Nat’l Assembly begins 3-day Q&A session with focus on political issues, diplomacy, security on Tues.

South Korea’s National Assembly on Tuesday afternoon is set to begin three days of questioning of government officials. Questions on the first day focus on political issues, as well as diplomacy and security. The session is also expected to address the Yoon administration’s policy on North Korea, including its response to Pyongyang’s sending of balloons … Read more

[Weather] Heavy monsoon rain today with rain and wind advisory

Good morning. Monsoon rain will pour down today. Southern provinces are seeing heavier showers but rain will lash down in the capital area soon. 30 to 50 millimeters an hour of heavy showers could pound down on many parts of Korea. Until tomorrow morning, the upper parts of Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do could see more than … Read more

Category 4 Hurricane Beryl makes landfall in the Caribbean

A fearsome Category 4 storm hit islands in the Caribbean on Monday bringing catastrophic winds, life-threatening storm surges, and intense rainfall. Hurricane Beryl made landfall on Grenada’s Carriacou Island on Monday morning, with speeds of up to around 240 kilometers per hour. Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell in a news briefing spoke of “widespread reports … Read more

Boeing to face criminal charges related to 737 MAX crashes

Airplane manufacturer Boeing is set to face criminal charges over fraud related to the two fatal crashes of its 737 MAX jets. The U.S. Justice Department will criminally charge Boeing and offer the plane maker a plea deal that includes a financial penalty of some 500 million dollars, and independent audits for safety and compliance … Read more

Israel releases Gaza’s al-Shifa hospital chief

Israel on Monday released the head of Gaza’s al-Shifa hospital from prison, seven months after being accused of working with Hamas. Mohammad Abu Salmiya, who was arrested in November was one of more than 50 Palestinians released from prison leading to intense backlash from Israel’s cabinet against intelligence officials and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel’s … Read more

S. Korea to launch new population ministry to tackle low birthrates, aging population

South Korea’s fight against chronically low birthrates continues, with its latest effort being the launch of a population control tower at the deputy prime minister level. It’ll be also in charge of strategies related to the aging population. Our Shin Ha-young reports. Following high-level meetings with the ruling party, the government announced plans on Monday … Read more