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US visa setbacks for ruling party lawmakers raise alliance concerns

Recent U.S. visa problems involving two lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) have drawn criticism over how Washington treats representatives of a key ally. The issue comes as relations between Seoul and Washington hit "turbulence," as described by U.S. Ambassador to Korea Michelle Steel, following a series of differing opinions over matters including the timeline of wartime operational control (OPCON) transfer, joint military exercises, the projects making up Korea's $350 billion investment commitment, intelligence sharing and Korea's regulations on American firms such as Coupang. Rep. Jin Sung-joon of the DPK, chair of the National Assembly’s National Defense Committee, said he received a visa refusal notice ahead of a planned visit to the country from Sunday to Thursday. The delegation, Jin and lawmakers from other parties, was due to visit the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii and meet its commander, Adm. Samuel Paparo. In a Facebook post Wednesday, Jin called the decision an affront to the Assembly. “It disregards the standing of Korea’s National Assembly

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KHNP, consortium fail to agree on Czech nuclear plant contract

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) announced Thursday that it had ended negotiations with a consortium of Daewoo E&C and Doosan Enerbility over a construction contract for a 26 trillion won ($19.4 billion) nuclear power project in the Czech Republic, after the two sides failed to reach an agreement on key terms. KHNP said it would begin terminating its cooperation agreement with the consortium and prepare a competitive bidding process to select a new contractor, seeking to minimize disruption to construction of the two Korean-designed APR1000 reactors at the country’s Dukovany site. “KHNP and the construction consortium had worked to reach an amicable agreement through working-level negotiations, a dispute mediation committee and management-level talks, but failed to reach a final agreement,” the state-run nuclear operator said. The breakdown follows about 15 months of negotiations after KHNP signed the main contract with Elektrarna Dukovany II, the Czech state-run company in charge of the project, in June 2025. KHNP said the two sides had already been at odds over key contract ter

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InterviewFines won't fix problem: Korea needs new playbook as AI changes hacking paradigm

Fines and stricter regulations are no panacea for a growing wave of suspected artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted cyberattacks targeting Korea's financial sector, a cybersecurity expert said Thursday, calling for a government task force to overhaul the country’s cybersecurity defenses. "Humans simply cannot keep up with AI agents' hacking threats. The entire paradigm of cybersecurity has changed, requiring both the government and the private sector to rethink how they defend against cyberattacks," Lim Jong-in, chair of the AI committee at Soongsil University, said in a phone interview with The Korea Times. Lim, a former presidential special adviser on cybersecurity, called for the launch of a presidential office-led task force to coordinate responses to AI-driven threats, warning that such attacks will become more sophisticated. His warning comes as suspected AI-assisted cyberattacks ripple through Korea's financial sector, spreading from commercial banks to brokerages and cryptocurrency exchanges. Brokerage firm Daishin Securities, cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb and asset manager M

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N. Korea fires nearly dozen ballistic missiles after S. Korea's dialogue offer

North Korea fired about a dozen short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Thursday, the South Korean military said, in an apparent cold rebuff to Seoul's offer for talks aimed at easing border tensions sparked by a recent land mine blast. The missiles were launched from the Wonsan area on the North's east coast at around 12:30 p.m. and flew about 250 kilometers, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said, adding that further analysis of other specifications was under way with coordination with the United States. Short-range ballistic missiles have a range of 300-1,000 km. A military official said the latest missile launch is believed to have involved the North's KN-25 super-large 600-millimeter multiple rocket launcher, which Pyongyang claims can be fitted with its Hwasan-31 tactical nuclear warheads. There also exists a possibility that the North conducted a mixed-salvo drill combining various offensive assets alongside the ballistic missiles, such as cruise missiles, drones or rocket artillery systems smaller than the 600-mm launcher, according to the South Korean military. The la

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Cover Story

Itaewon, October 2022: importance of memory

I was in Itaewon on the night of Oct. 28, 2022, taking photos. The following night, I learned from my deputy at the Mexican Embassy about the tragedy that had just happened. He went as close as he could to the scene and kept in contact with the police all night, trying to find out if any Mexican nationals were among the victims and reporting to me regularly until dawn. As the number of dead rose, eventually reaching 159, I grieved deeply, as did the Korean people and the foreign families who lost loved ones. How could that happen? I knew the reason, because I was there the night before: too many people in such small streets and alleys and no crowd management at all. The following year, before the first anniversary, I examined the 280 pictures I had taken until 1 a.m. What I saw were young people parading in sheer happiness and excitement, joyful at taking pictures and being photographed. I have lived in the United States and knew about the aesthetic of Halloween, where “everyone is entitled to one good scare,” as Ray Bradbury wrote. The horror theme was certainly there in Itaewon. Ho

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Samsung Electronics' Q3 dividend jumps 12-fold, investors remain disappointed

Samsung Electronics will pay out 30 trillion won ($22.5 billion) in dividends for the third quarter, increasing its dividend per share more than 12-fold in a move to address the mismatch between its sluggish share price and record-breaking earnings performance. The company reported an operating profit of 107.44 trillion won and revenue of 195.25 trillion won for the July-September period, up 783.1 percent and 126.9 percent year-on-year, respectively, on Thursday. The chipmaking Device Solutions Division accounted for most of the profit, logging 147.1 trillion won in sales and 106.5 trillion won in operating profit. However, investors reacted with disappointment, as the company had already signaled plans to increase its dividends and delayed the announcement of additional shareholder return measures until next year. Samsung Electronics shares closed at 232,000 won on Thursday, down 4.13 percent. At a board meeting, Samsung Electronics approved a quarterly dividend of 4,601 won per share for both common and preferred shares, more than 12 times its quarterly payout of around 370 won per sh

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NK leader may have discussed potential talks with US during China visit: spy agency

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may have conveyed Pyongyang's position on potential talks with the United States during his recent visit to China, Seoul's spy agency told lawmakers Thursday. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) made the assessment during a closed-door parliamentary intelligence committee audit, according to Rep. Youn Kun-young of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea and Rep. Yoo Yeong-ha of the main opposition People Power Party. The NIS also said Kim may have had a purpose for his visit to China beyond commemorating Beijing's participation in the Korean War, noting that he was accompanied by senior diplomats, such as Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, rather than military officials. "China could gently convey Kim's stance to the U.S., but it does not seem like China has the intention of actively mediating talks (between Washington and Pyongyang)," the NIS was quoted as saying, without providing specific grounds for such an assessment. Kim took a one-day trip to Dandong on Saturday, meeting Wang Huning, China's top political adviser, and visiting a war memorial amid Pyong

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US official calls Korean firms' participation in nuclear expansion 'almost mandatory'

Washington considers the participation of Korean companies all but essential to its nuclear expansion, a U.S. government official familiar with the matter said in Seoul Thursday, as the two countries look to build reactors at home and in third countries. “I think it's almost mandatory that we will have Korean companies involved,” the official said, after attending the International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power in Incheon. “We would like to have Korean companies participate in moving forward the renaissance in U.S. and around the world,” the official added. “We do need Korean companies, who have very good experience in this area already, to help in that process.” The official said the 123 Agreement, the bilateral pact governing civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries, does not prevent Korean firms from participating. Requirements attached to exported technology amount to standard export-control matters rather than a barrier under the agreement itself, the official noted. The Korean industry is already embedded in several U.S. projects. SK is among the la

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N. Korea appears to test propaganda loudspeakers along border

North Korea appears to have conducted a test broadcast of its propaganda loudspeakers in areas along the inter-Korean border Thursday, a week after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister issued a warning. Residents in the South Korean border city of Paju said that loudspeaker broadcasts from North Korea began at 6 a.m., adding the volume was relatively low, but the sounds were audible from the early morning. "At 6:30 a.m., I heard music for a brief moment, followed by faint sounds resembling ghostly wails," said a resident of Daeseongdong, the only civilian village inside the Demilitarized Zone. On Oct. 22, Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of the North Korean leader, warned that propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts targeting South Korea would be ready along the inter-Korean border within this month. Her warning came a day after she inspected the North's border fortification work and threatened to take military action against South Korean troops over their firing of warning shots at North Korean soldiers crossing the border. A resident of Tongilchon village in Paju said he heard broadcasts

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Major financial groups enjoy strong Q3 earnings, but face mounting regulatory pressure

Korea’s four largest financial groups — KB, Shinhan, Hana and Woori — have shown strong earnings for the third quarter of this year, posting a combined 5.76 trillion won ($4.31 billion) in net profit. But a recent wave of cyberattacks and data breaches, as well as tougher regulatory scrutiny of corporate governance, are adding to the challenges they face, industry officials said Thursday. According to market data, KB Financial Group led the pack with a third-quarter net profit of 1.91 trillion won, up 13.1 percent from a year earlier. Its cumulative profit for the first nine months reached a record 5.79 trillion won. Shinhan followed with 1.58 trillion won, an 11.3 percent increase from the same period last year. Its nine-month net profit also hit a record, at 5.03 trillion won. Hana logged a net profit of 1.22 trillion won, its highest quarterly figure since the 2015 merger of Hana Bank and Korea Exchange Bank. Woori was the only one of the four to post a decline, with net profit falling 15.7 percent to 1.04 trillion won. Even so, it recorded a quarterly profit of over 1 trillion

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Ex-UN chief urges green transition to drive growth, boost competitiveness

Ban Ki-moon, president and chair of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), urged countries on Thursday to accelerate the shift toward a greener economy to secure long-term growth and strengthen their global competitiveness. Speaking at the Global Green Growth Week (GGGW) Summit, the former U.N. secretary-general identified technological innovation, large scale capital mobilization and stronger international cooperation as three priorities for turning green transition commitments into tangible, measurable results. “The green transition is an economic imperative, a strategic investment and an opportunity to create green jobs, strengthen energy security, improve public health and build more resilient societies,” Ban said in his welcoming remarks at the summit’s opening ceremony. “The countries that move decisively today will be better positioned to compete tomorrow.” Ban called for a substantial increase in funding for the green transition, saying developing countries often struggle to turn viable projects into reality because they lack affordable financing and the expertise t

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Hyundai Motor's Q3 operating profit rises 5.5% despite external challenges

Hyundai Motor posted modest growth in its operating profit for the third quarter, as stronger sales of higher-value vehicles, particularly hybrids, and favorable exchange rates helped offset production disruptions and weaker global demand, the carmaker said Thursday. In a regulatory filing, the automaker reported its operating profit grew by 5.5 percent between July and September to 2.68 trillion won ($2.05 billion), while its sales fell 3.4 percent to 45 trillion won during the same period. The carmaker managed to weather market concerns to some extent with the earnings growth, as the market expected it to continue its losing streak due to multiple risk factors, such as domestic production disruptions caused by labor strikes and deepening competition around the world. Hyundai Motor attributed the profit increase to favorable exchange rates, cost optimization measures and an improved sales mix driven by growing demand for hybrids. The average won-dollar exchange rate rose 2.8 percent from a year earlier to 1,423 won during the third quarter. Hybrids accounted for 18.2 percent of the comp

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Fed's hawkish hold strengthens case for BOK's hike in November

The U.S. Federal Reserve's hawkish decision to hold interest rates steady has strengthened the case for the Bank of Korea (BOK) to raise its benchmark rate as early as next month, as stronger-than-expected growth and persistent inflation reinforce the need for further monetary tightening, analysts said Thursday. The Fed kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.75 to 4 percent on Wednesday (local time), but signaled that inflation remains elevated and reaffirmed its commitment to bringing inflation back to its 2 percent target. The decision has kept markets focused on the possibility of another Fed rate hike in December, raising the prospect that the BOK could pursue further tightening before its U.S. counterpart makes its next move. The BOK held its benchmark rate at 3 percent at its rate-setting meeting last Thursday, saying it needed more time to assess domestic and external economic conditions and the effects of two previous rate hikes. Recent economic data have strengthened the case for further tightening. Korea's real gross domestic product grew 1 percent in the third quarter

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2026 MAMA AWARDS to travel across time, space with 'A Music Interstellar'

This year's MAMA AWARDS will take audiences on a journey between the stars, where music transcends the boundaries of past and present, here and there, organizers said Thursday as they unveiled plans for CJ ENM's flagship K-pop ceremony. The theme, “A Music Interstellar,” was introduced at a media day held at the Eliena Hotel in Gangnam District, Seoul, ahead of the 2026 MAMA AWARDS, set for Nov. 20 and 21 at Kyocera Dome Osaka in Japan. The event was attended by Shin Hyung-kwan, head of CJ ENM's music content business division; Yoon Shin-hye, head of its Mnet business division; and Park Chan-uk, head of its convention business division. Yoon said the theme captures 2026 as a moment when older songs find new life amid fast-changing trends and audiences around the world enjoy the same music as K-pop expands. Launched in 1999 as Mnet's music video awards, the ceremony was renamed the Mnet Asian Music Awards in 2009 and rebranded as the MAMA AWARDS in 2022. The idea of crossing boundaries carries into a series of collaborations. K-pop boy band ENHYPEN will team up with Hollywood sci-fi b

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InterviewFrom Korean language classes to disaster relief, one woman's mission in Fukushima

FUKUSHIMA, Japan — For years, Chung Hyun-suk, a Korean living in Fukushima, Japan, devoted herself to teaching Korean language and culture, building ties between local residents and her home country. But the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck northeastern Japan in 2011 transformed her mission from cultural exchange to disaster relief and, eventually, community welfare. Chung, 65, founded Fukukan Net, a nonprofit organization promoting cultural exchanges, between Korea and Japan in 2001, when opportunities to learn Korean language and culture in Fukushima were limited. The organization thrived amid the first Korean wave in the early 2000s, buoyed by the popularity of the hit drama "Winter Sonata." At its peak, its Korean language program attracted some 400 students, while Chung continued funding much of its activities out of her own pocket alongside her work as a university lecturer. But everything changed on March 11, 2011, when the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami devastated the region. "Every day, refugees flooded in and people were dying from the tsunami, includin

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Mirae Asset to reenter Japan with acquisition of Sanko Securities

A decade after it exited the country, Mirae Asset Securities is set to reenter Japan through its acquisition of local brokerage Sanko Securities, as it looks to expand its presence in a market where retail investment is gaining momentum, the company said Thursday. The company said its board approved a plan to purchase 100 percent of the stakes in Sanko Securities through its U.S. affiliate, Mirae Asset Securities Holdings. The deal is valued at an estimated 42.6 billion won ($35.62 million), with the final price to be determined at closing after regulatory approvals and other conditions are met. Mirae Asset will inject a total of 100.6 billion won into its U.S. affiliate to fund the acquisition and subsequent business expansion in Japan. Sanko, which operates under Okasan Securities Group, specializes in proprietary trading — buying and selling stocks, bonds and other securities with its own capital to generate returns. It posted a net profit of roughly 400 million won and net assets of 39.1 billion won for the fiscal year ended March 2026, the company said. The acquisition will give M

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Global coffee brands to converge in Seoul for int'l cafe show

The 25th Seoul International Cafe Show will open Nov. 11 for a four-day run at Coex in Seoul. This year’s event aims to strengthen its position as a global coffee business platform, bringing together leading coffee brands from around the world to connect with Korea’s dynamic market and explore business opportunities. For global companies and participating brands, the exhibition offers opportunities to establish new business channels, identify emerging industry trends and expand their market reach. Attendees can also explore a range of specialized programs designed to foster cross-border collaboration. A key highlight is Coffee Alley, running under the theme of meeting the world’s top independent specialty coffee brands. This signature showcase will feature a total of 78 powerhouse brands, comprising 58 domestic and 20 overseas participants, including elite international cafes that have dominated global rankings. The newly introduced Bakery Alley and the returning Cherry’s Choice will give brands a platform to showcase innovative products and explore the latest F&B trends through

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Envoys call for stronger women's leadership across Asia-Pacific

Japan’s election of its first female prime minister reflects years of deliberate effort to promote women’s participation in politics, Japanese Ambassador to Korea Koichi Mizushima said Wednesday. Mizushima spoke at a forum marking the 10th anniversary of Women Corporate Directors (WCD) Korea in Seoul, under the theme "Visionary Boards and Inclusive Growth: Shaping the Future of Asia-Pacific Boards.” Congratulating the organization's achievements in advancing board diversity, Mizushima highlighted Japan's longstanding commitment to gender equality, citing the enactment of the Basic Act for Gender Equal Society in 1999 and the Sixth Basic Plan for Gender Equality introduced early this year to promote women in leadership. Stressing the importance of empowering the next generation, he noted that Japan's foreign ministry launched the Next Generation Gender Network program in 2025 to nurture young leaders and strengthen cross-border cooperation, particularly in Asia. "Our ultimate goal remains clear: to build a society where women have a strong voice, actively participate in decision-mak

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Husband who poured boiling water on Thai wife gets sentence reduction on appeal

A Korean man who was sentenced to three years and six months in prison for pouring boiling water on his sleeping Thai wife and causing severe burns has had his sentence reduced by six months on appeal. According to legal sources on Wednesday, the Uijeongbu District Court's Criminal Division 1, presided over by Judge Jeong Do-young, overturned the lower court's ruling and sentenced the man in his 40s to three years in prison at an appeal hearing on Oct. 22. The man had been indicted and detained on charges of aggravated injury. "The defendant reached a settlement with the victim under conditions including paying her 15 million won ($11,000), and the victim wishes the court to show leniency toward him," the appellate court said. "Considering all the sentencing factors presented during the proceedings, we find that the original sentence was too harsh and therefore unjust." The man was indicted on charges of pouring water boiled in an electric kettle over the face and neck of his Thai wife, identified as B, while she was sleeping at their home in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province, on Dec. 3, 202

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InterviewIncheon Global Campus aims to become engine of regional innovation

Students seeking degrees from prestigious universities overseas could head straight to their main campuses overseas. But Incheon Global Campus (IGC) is making a case for choosing Korea instead, offering access to the country's thriving high-tech industries alongside a world-class education. Located in the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ), IGC is seeking to turn its proximity to major biotechnology, semiconductor and other advanced technology companies into a competitive advantage, connecting international education with hands-on industry experience and career opportunities. "Simply having prestigious foreign universities in Incheon is no longer enough to prove our value," said Byun Ju-young, CEO of the Incheon Global Campus Foundation, during an interview with The Korea Times. "What matters now is whether their education and research capabilities can translate into technological innovation and job creation in the region." Established in 2012, IGC was designed to serve as a global education hub within the IFEZ, attracting foreign universities while nurturing talent for the region's strat

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Editor's Pick

Debate grows over KAI privatization as Hanwha aims to expand stake

Debate grows over KAI privatization as Hanwha aims to expand stake

The privatization of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) could gain momentum as the state-run Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank) commissions a 1.8 billion won ($1.36 million) consulting project and the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) highlights the benefits of stronger competition among major defense companies. Although Eximbank and KAI have expressed reservations about a change in ownership, KAI’s slower growth compared to its defense industry peers, despite a boom in arms exports, is fueling calls for privatization. Eximbank is KAI’s largest shareholder, with a 26.41 percent stake. According to Rep. Ahn Sang-hoon of the main opposition People Power Party and other sources, Eximbank recently selected AT Kearney as the preferred bidder for the consulting project and is proceeding with the subsequent steps. The project will examine ways to strengthen Korea’s aerospace industry and foster global anchor companies. Reports that the project was initiated at the government’s request have also sparked controversy. On Oct. 20, KAI CEO Kim Jong-chool said the company’s ownership structure

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Life in Korea

Yongsan opens English library for kids combining AI tech, interactive exhibits

Yongsan opens English library for kids combining AI tech, interactive exhibits

A new children’s library in central Seoul is pairing English books with artificial intelligence (AI), interactive exhibits and cultural activities in an effort to make language learning feel less like a lesson and more like an adventure. Yongsan District said Thursday that Dongbinggo English Library for Children opened Wednesday on the first floor of Onnuri Youth Center in Dongbinggo Neighborhood Park, offering children a dedicated space for reading, language development and hands-on learning. The 389.74-square-meter facility includes a children’s reading room, program rooms and a waiting area for parents, along with a digital aquarium and interactive content designed to extend children’s experiences beyond the pages of books. About 80 people, including Yongsan District Mayor Kim Gyeong-dae and local residents, attended the opening ceremony, which featured a project briefing, congratulatory remarks, unveiling of the library sign and a tour of the facility. The library offers English-language books, along with programs tailored to different reading levels and activities intended to

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Lifestyle

Man swallows earbud in his sleep, hears it beeping from his stomach

Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com. A man accidentally swallowed a wireless earbud while sleeping at night in a frightening incident that led to its eventual removal through a colonoscopy. After turning on the alert sound to locate his missing earbud, the man heard beeping coming from his abdomen and went to the hospital. The case was reported by doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Raebareli and the Government Medical College and Hospital in Chandigarh, India. According to the report, the 33-year-old man fell asleep while listening to music and woke up with the sensation that something was stuck in his throat. The discomfort disappeared after he swallowed several times, although he vaguely remembered swallowing something. When he got up in the morning, he noticed that one of his earbuds was missing. He immediately activated the Find My Earbuds feature on his smartphone. To his surprise, he heard a beeping sound coming from inside his abdomen. He rushed to the emergency department. The man arrived at the emergency department about six hours after he was believ

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Man swallows earbud in his sleep, hears it beeping from his stomach

K-Culture

Virtual idol group PLAVE hits No. 31 on Billboard 200

Korean virtual idol group PLAVE has achieved its highest-ever ranking on the U.S. Billboard's main albums chart with its latest release. The band's fifth EP, "Hyperdrive," debuted at No. 31 on the Billboard 200, according to the latest chart released Tuesday (U.S. time). The result surpassed the group's previous best ranking of No. 145, set by its fourth EP, "Caligo Pt. 2," in May, which marked PLAVE's first appearance on the chart. Released Oct. 19, "Hyperdrive" also sold more than 1.32 million copies in Korea during its first week, setting a new sales record for the group. Elsewhere on the chart, the original soundtrack for the hit Netflix animation "KPop Demon Hunters" and Katseye's "Wild" placed at No. 35 and No. 39, respectively. BTS' fifth full-length album, "Arirang," ranked 46th, down five spots from the previous week, extending its run on the chart to a 31st consecutive week. Stray Kids' "This & That" placed 93rd. On the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart, "Dracula," a collaborative single by Jennie of K-pop girl group BLACKPINK and Australian act Tame Impala, ranked at No. 8, spending

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Virtual idol group PLAVE hits No. 31 on Billboard 200

Celebrities

Ex-The Boyz member Ju Haknyeon wins lawsuit over report alleging prostitution

Former THE BOYZ member Ju Haknyeon has won a damages lawsuit against an entertainment reporter who accused him of paying for sex with a former Japanese adult video actress — an allegation that preceded his departure from the K-pop group. The Seoul Central District Court ordered the reporter, identified only as A, to pay Ju 200 million won ($140,000) in damages, according to legal sources Wednesday. The court's Civil Division 25, presided over by Judge Kwon Ki-man, handed down the ruling on Oct. 23 The controversy began in June last year, when A reported that Ju had paid for sex with Kirara Asuka, a former Japanese adult video actress, at a bar in Tokyo. The reporter said the allegation was based on a questionnaire obtained from Japanese weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun. The report had immediate consequences for Ju's career. He suspended all activities, while his agency, ONE HUNDRED, announced that he would leave THE BOYZ and that his exclusive contract would be terminated. Ju denied the prostitution allegation and filed a 1 billion won damages lawsuit against A, saying the report contained

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Ex-The Boyz member Ju Haknyeon wins lawsuit over report alleging prostitution

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Opinion

Top 10 Stories

  1. COVER STORY Itaewon, October 2022: importance of memory

  2. Call of Duty game under fire for using real Itaewon crowd crush footage

  3. Samsung Electronics' Q3 dividend jumps 12-fold, investors remain disappointed

  4. US visa troubles for Korean lawmakers 'very unusual': ex-US diplomat

  5. N. Korea fires nearly dozen ballistic missiles after S. Korea's dialogue offer

  6. High-speed train collision kills at least 68 in Spain's 2nd deadly rail crash this year

  7. Special counsel again seeks death penalty for ex-President Yoon over martial law declaration

  8. InterviewGrades matter less than motivation in AI era, HKU vice-president says

  9. Gov't to designate new housing zones for over 76,000 homes near Seoul

  10. US visa setbacks for ruling party lawmakers raise alliance concerns

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