Stories from South Korea

A passenger car and an SUV collided at an intersection in Sinjeong-dong, Seoul, around 11:00 AM. The collision caused the SUV to overturn, resulting in smoke rising from the vehicle. District office employees on the scene used hammers to break the windows and rescue the driver. No casualties were reported due to the rapid response of nearby officials. Local district office employees responded quickly to the scene, preventing further damage or casualties. The incident was reported by YTN reporter Choi Seung-hoon.

The Daegu District Prosecutors' Office indicted 26-year-old Cho Jae-bok for allegedly killing his mother-in-law and disposing of her body in a travel suitcase. An accomplice was released without indictment after prosecutors determined the individual acted under coercion. The accomplice was reportedly in a state of physical vulnerability, including a broken hip, and was subjected to continuous violence.

Demolition work has commenced at a building damaged by fire to facilitate a forensic investigation. Safety engineers plan to move vehicles from the third floor and rooftop before proceeding with the removal. Police estimate the demolition process will take approximately 45 days. Due to collapse risks, forensic examination of the first floor will be decided based on the progress of the demolition. Investigators intend to use sky vehicles to observe the interior and conduct searches for remains and personal effects.

Former Ssangbangwool Chairman Kim Seong-tae appeared before a National Assembly special committee investigating allegations of manipulated indictments. Kim denied allegations of being an accomplice to President Lee Jae-myung. He refuted Democratic Party claims that $8 million sent to North Korea was for stock price manipulation or used for parties. Kim expressed emotion and apologized to the President during his testimony. Kim noted he had previously visited a police station following verbal abuse. He refused to answer most questions from the People Power Party, citing his ongoing trial. The hearing also faced disruptions regarding alleged contact with Seo Yong-gyo.

Fire authorities in Seoul conducted searches for several deer reported to have escaped from a farm. The Seoul Guro Fire Station responded to a report at approximately 6:00 PM today regarding the sighting. A similar report was received earlier at 1:00 PM, but the animals have not yet been located. The deer reportedly escaped from a farm located approximately 3km away from the mountain area.

A security guard in his 60s died after being struck by a white SUV in Incheon. The vehicle reportedly drove onto the sidewalk and struck the guard before traveling approximately 10 meters and stopping in the middle of a crosswalk. Witnesses reported a chaotic scene as pedestrians attempted to flee the vehicle. The victim was transported to a hospital in cardiac arrest but later passed away. The victim assisted students with pedestrian crossings at an apartment entrance crosswalk during morning school hours between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. Residents left white chrysanthemums and notes of gratitude at the accident site. Police investigations revealed the driver had consumed more sleeping pills than usual the previous day. The incident occurred during the driver's attempt to provide passage guidance.

South Korea and Ghana signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) covering climate change, artificial intelligence, and maritime security. This ruling more than doubled her previous sentence of 20 months handed down in January. An explosion occurred in South Korea involving the Democratic Party and Rebuilding Korea Party, resulting in five injuries. Five people were injured in the blast, according to the report. The incident follows political pressure from U.S. lawmakers regarding investigations into Coupang's data leak. This move is intended to support the country's petrochemical and oil-derived industries. Major firms in the sector are currently expanding plant operations to accommodate the inbound supplies. South Korea has already signed a deal to exchange 14 million barrels through a crude swap system to assist refiners.

An appellate court is scheduled to deliver a verdict regarding former President Yoon Suk Yeol at 3:00 PM on the 29th. The charges stem from his actions during a state of martial law, specifically regarding the drafting and destruction of martial law proclamations. The case is being heard separately from the main insurrection-related trial. Charges include infringing on the deliberation rights of cabinet members during an emergency meeting and obstructing the arrest of security personnel by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials. The court found that Yoon refused to comply with arrest warrants without justifiable cause and mobilized security personnel for private use. Yoon faces charges including investigation interference and bribery. Both former leaders are now facing prison terms. The court rejected all grounds for appeal submitted by the defense.

The court ruled that Kim had intent to participate in the crime rather than mere awareness of price manipulation. The ruling stated Kim used the funds specifically for Deutsche Motors stock trading without loss-guarantee agreements. The court viewed stock manipulation as a comprehensive crime and determined that the statute of limitations for prosecuting accomplices had not expired. Kim Gun-Hwi maintains his innocence, citing a lack of direct evidence of awareness. The court ruled that the receipt of a Chanel bag constituted a request for favors, a finding that differed from the first instance ruling. The prosecution's initial findings were upheld according to the report. The court determined that the public opinion polls were not commissioned by former President Yoon's side.

President Lee Jae-myung said the need for strategic and flexible diplomacy during his first cabinet meeting following a six-day trip to India and Vietnam. Lee also stressed the necessity of self-reliant national defense to reduce dependence on foreign military presence. The remarks come amid observations of potential friction in South Korea-US relations regarding regional security strategies. President Lee met with opposition parties and independent lawmakers for lunch at the National Assembly today. Lee noted that while domestic issues can be overcome internally, the external environment remains difficult. He specifically highlighted challenges in foreign policy and security, including US-Korea relations and the US-Iran conflict.