Latest South Korea government News

As North Korean and Chinese threats rise, US looks to lock in defense partnerships with Asian allies

Jun. 29, 2024 01:25 AM EDT

GIMHAE AIR BASE, South Korea (AP) — The United States wrapped up its first multidomain exercise with Japan and South Korea in the East China Sea on Saturday, a step forward in Washington's efforts to strengthen and lock in its security partnerships with key Asian allies in the face of growing...

North Korea says it tested a new multiwarhead missile. South Korea says it's covering up a failure

Jun. 27, 2024 00:42 AM EDT

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea said Thursday it had successfully tested a multiwarhead missile in the first known launch of a developmental weapon coveted by leader Kim Jong Un to overwhelm U.S. and South Korean missile defenses. South Korea quickly dismissed the claim as deception to...

Suspected North Korean hypersonic missile exploded in flight, South Korea says

Jun. 26, 2024 08:51 AM EDT

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A suspected hypersonic missile launched by North Korea exploded in flight on Wednesday, South Korea’s military said, as North Korea protests the regional deployment of a U.S. aircraft carrier for a military drill with South Korea and Japan. Later...

South Korea says North Korea is again flying balloons toward the South, probably carrying trash

Jun. 25, 2024 12:08 PM EDT

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea said North Korea was flying balloons likely carrying trash across the border for a second consecutive day on Tuesday, despite the South’s threat to retaliate with anti-Pyongyang propaganda broadcasts in border areas. The development comes as...

South Korean rescuers search burned factory after a blaze killed 22, mostly Chinese migrants

Jun. 25, 2024 00:12 AM EDT

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Rescue workers were combing through the charred ruins of a factory building near South Korea's capital to find any more fire victims Tuesday, a day after a devastating blaze likely triggered by exploding lithium batteries killed 22 people, mostly Chinese migrant workers....

Seoul says North Korea has resumed balloon launches likely to drop trash in South Korea

Jun. 24, 2024 10:09 AM EDT

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea resumed launches of balloons likely carrying trash toward South Korea on Monday night, South Korea's military said, in the latest round of a Cold War-style campaign on the Korean Peninsula. The launches came days after North Korean leader Kim...

A fire at a lithium battery factory in South Korea kills 22 mostly Chinese migrant workers

Jun. 24, 2024 08:56 AM EDT

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A fire likely sparked by exploding lithium batteries swept through a manufacturing factory near South Korea’s capital on Monday, killing 22 mostly Chinese migrant workers and injuring eight, officials said. The fire began after batteries exploded while...

US aircraft carrier arrives in South Korea as a show of force against nuclear-armed North Korea

Jun. 22, 2024 22:04 PM EDT

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A nuclear-powered U.S. aircraft carrier arrived Saturday in South Korea for a three-way exercise involving Japan as they step up military training to cope with North Korean threats, which have escalated following a security pact with Russia. The arrival of...

South Korea summons Russian ambassador as tensions rise with North Korea

Jun. 21, 2024 19:36 PM EDT

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea summoned the Russian ambassador to protest the country’s new defense pact with North Korea on Friday, as border tensions continued to rise with vague threats and brief, seemingly accidental incursions by North Korean troops. Earlier Friday,...

South Korea will consider supplying arms to Ukraine after Russia and North Korea sign strategic pact

Jun. 20, 2024 21:21 PM EDT

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea said Thursday that it would consider sending arms to Ukraine, a major policy change that was suggested after Russia and North Korea rattled the region and beyond by signing a pact to come to each other’s defense in the event of war. The...