Ex-military commanders get severe prison terms for martial law roles

The Korea Times - Sep 21, 2026

A Seoul court on Monday sentenced five former military commanders to heavy prison terms after finding them guilty of playing key roles in an insurrection under former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed 2024 martial law bid. The Seoul Central District Court handed out an 18-year prison term for Yeo In-hyung, former commander of the Defense Counterintelligence Command, and a 15-year term for Lee Jin-woo, former chief of the Capital Defense Command. It also gave a 12-year term for Moon Sang-ho, former commander of the Defense Intelligence Command, a 10-year term for former Army Chief of Staff Park An-su, who served as the martial law commander, and a nine-year term for Kwak Jong-keun, former commander of the Army Special Warfare Command. The court found the defendants guilty of multiple charges, including sending troops to the National Assembly and the National Election Commission and organizing and operating arrest teams for politicians after Yoon's martial law declaration on Dec. 3, 2024. Special counsel Cho Eun-suk's team had sought 30-year terms for Yeo and Lee, a 25-year term for Park, a

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University of Seoul, George Washington University launch graduate credit-transfer partnership

Sep 21, 2026

University of Seoul, George Washington University launch graduate credit-transfer partnership

The University of Seoul has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with George Washington University (GWU) to establish an academic and credit-transfer partnership for students seeking admission to graduate business programs. The University of Seoul said the MOU was signed by the two institutions at George Washington University on Sept. 15 as part of efforts to strengthen academic cooperation. The agreement will enable University of Seoul students to apply for GWU’s Preferred International Partnership program for international graduate students through academic and curricular collaboration between the two universities. Under the partnership, eligible University of Seoul students can take graduate-level courses at the university before enrolling in a graduate program at GWU. If they earn a grade of B or higher in those courses, up to six credits can be transferred toward their GWU graduate program. Students who enter a GWU graduate program through the credit-transfer arrangement can complete their master’s program at GWU and receive a degree upon fulfilling all graduation requireme

Kookmin University partners with German research institutes, Volkswagen Group Korea foundation

Sep 21, 2026

Kookmin University partners with German research institutes, Volkswagen Group Korea foundation

Kookmin University has joined forces with German research institutes and a Volkswagen Group Korea-affiliated nonprofit organization to nurture global talent in future automotive software, the university said. On Sept. 3, Kookmin University, together with Ajou University, Inha University and Chungbuk National University, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Niedersachsisches Forschungszentrum Fahrzeugtechnik (NFF) and the Institute of Automotive Engineering (IAE), both affiliated with TU Braunschweig, Germany’s oldest technical university, to launch the Automotive Future Talent Fostering Program. The Volkswagen Group WE: Foundation was also a signatory to the MOU. The signing ceremony was attended by Kookmin University President Jeong Seung-ryul; Till Scheer, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group Korea and chairman of the Volkswagen Group WE: Foundation; and Roman Henze, director of the IAE. The partnership aims to cultivate future mobility talent with international research experience and interdisciplinary practical skills. The initiative comes amid rapid changes across t

INSPIRE to host inaugural Sunset Wine & Beer Festival

Sep 21, 2026

INSPIRE to host inaugural Sunset Wine & Beer Festival

INSPIRE Entertainment Resort in Incheon will host its inaugural Sunset Wine & Beer Festival on Oct. 9 and 10, transforming the venue into a lively autumn haven for foodies, culture seekers and families. Running from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. both days at the outdoor grounds of Brasserie 1783, the event is designed to highlight the resort’s expanding culinary portfolio while offering a premium seasonal getaway. The festival seamlessly brings together international beverage selections, signature restaurant offerings and live entertainment. The festival grounds will be divided into three core zones — Wine, Beer and Food — blending gourmet dining, live music, and interactive activities into a complete weekend escape. In the Wine Zone, 10 domestic importers will feature approximately 260 labels originating from 11 countries. Participating booths will offer tastings of six to 10 varieties, spanning champagnes, sparkling options, whites and reds, as well as low- and non-alcoholic choices. The Beer Zone will feature 20 varieties across international, domestic classic and craft labels, including sel

Korea to expand 3,000-ton Coast Guard patrol fleet in West Sea to 17 by 2030

Sep 21, 2026

Korea to expand 3,000-ton Coast Guard patrol fleet in West Sea to 17 by 2030

The government will expand its fleet of 3,000-ton-class patrol vessels to 17 from the current 11 by 2030 in the West Sea as it moves to strengthen maritime sovereignty in key areas and step up efforts to counter illegal foreign fishing vessels, the Ministry of Planning and Budget said Monday. The ministry said the budget proposal for the Coast Guard for next year, which includes the fleet expansion, stands at 2.23 trillion won ($1.6 billion), representing a 6.7 percent increase from this year’s 2.09 trillion won. The buildup is designed to bolster the Coast Guard’s ability to conduct longer-range and longer-duration patrols in the wider waters of the West Sea and other areas with unsettled maritime boundaries, including the Korea-China Provisional Measures Zone. The government has traditionally focused on replacing aging vessels when adding large patrol ships, but the latest plan puts greater emphasis on expanding operational capabilities to safeguard maritime security and national sovereignty. Under the plan, 51.2 billion won has been set aside in next year’s budget to launch cons

Audit finds military helicopter mistakenly entered DMZ during wildfire operation

Sep 21, 2026

Audit finds military helicopter mistakenly entered DMZ during wildfire operation

A South Korean military helicopter mistakenly crossed the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) during wildfire operations in a border area earlier this year, a lawmaker said Monday, citing the outcome of an audit. The Army Surion helicopter mistakenly entered the buffer zone on March 23 in the border county of Yeoncheon, some 60 kilometers north of Seoul, according to audit results submitted to Rep. Kang Sun-young of the main opposition People Power Party. The helicopter, carrying two pilots, was deployed to put out wildfires at the 5th Infantry Division, but it mistakenly entered the nearby 25th Infantry Division inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), according to the audit by the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The Surion chopper entered the DMZ without approval from the U.N. Command, which oversees operations inside the heavily fortified area. It reportedly crossed to the northern side of the MDL and continued firefighting operations there for a while. The Army's Ground Operations Command and front-line corps in charge of flight control were not aware of the MDL crossing at the time. They were

Korea moves to establish ground rules for AI-created music

Sep 21, 2026

Korea moves to establish ground rules for AI-created music

As generative artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes how music is written and produced, Korea is stepping up efforts to set clear ground rules for the digital era. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Monday that it will co-host a major forum Tuesday to address emerging copyright and licensing challenges surrounding AI-assisted music. The discussion, set to take place at the National Assembly, is organized with the office of Rep. Kim Jae-won and the K-Music Rights Organizations Coexistence Committee — a coalition of six industry groups, including the Korea Music Copyright Association and the Korea Popmusic Industry Association, that represent songwriters, labels, performers and producers. Organizers billed it as the first public forum bringing together creators, industry, legal experts and policymakers to discuss how copyright-trust organizations — nonprofit bodies that collect and distribute royalties on behalf of rights holders — should register, collect fees for and distribute payments involving AI-generated or AI-assisted music. Under the theme "The Current State of

Korea expands fast-track visas to spread medical tourism beyond Seoul

Sep 21, 2026

Korea expands fast-track visas to spread medical tourism beyond Seoul

Korea is expanding its roster of government-certified medical tourism facilitators to 112 agencies starting Oct. 1, seeking to channel a record-breaking surge in foreign patient visits into regional economies beyond the capital. The Ministry of Justice said Monday that it added 22 institutions to its "Outstanding Facilitator for Foreign Patients" program, reflecting a concerted effort to broaden the economic benefits of K-medical tourism across the country. The policy shift comes after foreign patient visits to Korea topped 2 million for the first time in 2025, according to the Industrial Research Institute. Those 2.01 million medical tourists generated an estimated 22.8 trillion won ($17 billion) in total economic impact. On average, medical visitors spent 6.73 million won per trip, compared to 2.57 million won spent by conventional tourists. Under the expanded program, 89 medical facilities and 23 private agencies hold the official seal of approval. While 90 of these entities remain in the greater Seoul area, the government boosted nonmetropolitan representation from 14 to 22 by revis

Lee pledges deliberation, humility in state administration

Sep 21, 2026

Lee pledges deliberation, humility in state administration

President Lee Jae Myung on Monday pledged to be more thoughtful and humble in governing the country, reaffirming his efforts to improve the quality of people's lives. "I will think more deeply about what is most needed for the public in this era and fine-tune governance with a humbler attitude," Lee said during a meeting with his key aides at Cheong Wa Dae. "I am once again reflecting on the intention of the voters who elected the administration," the president said. The pledge came as Lee's approval ratings declined to their lowest levels in recent weeks amid controversies over ministerial nominations and other issues. "I feel heavily responsible as the person in charge of state governance for the opinion that improvements in economic indicators are not fully translating into tangible changes in people's livelihoods," he said. The presidential office and the government will join hands to make tangible improvements in people's livelihoods, the president said, adding that he will also stick to his initial vision of pursuing reforms. Meanwhile, the president said he has not decided whether t

Confirmation hearing report adopted for land minister nominee

Sep 21, 2026

Confirmation hearing report adopted for land minister nominee

A parliamentary committee on Monday adopted a confirmation hearing report for Land Minister nominee Hong Jee-sun, paving the way for his appointment. The report was adopted by bipartisan consensus at a meeting of the land, infrastructure and transport committee, though the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) marked him as unfit. PPP Rep. Yoo Ui-dong, the committee chair, said the ruling Democratic Party of Korea's positive assessment of Hong was based on his experience and expertise as a former official of the Gyeonggi provincial government and as second vice land minister. The PPP's assessment, however, was based on perceptions it would be difficult for him to pursue policies with principle due to his close relationship with President Lee Jae Myung and the apparent failure of some of his past projects, Yoo said. Hong underwent a confirmation hearing last week following his nomination by Lee in late August. He vowed to mobilize all public and private sector resources to promptly supply housing in areas in high demand.

3 military officers injured in suspected landmine explosion during operation at DMZ

Sep 21, 2026

3 military officers injured in suspected landmine explosion during operation at DMZ

Three military officers were injured Monday in an unidentified explosion during a search operation at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. The explosion occurred south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) in the western sector of the DMZ earlier in the day, according to the JCS. The military did not specify, but the accident is suspected to be a landmine explosion. It was not immediately known whether the landmine that went off was planted by North Korean troops or by the South Korean military. Two of the injured officers were transported via an emergency helicopter to a hospital and are being treated for their injuries. Other soldiers involved in the operation, including another officer who sustained injuries, will also be escorted to the hospital for a medical checkup. Authorities said they plan to investigate the cause of the explosion. The military is looking into the chance that an unidentified landmine went off during a DMZ route clearance operation or the possibility that North Korean landmines, swept by the recent torrentia

Suicides account for 1 in 5 international student deaths in Korea, spurring mental health calls

Sep 21, 2026

Suicides account for 1 in 5 international student deaths in Korea, spurring mental health calls

About one in five international students who died in Korea over the past six years took their own lives, fueling calls for stronger mental health support as their numbers in the country continue to grow. According to data the Ministry of Education submitted to Rep. Kim Moon-soo on Monday after surveying some 350 universities nationwide, 84 international students at Korean universities died between 2021 and this year. Accidents, including traffic accidents, caused the most deaths at 34 cases, followed by illness at 23, suicide at 15, undetermined causes at seven and other causes at five. The annual number of international student deaths was 12 in 2021, 16 in 2022, seven in 2023, 13 in 2024 and 21 in 2025, with 15 recorded so far this year. Suicides fell from four in 2021 to one in 2022, then dropped to zero in 2023 before rising to five in 2024, three in 2025 and two so far this year. International students often face difficulties adjusting to life in Korea, including language barriers, unfamiliar culture and academic stress. In 2024 at Chonnam National University, the death of an African g

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