Undercover probes of digital sex crimes permitted

South Korea's National Assembly on Thursday passed a revision to permit undercover investigations of digital sex crimes targeting adults, in a move to curb the spread of deepfake sexual images rampant online. At a plenary session of the 300-member National Assembly, the bill to revise the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes earned 272 votes in favor out of 273 lawmakers present. The bill expands the range of undercover police investigations from those targeting childr

Nov. 14, 2024

[Security Forum] 'Korea-US alliance is never a tradable asset'

United States President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House next year signals the possibility that parts of the South Korea-US alliance or regional security-related matters could be negotiated away. South Korea must brace for any attempt by Trump to do so, even when dealing with nuclear-armed North Korea and its leader, Kim Jong-un, said Chung Duck-koo, founder and chair of Seoul-based think tank North East Asia Research Foundation, on Wednesday. "The Korea-US alliance is ne

Nov. 14, 2024

Yoon leaves for APEC summit; set for trilateral talks Friday

President Yoon Suk Yeol left South Korea on Thursday to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, or APEC summit, in Lima, Peru, later this week. Lima will be the first stop of Yoon's first official visit to South America since he was inaugurated in May 2022. After attending the APEC summit, Yoon will fly to Rio de Janeiro for the Group of 20 summit. Yoon boarded Air Force One at 11:48 a.m. at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. In attendance were the ruling People Power Par

Nov. 14, 2024

[KH Explains] Why Yoon golfing is so controversial

When reports surfaced that President Yoon Suk Yeol had played golf at a course in northeastern Seoul on Saturday, opposition politicians saw it as an opportunity to pounce. Playing golf has become close to a taboo for politicians in Korea. The exclusive and expensive nature of the sport here means that it is seen as an elite indulgence, rather than a way to unwind or a pastime for ordinary people. As such, public officials who golf are often accused of being out of touch with the general public

Nov. 13, 2024

Yoon may meet Trump on way back from APEC, G20 summits

President Yoon Suk Yeol could stop by the United States to hold talks with US President-elect Donald Trump after two series of multilateral summits in South American countries he heads to later this week. When asked about the possibility of Yoon meeting Trump on the occasion of his upcoming trip to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru and the Group of 20 summit in Brazil, an official of the presidential office said Tuesday, "We are closely communicating with representatives

Nov. 12, 2024

[From the Scene] Naming of Jeju Olle course marks evolving ties of Korea, ASEAN

JEJU ISLAND -- As South Korea's relationship with ASEAN marked a new high in its 35th year of dialogue relations by signing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, South Korea on Friday unveiled a new concrete bench near the shoreline of the southern part of Jeju Island. The structure sits in the middle of Jeju Olle Trail No. 8 in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, where trekkers come across tourist attractions such as Jusangjeollidae -- a cliff formed by volcanic rocks -- and where those staying in large

Nov. 11, 2024

[Herald Interview] Actor Ryu Seung-ryong says ASEAN-Korea trail could be new Hallyu highlight

JEJU ISLAND -- There was a surprise guest at Friday's dedication ceremony for a segment of the Jeju Olle Trail named in honor of newly elevated ties between South Korea and ASEAN this year. Describing himself as an avid trekker on the Jeju Olle Trail for more than 10 years, Korean actor Ryu Seung-ryong was in attendance. Ryu, who starred in megahits like the comedy film "Extreme Job," said he hopes to see many Hallyu enthusiasts coming to the new Olle trail, adding that it could b

Nov. 11, 2024

Yoon apologizes but denies wife's role in state affairs

President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday apologized to the public for causing worry over escalating concerns regarding an election interference scandal involving Yoon and his wife Kim Keon Hee, but defended her, saying she did not meddle in state affairs. "No president is giving an excuse. It's all my fault," Yoon said. Yoon's first public apology since his inauguration in May 2022 came at a press conference held in an apparent bid for a breakthrough in his policy reform drive. He has been

Nov. 7, 2024

Yoon congratulates Trump

President Yoon Suk Yeol sent a congratulatory message to Donald Trump on Wednesday evening Seoul time, when he was reported as on the brink of victory. Yoon posted to his official account on social media platform X, "Under your strong leadership, the future of the ROK-US alliance and America will shine brighter. Look forward to working closely with you." ROK stands for Republic of Korea, which is South Korea's official name. "Depending on the election outcome, Yoon is expecte

Nov. 6, 2024

What are the achievements overshadowed by Yoon’s rock-bottom approval rating?

President Yoon Suk Yeol is one of South Korea's first heads of state who is struggling to reverse a downward trend in his approval rating before his five-year term has even reached the halfway point. Yoon's approval ratings fell to its lowest ever point last week, as controversies surrounding him and his wife grew. Calls for first lady Kim Keon Hee to apologize over various scandals continued in the National Assembly despite the prosecution's recent decision not to charge her for

Nov. 6, 2024