Korea, Japan hold 1st science, tech cooperation meeting in 16 yearsKorea and Japan held their first senior-level meeting on science and technology cooperation in 16 years Thursday, the foreign ministry said, as the two countries renewed their commitment to deepen ties in advanced technologies. The 14th meeting of the Korea-Japan Science and Technology Cooperation Committee held in Tokyo earlier in the day, after the two sides agreed to resume the intergovernmental forum for the first time since 2009 during their summit talks in September. The Korean delegation was led by Han Min-young, director general for climate change, energy, environment and scientific affairs at Seoul's foreign ministry, with officials from the science and trade ministries. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation in advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum technology, space and biotechnology.Nov 27, 2025By Yonhap
Korea raises concerns over EU's probe into Czech nuclear power project, new steel safeguardsIndustry Minister Kim Jung-kwan on Thursday conveyed Korea's concerns to the European Union (EU) over the latter's investigation into the Czech Republic's nuclear power plant project, secured by Seoul, and plan to implement stronger steel safeguard measures, Kim's office said. In a Seoul meeting with Henna Virkkunen, the executive vice president of the European Commission (EC) for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Kim called for "amicable" solutions to the issues, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. The EC initiated a foreign subsidies regulation investigation into the Czech nuclear energy project in May to determine if the project's winner, the Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), received unfair foreign subsidies, following a complaint from France's EDF, the KHNP's rival in the bid. With the EU's push to beef up regulations on steel imports, Seoul has continued to express concerns, asking the EU to help Korean companies secure the maximum import quota. Earlier this year, the EC announced plans to reduce tariff-free quotas on foreign steel by 47 pNov 27, 2025By Yonhap
First ladies of Korea, Turkey visit library in AnkaraFirst lady Kim Hea Kyung and Turkish first lady, Emine Erdogan, have visited Turkey's largest library in Ankara and shared their thoughts about cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, Seoul's presidential office said Tuesday. The two first ladies toured the Nation's Library in Ankara on Monday, where they visited the Korean-language section and discussed the growing interest in Korean culture among Turkish youth, vice presidential spokesperson Jeon Eun-soo said in a written briefing. Kim visited Turkey, accompanying President Lee Jae Myung on his state visit. At the library, the two enjoyed a performance of the Korean folk song "Arirang" and a piano recital in honor of Kim, who majored in piano. They then toured an archaeological exhibition hall showcasing artifacts excavated across Turkey, as well as cultural properties repatriated from overseas. After the tour, Kim and Erdogan held a meeting at the presidential residence and signed the Zero Waste Initiative, pledging to support efforts to reduce waste and promote recycling, Jeon said. On the same day, Kim separately visitedNov 25, 2025By Yonhap
Korean, Lao vice FMs discuss cooperation in online scam response, critical mineralsVice foreign ministers of Korea and Laos held talks Monday in Seoul to discuss the strengthening of cooperation in tackling online scams and in other future-oriented areas, according to officials. During his talks with his Lao counterpart, Phongsamouth Anlavan, First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo emphasized the need for closer regional law-enforcement cooperation, calling for active collaboration with Laos in strengthening investigative assistance involving online scams. Anlavan said the Lao government also attaches great importance to the issue and expressed hopes for deeper coordination with Korea. The vice ministers agreed to expand cooperation in future-oriented sectors as well, including critical minerals and the green economy. Park expressed hopes that the two countries will make tangible progress in these areas, while Anlavan expressed hopes to elevate bilateral ties and energize high-level exchanges as the two countries mark the 30th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations. Earlier in the day, the Seoul foreign ministry hosted the Korea-Laos Future Forum in SeoNov 24, 2025By Yonhap
Doha Forum 2025 calls on global leaders to deliver ‘Justice in Action’The international community is facing the urgent need to implement concrete steps to ensure fairness, accountability and opportunity for everyone, moving beyond mere commitments. To discuss the critical challenges, policymakers and decision-makers from around the world will gather for the 23rd edition of the Doha Forum, a leading global platform for diplomacy and dialogue, in Qatar on Dec. 6 and 7. The organizer unveiled the theme of the forum earlier this year: “Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress.” Mubarak Ajlan Al-Kuwari, executive director of the Doha Forum, highlighted the forum’s renewed focus on creating real-world impact through its theme. "With ‘Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress,’ we reaffirm our mission to foster meaningful dialogue and drive transformative change," the executive director said in a January press release. Maha Al-Kuwari, general manager of the forum, also stressed the event’s commitment to achieving its vision through broad consultation. "We look forward to advancing this vision by fostering impactful conversations and generatinNov 20, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
Lee meets Korean troops stationed in UAEABU DHABI — President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday met with the Korean military contingent in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and commended their service in contributing to peace and security in the Middle Eastern nation. Lee met with about 50 members of the Akh unit during his stay in Abu Dhabi, before concluding his three-day state visit to the UAE. "You are carrying out important duties that protect peace in the world and the Middle East, elevate the dignity of the Republic of Korea and safeguard the lives of our people," Lee said, referring to Korea by its official name. He expressed gratitude for their service and vowed to remember their dedication. "The nation will not forget the sacrifices you are making," said Lee, donning the unit's uniform. The Akh unit has been carrying out various missions in the UAE since its establishment in 2011, including protecting Korean nationals in the region in case of emergencies. Akh means brother in Arabic. During a leader-to-leader summit, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted the service of the Akh unit and expressed hope for deepenNov 19, 2025By Yonhap
Shutdown leaves Korean families in US scrambling for groceriesAcross the U.S., low-income families are tightening their grocery budgets as the federal government shutdown drags into its sixth week. With food stamp benefits in limbo, many are unsure whether they will get money for groceries this month, and community centers from Los Angeles to New York are fielding anxious calls from families worried about how to put food on the table. The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits to about 42 million Americans, including thousands of Korean American households. But as the shutdown continues without a spending agreement, several states have warned that November deposits could be delayed or reduced. The White House said Monday that it would release limited emergency funds to provide partial food benefits this month, though officials cautioned the money would cover only a fraction of normal payments and could take weeks or even months to reach recipients. For many who rely on food aid from SNAP, the uncertainty has turned into panic. “They say EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) payments in California are delayNov 8, 2025By Jane Han
Korea welcomes Trump with top-level protocolU.S. President Donald Trump arrived at Gimhae International Airport Wednesday morning, marking the start of his highly anticipated state visit during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. His arrival marks Trump’s first visit to Korea in eight years and his second face-to-face summit with President Lee Jae Myung, after their meeting in Washington two months ago. This makes Trump the first foreign leader to be received twice as a state guest in Korea. The Korean government announced "top-level protocol and security" for all heads of state attending the APEC summit, with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun personally greeting Trump upon arrival. The official welcoming ceremony included a 21-gun salute, underscoring Korea’s commitment to honoring the visiting leader. Trump then boarded his presidential helicopter, Marine One, headed to Gyeongju, where his itinerary remains tightly guarded by Korean and U.S. security services. Local police reinforced security perimeters around major sites, including the Hilton Hotel, where Trump will stay durinOct 29, 2025By Lee Hae-rin
Presidential office considering gifting ancient crown replica to TrumpGYEONGJU, North Gyeongsang Province — The presidential office said Tuesday it is considering gifting U.S. President Donald Trump a replica of an ancient gold crown when he visits South Korea this week for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) event. Trump is scheduled to arrive in South Korea on Wednesday for a two-day state visit, during which he will hold talks with President Lee Jae Myung in Gyeongju on the sidelines of the APEC gathering. "(We) are considering a specially manufactured gold-plated model as a gift," a presidential official said. The model is expected to be a replica of an acclaimed gold crown of the Silla kingdom (57 B.C.-A.D. 935), which ruled about two-thirds of the Korean Peninsula at its height, with Gyeongju as its capital. Lee earlier gifted Trump a model of a turtle ship, a type of Korean traditional warship, when they met for talks in Washington in August.Oct 28, 2025By Yonhap
China blocks S. Korean survey ship near West Sea structures in 2nd standoff this year: reportChinese coast guard vessels blocked a South Korean ship last month in an overlapping sea zone of the Yellow Sea while it was inspecting Chinese-built structures, causing a standoff, a U.S. think tank has said. The incident was revealed in a report titled "Korea-China Standoff in the Provisional Measure Zone (PMZ)," published on Monday (U.S. time) by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Citing data from maritime analytics firm Starboard Maritime Intelligence, CSIS said the South Korean research vessel Onnuri entered the Provisional Maritime Zone (PMZ), an overlapping sea zone between the two countries, in the Yellow Sea on Sept. 24 to inspect steel structures installed by China. About six hours later, a Chinese coast guard vessel approached the Onnuri, followed by two additional ships from a port in Qingdao. In response, a South Korean coast guard vessel moved to the area to provide support. The following day, the Onnuri and the South Korean coast guard ship approached two Chinese aquaculture structures, identified as Shenlan No. 1 and Shenlan No. 2,Oct 28, 2025By Yonhap
