reported Sunday.North Korean leader Kim Jong-un set forth the goal as he wrapped up five days of the plenary meeting of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea on Saturday, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA)."Based on the experience of successfully launching and operating the first spy satellite in 2023 in the space development sector, the task of launching three more spy satellites in 2024 was unveiled and all-out measures to spur the development of the space science technology were discussed," the KCNA said, according to South Korea's Yonhap News Agency.The North successfully put a military spy satellite, named the Malligyong-1, into orbit on Nov. 21 after two failed attempts in May and August. There are suspicions that North Korea might have received technical support from Russia in return for its arms supplies for use in Moscow's war in Ukraine."We need to swiftly respond to a possible nuclear crisis and mobilize all physical means, including nuclear force, in a bid to accelerate preparations for the great event of putting the entire territory of South Korea under our control," the North Korean leader said.He also said strengthening the country's nuclear arsenal is the top policy priority for next year and ordered the Navy to enhance its military capabilities.Kim called for developing powerful unmanned armed aerial vehicles and means for electronic warfare in a bid to accomplish its key defense projects.In regard to inter-Korean ties, Kim said he will no longer consider South Korea a counterpart for reconciliation and unification, saying Seoul has declared the North as a main enemy. The Workers' Party has also concluded that unification with South Korea is not possible, Kim was quoted as saying.Calling for a "fundamental change" in dealing with South Korea, the North's leader said that inter-Korean relations have become those of "two hostile countries" or "countries engaged in state of combat."Relations between South and North Korea remained sharply strained this year, as North Korea focused on advancing its nuclear and missile programs, including the launch of solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles. (QNA)

South Korea's government approved Friday a plan to purchase new maritime operations helicopters from overseas to replace the Navy's aging fleet of choppers.Yonhap reported today that the basic strategic plan for the project worth 2.23 billion from 2025 to 2032 to replace the aging Lynx helicopters, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). DAPA said the new helicopters are expected to enhance the Navy's anti-submarine and anti-surface ship capabilities and will serve to respond to threats posed by North Korea's submarine-launched ballistic missiles. (QNA)

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for stepped-up efforts to prepare for war, saying the United States is engaged in "unprecedented" acts of confrontation against the country, state media reported Thursday.In the second-day session of the plenary meeting of the ruling Workers' Party on Wednesday, Kim also presented a goal of strengthening strategic cooperation with "anti-imperialist" countries, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).He said the security situation on the Korean Peninsula has become extremely dangerous due to what he claims are "unprecedented" US-led confrontational moves against North Korea.Kim also vowed to "expand and develop the relations of strategic cooperation with the anti-imperialist independent countries and dynamically wage the anti-imperialist joint action and struggle on an international scale," the KCNA said. (QNA)