Stories from Seoul · South Korea

A soldier, identified as Person A, fabricated a story about transportation difficulties to avoid returning to his unit on his scheduled return date. The individual's girlfriend, a nurse, allegedly participated by calling a commanding officer to relay false information.

A major investment strategy has overtaken BlackRock in terms of total Bitcoin holdings. The strategy acquired 3.7 trillion KRW worth of Bitcoin over a single week. Strategy has purchased an additional 3,273 Bitcoin, valued at approximately 376 billion KRW.

The incident occurred on December 12, 2024, in Jung-gu, Seoul, during a movement involving former President Yoon Suk-yeol. The charges relate to unauthorized road occupation following an emergency drill on October 3, 2024.

A mother was arrested 15 days after the death of her 20-month-old child following an investigation into head injuries. The child suffered skull fractures and severe head trauma. The mother admitted to hitting the child with a remote control due to stress from the child not sleeping. Police confirmed through CCTV that the mother also neglected the child by leaving them alone. The National Forensic Service identified head trauma as the cause of death during an autopsy. Police have arrested the biological mother of an 8-month-old infant who died from a head injury. Authorities are investigating the incident. The mother eventually confessed to the crime after being questioned about the circumstances of the day. A woman in her 30s has been detained by prosecutors for allegedly killing her son by striking him with a remote control.

Nearly half of eligible recipients have completed subsidy applications within four days of the program launch. Employers who fail to pay proper wages for Labor Day work may face criminal penalties. Businesses with fewer than five employees must provide paid holidays for Labor Day, though they are not required to pay additional holiday surcharges. The regulations apply to those securing financial records and designated employees. A social dialogue consultative body held its final plenary meeting at the Government Complex Seoul on Thursday. The group voted to recommend maintaining the current criminal age of responsibility at 14 years old. The decision follows discussions regarding the adjustment of the age for juvenile offenders. The Government Public Officials Ethics Committee reviewed 77 requests for employment by former public officials.

Candidate Cho Kuk stated he seeks evaluation regarding his ability to lead the movement to end the Yoon Suk Yeol administration.

The South Korean defense ministry stated that there are no ongoing discussions regarding a drawdown of United States Forces Korea (USFK). The ministry said that the current troop presence remains a priority for regional security.

South Korea's Democratic Party is pushing for the introduction of a special counsel investigation following the conclusion of a parliamentary investigation. Innovation Party chairman Seo Wang-jin demanded an investigation into whether the prosecution acted under specific instructions during the Pyeongtaek by-election race. The targets include the Ssangbangwool North Korea remittance case and Prosecutor Park Sang-yong, who allegedly refused to indict the son of Lee Hwi-yeol. Democratic Party lawmaker Jung Tae-ho stated the investigation aims to address the privatization of power and potential human rights violations. The ruling People Power Party has responded to the move regarding former chairman Kim Seong-tae and former vice chairman Bang Young-cheol.

Kpop group Big Bang has completed a new album to mark the 20th anniversary of their formation. The group will begin a world tour in August. Leader G-Dragon discussed the group's connection to the audience in a film.

Large-scale demonstrations are scheduled across downtown Seoul for May 1st Labor Day. Authorities plan to operate reversible lanes around protest sites to maintain traffic flow. Officials advised citizens to use subways due to expected heavy congestion near Gwanghwamun. Police stated they will respond strictly to any illegal activities during the rallies. This measure aims to compensate workers facing employment instability. The sustainability of the program, including funding issues, remains a key factor, according to the report. South Korea serves as a supplier of diesel and refined petroleum products to Australia. The announcement was made following developments in South Korea overnight. South Korean officials have denied reports of a US intelligence leak regarding North Korean nuclear capabilities.