Former first lady cleared of abuse of power allegations

The South Korean prosecution on Friday announced it would not indict former President Moon Jae-in’s wife, Kim Jung-sook, in connection with allegations of abuse of power and misappropriation of state funds due to insufficient evidence. The decision comes around 13 months after Kim was first reported to the prosecution in December 2023. "In a case where criminal complaints were filed amid social controversy over the activities of a former president’s spouse, the prosecution conducted investigatio

Feb. 7, 2025

Korea plans to revise Civil Act for 1st time since 1958

The South Korean government said Friday it plans to make its first comprehensive overhaul of the Civil Act in 67 years, modernizing the legal framework that has shaped citizens' lives and economic activities since its enactment in 1958. The legislation is the basis for civil law in Korea and covers property rights, family issues and contract law. The Civil Act has remained largely unchanged since its enactment, making it increasingly difficult to adequately reflect South Korea’s evolving social,

Feb. 7, 2025

Ex-PM joins legal team for Yoon's criminal trial

Hwang Kyo-ahn, who was prime minister under former President Park Geun-hye, is set to defend suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol in his criminal trial on Feb 20. Hwang reportedly submitted the document at the Seoul Central District Court to be appointed as Yoon’s lawyer on Wednesday. The former prime minister has aligned himself closely with Yoon, saying the president's declaration of martial law was a justified action, not insurrection, citing election fraud allegations. “The essence of the marti

Feb. 6, 2025

More Seoul crossings to get countdown timers

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced Wednesday that it plans to expand the number of upgraded pedestrian crossings with countdown timers, aiming to have them installed at 4,000 crosswalks by 2030. Unlike conventional pedestrian traffic lights, those with timers display the remaining time for red lights as well as green, automatically indicating the time for the next signal change. Where they have been installed, countdown crosswalks have played a significant role in decreasing the number

Feb. 5, 2025

Winter fires raise need for regular electrical maintenance

Experts suggest regular checks of circuit breakers, electric devices With fire authorities suspecting an electrical fault -- abnormal conditions in an electric system -- as the primary cause of multiple fires on Monday, safety measures to prevent such incidents have come into focus. The fires occurred at Sangjaeru Rest Area of Deogyusan in Muju, North Jeolla Province, a Buddhist temple in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, and a pig barn in Incheon on Monday. The fires were brought under control within

Feb. 4, 2025

Yoon's criminal trial to open Feb. 20

A separate criminal trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has been indicted on charges of insurrection, is to begin on Feb. 20. The Seoul Central District Court said on Monday it had scheduled the first preparatory hearing for Yoon for 10 a.m. on Feb. 20. The preparatory hearing discusses how the trial is to proceed. Defendants are not obligated to appear in court, but Yoon will likely be facing two trials at the same time, as his impeachment case continues with the Constitutional Court. Though

Feb. 3, 2025

Complete Mangwon Market tour with lovely desserts

Following Hongdae and Yeonnam-dong, the latest trendy spot for young Koreans is Mangwon Market. Still functioning as a conventional market, it has more recently become a sought-after place among locals and overseas travelers. Once you arrive at the market, the sizzling sounds of deep frying fill the air, accompanied by the sight and aroma of vibrant, sweet-smelling snacks. Though Mangwon Market isn’t very large, it offers all the country’s beloved bunsik, the inexpensive street food ranging from

Feb. 3, 2025

Trials to open for military, police leaders in martial law cases

Trials are set to begin this week for high-ranking military and police officials indicted on charges of insurrection and abuse of power in connection with suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration. The Seoul Central District Court will hold the first preparatory hearing for suspended Korean National Police Agency Commissioner Cho Ji-ho and former chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Kim Bong-sik at 10 a.m. Thursday. According to the special prosecution team handling th

Feb. 2, 2025

Dongmyo Flea Market: A nostalgic time travel experience for all generations

Delve into vintage, retro vibe The bustling neighborhood of Hongdae in Mapo-gu and Seongsu-dong, a vibrant cultural hub in Seongdong-gu, have been the go-to date spots for many millennials and Gen Zs. But, Korean baby boomers -- those who were born between 1955 to 1974, which is a period when South Korea’s economic development began in earnest -- have Dongmyo Flea Market, which is their own version of Seongsu-dong where cool vibes coming out from almost every shop and store filled with retro ite

Feb. 1, 2025

Yoon's visitor ban to be lifted, lawyers mull bail request

A ban on visitors for President Yoon Suk Yeol was to be lifted Friday, allowing the sitting president, who remains in pretrial detention while indicted over allegations linked to the martial law crisis, to receive visitors other than his lawyers. Right-wing politicians seek to take advantage of the eased restrictions to rally support for the conservative president. Presidential officials, including Yoon’s chief of staff Chung Jin-suk and Chung's predecessor Kim Dae-ki, who served in the same rol

Jan. 30, 2025