In a testament of how the power of art can transcend linguistic and cultural barriers, allowing the world to communicate and connect on a profoundly human level to ensure the nature of coexistence in society - the 10th Geoje International Art Festival is being held in Busan, South Korea, where Bangladeshi artists brought glory for their motherland. 11 Bangladeshi well-known artists and their artworks were selected for the 10th Geoje International Art Festival for the Haegeumgang Theme Museum. A total of 341 artists from 56 countries participated in the first-ever virtual jury process of artwork selection for the one-of-a-kind museum, where all artworks were selected and voted virtually and will be in the museum’s permanent collection. Out of 273 chosen artworks, only 18 works were shortlisted for the prestigious “Excellence Award” - and three Bangladeshi artists - Abu Kalam Shamsuddin, Azmeer Hossain and Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier71 Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury, were voted and received the honour for Bangladesh, from 56 countries. Apart from the awardees, the other Bangladeshi renowned artists who participated in the art festival are Rokeya Sultana, Vinita Karim, Anukul Mojumder, Ratnashwar Sutradhar, Tahmina Hafiz Lisa, Mahadi Masud, Asma Akbar and Nazia Andaleeb Preema. Their artworks will be on display for the museum’s permanent collection. Nazia Andaleeb Preema is the distinguished juror and curator for Bangladesh who believes “Coexistence is the only way to exist” while Heidi Fosli is the jury president for the festival. Sharing her experience with UNB, Preema said: “The theme of the 10th Geoje International Art Festival was ‘Language of Coexistence’ - and I believe ‘Coexistence is the only way to exist’ - means that we need to collaborate to ensure our peaceful and meaningful existence in this world. This exhibition was a perfect example of that, where the artists did not compete but elevated themselves while getting to know each other, upholding their respective country's name with glory. It was a remarkable experience for us, the Bangladeshi artists - and we have learned a lot.” Read: Goethe-Institut, AFD host Jazz evening in Dhaka “As one of the 21 international jurors from 20 countries worldwide and the curator for our Bangladeshi artists, I got to observe closely how South Korea is creating a great example of coexistence for art, culture and technology,” Preema continued. “We must keep in mind that we are now living in the era of AI - and South Korea is one of the leading countries in terms of advancing modern technology. This was the first-ever virtual jury process of artwork selection for a museum, and apart from their world-famous Korean hospitality, they really know how to honour art and artists, something that we can learn from them even better,” Preema told UNB, adding that soft power like art is a very critical discourse to brand Bangladesh as a nation, as it deals with culture, identity and creative leadership. The inauguration of the festival commenced on November 6th, and the award-winning artists from Bangladesh joined the prestigious gala and reunion of artists, curators, museum directors and galleries from all over the world. After returning from that ceremony, Sourav Chowdhury told UNB that it had been a tremendous experience altogether for many reasons.  

Pursuing higher education in South Korea offers students a unique blend of academic excellence, cutting-edge research opportunities, and cultural immersion. With world-class universities and a focus on innovation, South Korea has emerged as a preferred destination for international students. This guide covers everything you need to know about studying in South Korea, from admissions and visa requirements to tuition costs, scholarship options, and career opportunities. Discover why South Korea is a top choice for those looking to expand their academic and professional horizons. Why Study in South Korea? South Korea stands as a key member of the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), renowned for its academic excellence and competitive spirit in global education. Notably, five South Korean universities have consistently ranked among the QS World Top 100: Seoul National University (31), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (53), Yonsei University (56), Korea University (67), and Pohang University of Science and Technology (98). With a stable economy, South Korea offers reliable career opportunities, ensuring job satisfaction and strong prospects across sectors. According to Numbeo, a comprehensive cost-of-living database, South Korea ranks second globally for quality healthcare, with steady economic growth and rising per capita income further elevating its appeal. As a leading East Asian destination, it combines advanced technology with a high quality of life. Read more: How to Get a German Opportunity Card From Bangladesh Top South Korean Universities and In-Demand Courses Here are the leading universities that draw students worldwide: - Seoul National University- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)- Yonsei University- Korea University- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)- Sungkyunkwan University- Hanyang University- Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)- Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST)- Kyung Hee University. Popular Fields of Study These universities offer highly regarded programs in a variety of fields, including- Economics, Science and Technology, Business Management, Engineering, Finance, Fashion, International Trade, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Design Media, International Relations, Biotechnology, etc. Read more: Higher Studies in Italy: Application Process, Costs, Student Visa, Scholarships, and Benefits How to Apply for Admission to South Korean Universities Each South Korean university uses its online portal for admissions, and the timeline and prerequisites can vary. Be sure to check the official website of each institution before applying. Applications are generally submitted at least 3 to 4 months before classes begin. Most institutions offer two main admission periods: Spring Semester: Starts in March and lasts until June; application season runs from September to November.Fall Semester: Starts in September and lasts until December; applications are accepted from May to June. Documents Required for Admission Basic Documents - Completed application form- Passport and passport-size photograph- Higher Secondary Certificate or equivalent- English Proficiency (TOEFL, minimum 71; IELTS, minimum 5.5)- Personal statement- Financial support statement- Letter of Recommendation- CV- Parent's Passport or National ID Additional Documents for Masters - Bachelor’s diploma and transcript- Relevant work experience (program-specific) Additional Documents for PhD - Master’s diploma and transcript- Master’s thesis or research proposal. Read more: Higher Studies in England: Application, Study Cost, Scholarship, and Other Scopes How to Apply for a Student Visa in South Korea Upon receiving the admission offer, the next step is applying for a visa. Bangladeshi students typically apply for the South Korea D-2 visa for long-term study, valid for up to 2 years with a single-entry visa validity of 3 months. Begin the visa process on the Korean visa portal at https://www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=1020408, upload all required documents, then print the e-form with the barcode and submit it to the Korean Embassy or Consulate along with hard copies. Required Documents for Visa Application - Printed visa application form (e-form)- Passport-size photograph (taken within 6 months)- Valid passport (at least 6 months from arrival date)- Cover letter- Admission offer letter from a South Korean University- Birth and Family Relationship Certificates issued by City Corporation or Union Office- Bank statement of the applicant or his guarantor- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from parents- Parents' National ID- Police Clearance Certificate from Bangladesh Police- Educational certificates and transcripts (These should be notarized by Education and Foreign Affairs Ministries, Bangladesh)- Tuberculosis test result (from a nationally certified center, within the last 3 months)- English language certification (TOEFL or IELTS within the last 2 years)- Korean language proficiency (for Korean-taught programs). Read more: How to Register for TOEFL Exam in Bangladesh? How to Submit the Visa Application Before visiting the consulate for visa submission, an online appointment must be scheduled. Create a new account at https://www.g4k.go.kr/cipl/0100/login.do, where you can select a specific date and time for submitting documents. Ensure that the name, phone number, email, passport, or NID provided match exactly with the visa application details. You will be notified of the designated date via phone and email. Consulate Address: 4 Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh Document Submission Hours: 3:00 - 4:00 PM, on business days (Sunday to Thursday) Visa Processing Fee and Visa Collection The visa decision may take 7 to 15 days. Complicated applications may require additional time, and updates can be checked at https://www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=10301. Once ready, the candidate will be notified via the visa portal, SMS, and email.  Visa Collection Time: 4:00 - 4:30 PM, every business day Visa Fee: For a single-entry D-2 visa (valid for more than 90 days), the fee is USD 60 or BDT 6,600. According to the South Korean embassy, ​​the fixed exchange rate of the dollar here is BDT 110 per US dollar. This fee must be paid at the time of submission of visa documents at the consulate office. Read more: Studying for Bachelor’s in Romania: Application Process, Costs, Scholarships, and Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students Study and Living Costs in South Korea Tuition fees vary by institution, field, and degree level. As per Leapscholar, bachelor courses usually require KRW 4.3 million to KRW 33.9 million. This budget is approximated to BDT. 370,019 to 2,917,125 (KRW 1 = BDT 0.086). For postgraduation, the budget would be KRW 5.07 million to KRW 50.8 million (equivalent to BDT 436,278 to BDT 4,371,385). Seoul is South Korea’s most expensive city, while costs in Busan and Incheon are comparatively lower. According to Leapscholar, average monthly living costs (Excluding Rent) in main cities are as follows: Seoul: KRW 1,550,106 (BDT 133,388)  Busan: KRW 1,347,709 (BDT 115,972)  Jeju: KRW 1,498,778 (BDT 128,971)  Daejeon: KRW 1,610,205 (BDT 138,560)  Incheon: KRW 1,374,787 (BDT 118,302)   Along with these, the budget to be kept for the housing cost is- Seoul: KRW 1,154,611 (BDT 99,355)  Busan: KRW 572,500 (BDT 49,264)  Jeju: KRW 1,879,743 (BDT 161,754)  Daejeon: KRW 421,666 (BDT 36,285)  Incheon: KRW 525,000 (BDT 45,177)   Read more: How to Register for IELTS Exam in Bangladesh Scholarship Benefits in South Korea South Korea offers a wealth of scholarships that can significantly reduce study and living expenses for international students. Yonsei University provides full, half, or one-third financial aid per semester for undergraduates.Korea University also covers partial or full tuition fees for selected students.Hanyang International Excellence Awards offers 70%, 50%, or 30% tuition fee waivers.Samsung Global Hope Scholarship Program provides substantial support, covering full tuition and offering KRW 3.9 million (BDT 335,598) per semester for undergraduates, and between KRW 3.5 million to KRW 5 million (approximately BDT 301,178 to BDT 430,254) for graduates.Global Korea Scholarship offers full financial support at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Part-Time Job Opportunities During Studies After completing one semester, students are eligible to work part-time, with undergraduates allowed 20 hours per week and graduate students 30 hours per week. Graduate students continuing with thesis work may also work up to 30 hours weekly.  As per Leapscholar, popular part-time jobs and average hourly wages include: Cashier: KRW 9,000 - 10,000 (BDT 774 - 861)  Sales Associate: KRW 11,000 - 12,000 (BDT 947 - 1,033)  Package Handler: KRW 13,000 - 14,000 (BDT 1,119 - 1,205)  Lecturer: KRW 51,000 - 55,000 (BDT 4,389 - 4,733)  Private Tuition: KRW 26,000 - 28,000 (BDT 2,237 - 2,409)  Research Assistant: KRW 12,000 - 13,000 (BDT 1,033 - 1,119)  Administrative Assistant: KRW 6,000 - 7,000 (BDT 516 - 602)   Final Words Higher studies in South Korea offer students access to world-renowned universities, known for academic excellence and innovation. Students also benefit from excellent healthcare facilities that support their well-being throughout their studies. Generous scholarships, often covering tuition and living costs, make studying here financially accessible. Additionally, part-time job opportunities allow students to gain valuable experience and offset expenses. With clear documentation requirements, the study visa process is streamlined, ensuring a smooth transition for international students. Altogether, South Korea stands as a premier destination for students aspiring to excel globally in a supportive and dynamic environment. Read more: Study in Russia: Application Process, Visa, Scholarships, Costs, and Benefits

South Korea said Monday it has detected signs that North Korea is preparing to destroy the northern parts of inter-Korean roads no longer in use, as the rivals are embroiled in soaring tensions over North Korea’s claim that South Korea flew drones over its territory. South Korea’s military said Monday it has found North Korea is engaging in works to prepare for the explosions. It’s not clear how much parts of the roads North Korea would destroy. The development comes as North Korea has accused South Korea of launching drones to drop propaganda leaflets over Pyongyang three times this month and threatened to respond with force if it happened again. In a statement Sunday, the North’s Defense Ministry said that the military had issued a preliminary operation order to artillery and other army units near the border with South Korea to “get fully ready to open fire.” The spokesperson said that the entire South Korean territory “might turn into piles of ashes” following the North’s powerful attack. South Korea has refused to confirm whether it sent drones but warned it would sternly punish North Korea if the safety of its citizens is threatened. Last week, North Korea said it will permanently block its border with South Korea and build front-line defense structures to cope with “confrontational hysteria” by South Korean and U.S. forces. Read: North Korea vows to block border with South Korea, to build front-line defense structures Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest point in years, with North Korea continuing a run of provocative weapons tests and South Korea and the U.S. expanding their military drills. KCNA said North Korea on Tuesday tested a long-range artillery system that observers say pose a direct threat to Seoul, the South Korean capital, which is only an hour’s drive from the border.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un threatened to use nuclear weapons and destroy South Korea permanently if provoked, state media reported Friday, after the South’s leader warned that Kim’s regime would collapse if he attempted to use nuclear arms. The exchange of such rhetoric between the rival Koreas is nothing new, but the latest comments come during heightened animosities over the North’s recent disclosure of a nuclear facility and its continuation of missile tests. Next week, observers say North Korea's rubber-stamp parliament is expected to constitutionally declare a hostile “two-state” system on the Korean Peninsula to formally reject reconciliation with South Korea and codify new national borders. During a visit to a special operation forces unit on Wednesday, Kim said his military “would use without hesitation all the offensive forces it possesses, including nuclear weapons,” if South Korea attempts to use armed forces encroaching upon the sovereignty of North Korea, according to the North’s official Korean Central News Agency. “If such a situation comes, the permanent existence of Seoul and the Republic of Korea would be impossible,” Kim said, using South Korea’s official name. Kim’s statement was a response to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s speech at his country’s Armed Forces Day on Tuesday. Unveiling South Korea’s most powerful Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile and other conventional weapons that could target North Korea, Yoon said the day that North Korea tries to use nuclear weapons would be the end of the Kim government because Kim would face “the resolute and overwhelming response” of the South Korean-U.S. alliance. Read:  North Korea discloses a uranium enrichment facility as Kim calls for more nuclear weapons Kim responded that Yoon’s address fully betrayed his “bellicose temerity” and showed “the security uneasiness and irritating psychology of the puppet forces.” In a derisive comment, Kim called Yoon "an abnormal man,” saying that “the puppet Yoon bragged about an overwhelming counteraction of military muscle at the doorstep of a state that possesses nuclear weapons.” On Thursday, Kim’s sister and senior official, Kim Yo Jong, also ridiculed South Korea's showcasing of the Hyunmoo-5 missile, saying there there’s no way for South Korea to counter the North Korea’s nuclear forces with conventional weapons. Since adopting an escalatory nuclear doctrine in 2022, Kim has repeatedly threatened to use nuclear weapons preemptively. But many foreign experts say it's still unlikely that he would use his nuclear arms first because his military is outmatched by the U.S. and its allied forces. In July, South Korea and the U.S. signed a defense guideline on integrating South Korea's conventional capabilities with the U.S. nuclear forces to better deal with North Korea's advancing nuclear program. South Korea has no nuclear weapons. Read more: North Korea launches multiple ballistic missiles after Kim vowed to bolster war readiness Animosities between the Koreas are at the worst point in years with Kim's provocative run of missile tests and the South Korean-U.S. military exercises intensifying in a cycle of tit-for-tat. All communication channels and exchange programs between the rivals remain stalled since 2019, when a broader U.S.-North Korea diplomacy on ending the North's nuclear program collapsed. In January, Kim called for rewriting North Korea’s constitution to eliminate the idea of a peaceful unification between the war-divided countries and to cement the South as an “invariable principal enemy.” He also reiterated that his country does not recognize the Northern Limit Line, a western sea boundary that was drawn by the U.S.-led U.N. Command at the end of the 1950-53 Korean War. He called for the new constitution to include a clear definition of the North’s territories. North Korea has traditionally insisted upon a boundary that encroaches deeply into waters currently controlled by South Korea. Read more: North Korea's Kim vows to make his nuclear force ready for combat with US On Friday, South Korea’s military said North Korea was again flying balloons likely carrying trash across the border into South Korea. Since late May, North Korea has launched thousands of rubbish-carrying balloons toward South Korea, prompting South Korea to resume anti-Pyongyang propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts at border areas.

Bangladesh is poised to make an indelible mark on the international boxing stage as Aminul Islam, a trailblazer from Xcel Sports Promotion, is set to participate in the “Rings of Champions” boxing event. This landmark engagement will take place at the prestigious Grand Swiss Hotel in Seoul on March 16, 2024, marking Aminul’s debut as the first Bangladeshi professional boxer to compete in South Korea. Aminul Islam, a celebrated figure in professional boxing, is slated to face Dong Hoon Jang, South Korea’s leading Bantamweight boxer, in a highly anticipated match. This encounter, a collaboration between Xcel and DND Promotions, is not just a bout but a milestone event expected to captivate boxing aficionados across the globe. Premier Div Hockey: Usha KC return to winning ways beating Ajax SC 4-2  The bout is set to unfold over six intense rounds within the Bantamweight division, which has a weight limit of 54 kg. This confrontation is the culmination of rigorous preparation, with both fighters gearing up to showcase their prowess in what promises to be an unforgettable clash. The weigh-in, a precursor to the tension-filled event, is scheduled for March 15, 2024, setting the stage for the next day’s epic encounter. Adnan Haroon, chairman of Bangladesh Boxing Foundation, conveyed his enthusiasm, stating, “Aminul's participation in this historic event marks a significant milestone for Bangladeshi boxing. His dedication and hard work reflect the spirit of our boxing community. It’s a proud moment for our nation as we witness our athletes showcase the talent and potential of Bangladesh on the international stage.” This ground-breaking venture not only highlights Aminul Islam’s foray into the South Korean boxing scene but also symbolises a significant leap for Bangladeshi sports, inspiring future generations to dream big. As Islam steps into the ring, he carries not just the weight of expectation but the hopes of a nation eager to establish its presence on the world stage. Sura Krishna shines at ‘Path to Glory: Hustle in Dhaka Square’ boxing tournament

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into its eastern sea early Wednesday in what appeared to be a statement of defiance as the United States deployed a nuclear-armed submarine to South Korea for the first time in decades. The launches came as the U.S.-led United Nations Command tries to secure the release of a U.S. soldier who fled to North Korea from the South Korean side of a border village Tuesday afternoon. Private 2nd Class Travis King, in his early 20s, had just been released from a South Korean prison where he was held on assault charges. Instead of getting on a plane to be taken back to Fort Bliss, Texas, he left and joined a tour of the Korean border village of Panmunjom, where he ran across the border, U.S. officials say. Kim vows to boost North Korea's nuclear capability after observing new ICBM launch South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said that from 3:30 to 3:46 a.m. North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles from an area near capital Pyongyang that flew about 550 kilometers (341 miles) before landing in waters east of the Korean Peninsula. Those flight details were similar to the assessment of the Japanese military, which said the missiles landed outside of Japan’s exclusive economic zone and that there were no immediate reports of damage from ships or aircraft in affected areas. The flight distance of the North Korean missiles roughly matched the distance between Pyongyang and the South Korean port city of Busan, where the USS Kentucky arrived Tuesday afternoon in the first visit by a U.S. nuclear-armed submarine to South Korea since the 1980s. Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada told reporters that the North Korean missiles traveled on a low trajectory, with their maximum altitude reaching about 50 kilometers (31 miles), and possibly demonstrated “irregular maneuver” in flight. North Korea launches long-range missile toward sea after making threat over alleged US spy flights Japan has previously used similar language to describe the flight characteristics of a North Korean weapon modeled after Russia’s Iskander missile, which travels at low altitudes and is designed to be maneuverable in flight to improve its chances of evading missile defenses. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff condemned the North Korean launches as “major provocation” that threatens peace and stability in the region and said the South Korean and U.S. militaries were closely monitoring the North for further weapons activities. North Korea opens key party meeting to tackle its struggling economy and talk defense strategies Wednesday’s launches marked the North’s first ballistic activity since July 12, when it flight-tested a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile that demonstrated potential range to reach deep into the U.S. mainland. That launch was supervised by the country’s authoritarian leader Kim Jong Un, who vowed to further bolster his country’s nuclear fighting capabilities in the face of expanding U.S.-South Korean military activities, which he blamed for worsening the security environment on the Korean Peninsula. Tensions have rose in the region in recent months as the pace of both North Korean weapons tests and U.S.-South Korean joint military drills have increased in a cycle of tit-for-tat. Since the start of 2022, North Korea has test-fired around 100 missiles while attempting to demonstrate a dual ability to conduct nuclear attacks on both South Korea and the continental United States. The allies in response have stepped up their joint military training and agreed to increase the deployments of U.S. strategic assets like long-range bombers, aircraft carriers and submarines to the region. Periodic visits by U.S. nuclear ballistic missile-capable submarines to South Korea were one of several agreements reached by U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in April in response to North Korea’s expanding nuclear threat. They also agreed to further expand combined military exercises, strengthen joint planning for nuclear contingencies and establish a bilateral Nuclear Consultative Group, which held its inaugural meeting in Seoul Tuesday. The steps were meant to ease South Korean concerns about North Korea's growing nuclear weapons arsenal and suppress voices within the South calling for the country to pursue its own nuclear weapons program. U.S. Forces Korea said in a statement that the Kentucky's arrival in Busan reflects the United States' “ironclad” commitment to “extended deterrence,” referring to an assurance to defend its ally with its full military capabilities, including nuclear ones. The Ohio-class submarine can be equipped with about 20 Trident II ballistic missiles with a range of 12,000 kilometers (7,456 miles), according to South Korea's military. “From this submarine, the U.S. can launch attacks (on North Korea) from anywhere in the world," said Moon Keun-sik, a submarine expert who teaches at Kyonggi University in South Korea. “But there will likely be backlashes from North Korea and China because it’s like the world’s most covert and threatening nuclear weapons forces being deployed on their doorsteps.” While some South Korean conservatives have expressed disappointment that the Biden-Yoon meeting in April came short of agreeing to station U.S. nuclear weapons or strategic assets in the South, placing nuclear weapons offshore and on submarines is “actually a stronger deterrent in many ways,” said Duyeon Kim, a senior analyst at Washington’s Center for a New American Security. “Deterrence is strengthened when the location of American strategic assets is unknown to the adversary as long as the adversary knows that these weapons exist,” said Kim. Still, Seoul and Washington will need to find the “sweet spot” when it comes to the visibility of America’s extended deterrent. “Too much visibility of strategic assets could actually undermine the deterrent effect while too little could raise questions in Seoul about commitment," Kim said.

A Chinese official lodged a complaint with South Korea's ambassador to China, in a tit-for-tat move after Beijing's envoy to South Korea was summoned last week over his comments accusing Seoul of tilting toward the United States. Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong expressed dissatisfaction with Seoul's response to last week's meeting between Chinese Ambassador Xing Haiming and a South Korean opposition leader, according to a statement Sunday from China's Foreign Ministry. Also Read: South Korea, US troops to hold massive live-fire drills near border with North Korea Nong said it was Xing's duty to meet with different people in South Korea and he hoped Seoul would reflect on the relationship between the two countries and work with China to promote healthy and stable ties, the statement added. The diplomatic row between China and South Korea comes amid fierce competition between Washington and Beijing for global influence. South Korea, whose economy depends greatly on exports of computer memory chips and other technology products, has struggled to strike a balance between the United States, its decades-long military ally, and China, the biggest buyer of its goods. On Friday, South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Chang Ho-jin warned Xing over his "senseless and provocative" remarks made during a meeting with South Korean Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, a key rival of conservative President Yoon Suk Yeo. Also Read: US confirms China has had a spy base in Cuba since at least 2019 In the meeting last week, Xing accused Yoon's government of leaning excessively toward Seoul's treaty ally, the U.S., and damaging its relations with China. Xing said South Korea was entirely to blame for the "many difficulties" in bilateral relations, citing its growing trade deficit with China, which he attributed to "de-Chinaization" efforts, apparently referring to actions by South Korean companies to shift their supply chains away from China. Also read: World leaders warn China and North Korea on nukes as Ukraine's Zelenskyy travels to G7 summit His comments quickly drew ire from Seoul, which accused Xing of violating diplomatic protocols and interfering with South Korean domestic politics.

A man who opened an emergency exit door during a flight in South Korea was formally arrested Sunday and faces up to 10 years in prison on a charge of violating the aviation security law, officials said. During a preliminary questioning, the 33-year-old told investigators that he felt suffocated and tried to get off the plane quickly, according to police. Twelve people were slightly injured on Friday after he opened the door of the Asiana Airlines Airbus A321-200, causing air to blast inside the cabin. The plane was preparing to land in Daegu on an hour-long flight from the southern island of Jeju. On Sunday, a district court in Daegu approved a warrant to formally arrest the man. Police earlier sought the arrest warrant, citing the graveness of the crime and a possibility the man may flee, according to Daegu police. Daegu police said they have up to 20 days to investigate the man before determining whether to send him to prosecutors for a possible indictment. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for breaching the aviation security law that bars passengers from handling entry doors, emergency exit doors and other equipment on board, according to the Transport Ministry. Daegu police said the man, surnamed Lee, told them that he was under stress after losing a job recently and that he wanted to get out of the plane soon because he was feeling suffocated just before landing. The plane was carrying 200 people, 194 of them passengers including teenage athletes on their way to a track and field competition. The man pulled the door open when the plane was reaching the Daegu airport at an altitude of 700 feet (213 meters), according to the Transport Ministry. The people who were taken to hospitals were mainly treated for minor problems such as breathing difficulties.

The South Korean and U.S. militaries were set to begin massive live-fire drills near the border with North Korea on Thursday, despite the North’s warning that it won’t tolerate what it calls such a hostile invasion rehearsal on its doorstep. Thursday’s drills, the first of the allies’ five rounds of firing exercises until mid-June, mark 70 years since the establishment of the military alliance between Seoul and Washington. North Korea has typically reacted to such major South Korean-U.S. exercises with missile and other weapons tests. Since the start of 2022, North Korea has test-launched more than 100 missiles but none since it fired a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile in mid-April. North Korea has argued its torrid pace of tests was meant to respond to the expanded military drills between the U.S. and South Korea, but observers say the North aims to advance its weapons development then wrest greater concessions from its rivals in eventual diplomacy. The U.S.-South Korean firing exercises, called “the combined annihilation firepower drills,” would be the biggest of their kind. The drills have been held 11 times since they began in 1977, according to the South Korean Defense Ministry. Ministry officials said this year’s drills are to involve advanced stealth fighter jets, attack helicopters, multiple rocket launch systems and other weapons from South Korea and the United States. It wasn't immediately known how many troops would take part in the drills, but previous exercises in 2017 drew about 2,000 soldiers and 250 weapons assets from both countries. An earlier Defense Ministry statement said the drills are meant to enhance the allies’ combined operational performance capabilities. It said South Korea and the United States will seek to establish “the overwhelming deterrence and response capabilities” to cope with North Korean nuclear and missile threats. Last Friday, North Korea’s state media called the drills “a typical North Korea-targeted war rehearsal.” It said North Korea “cannot but take a more serious note of the fact that” that the drills would be held in an area a few kilometers (miles) from its frontier. KCNA said the U.S. and South Korea will face unspecified “corresponding responses” over their series of large-scale, provocative drills. Earlier this year, the South Korean and U.S. militaries conducted their biggest field exercises in five years. The U.S. also sent the nuclear-powered USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and nuclear-capable bombers for joint exercises with South Korea. Also read: World leaders warn China and North Korea on nukes as Ukraine's Zelenskyy travels to G7 summit In their summit last month, U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced steps to reinforce their deterrence capabilities such as the periodic docking U.S. nuclear-armed submarines in South Korea; bolstering joint training exercises; and the establishment of a new nuclear consultative group. Biden also issued a blunt warning that any North Korean nuclear attack on the U.S. or its allies would “result in the end of whatever regime” took such action. Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, later said the Biden-Yoon summit agreement revealed the two countries’ “most hostile and aggressive will of action” against the North. She threatened to further bolster her country’s escalatory nuclear doctrine, saying “The pipe dream of the U.S. and South Korea will henceforth be faced with the entity of more powerful strength.” Worries about North Korea’s nuclear program grew after the North last year legislated a law that authorizes the preemptive use of nuclear weapons. Many foreign experts say North Korea has yet to possess functioning nuclear missiles.  

Amid the high-level efforts to deal with a raft of global emergencies, this weekend's Group of 7 summit of rich democracies will also see an unusual diplomatic reconciliation as the leaders of Japan and South Korea look to continue mending ties that have been marked for years by animosity and bickering. At first glance the two neighbors would seem to be natural partners. They are powerful, advanced democracies and staunch U.S. allies in a region beset with autocratic threats. The continuing fallout, however, from centuries of complicated, acrimonious history, culminating in the brutal 1910-1945 Japanese colonization of the Korean Peninsula, has resulted in more wariness than friendship. Also Read: Japan leader expresses sympathy for Korean colonial victims A big part of the sudden recent shift in tone is a shared focus on China's growing aggressiveness, t he threat of North Korea's fast-improving arsenal of nuclear-capable missiles — and deep worry about how Russia's war in Ukraine is influencing both issues. Some diplomatic nudging by Washington, which provides military protection for both its allies and wants them to more strongly counter China's rising global influence, has also helped. Tokyo and Seoul “understand that their survival, both nationally and politically, depends on subordinating themselves to the U.S. President Joe Biden administration’s global and regional priorities,” according to Daniel Sneider, an East Asia lecturer at Stanford University. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's invitation for South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to be a guest at the G-7 talks in Hiroshima is only the most recent sign of these reset ties. It follows back-to-back summits by the leaders, which hadn't happened in years. Japan also agreed to South Korea's request to send an experts’ team later this month to visit the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant to view preparation for a planned release into the ocean of treated but still slightly radioactive wastewater. Also Read; South Korea, US, Japan hold anti-North Korea submarine drill The G-7 summit, which runs Friday through Sunday, will allow the leaders to deepen their burgeoning relationship — Kishida, Yoon and Biden plan to meet on the sidelines — while also working to persuade the world's most powerful leaders to tighten defense cooperation as China and North Korea expand their military postures in the region. History issues have long harried Seoul and Tokyo. Ties worsened in 2018, for instance, after South Korean court rulings ordered two Japanese companies to compensate a group of Korean plaintiffs who the companies had used for wartime slave labor. Disagreement over the rulings later spilled over to trade and military cooperation issues. Japan insists all compensation issues were settled by a 1965 treaty that normalized relations. Yoon’s summits with Kishida came after his government announced a domestically unpopular plan in March to use South Korean corporate funds to compensate the forced laborers. The move was aimed at preventing the courts from liquidizing the Japanese companies’ local assets, which would cause a further diplomatic rupture. Kishida agreed to a resumption of defense, trade and other talks in his meetings with Yoon, and Japan recently announced that it is negotiating an agreement with Washington and Seoul on sharing real-time data on North Korean missile launches. Seoul and Tokyo are both worried about the geopolitical uncertainty created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has raised fears about similar Chinese aggression in the South and East China Seas and against Taiwan, the democratic, self-governing island that Beijing claims as its own. North Korea also used the global focus on the invasion to ramp up its tests of nuclear-capable missiles. Japan is one of many nations in Asia that has territorial disputes with China, something that has strongly figured into Kishida's push to distance Japan from its post-World War II principle of self-defense only. Last year, Tokyo adopted a new national security strategy that includes the goals of acquiring preemptive strike capabilities and cruise missiles to counter threats from North Korea, China and Russia. Alarmed by the growing North Korean threat — Pyongyang has test-launched around 100 missiles since the start of 2022 — Yoon may be using better relations with Japan as a way to forge a stronger alliance with the United States. Yoon’s government has expanded its combined military exercises with the United States, which also included three-way drills with Japan, while seeking greater assurances from Washington that it would swiftly and decisively use its nuclear weapons to protect its allies in the event of a North Korean nuclear attack. “There’s growing recognition (in both Tokyo and Seoul) that the region’s various security issues are becoming increasingly interconnected,” which is leading the countries to reassess their importance to each other, said Jin Chang Soo, an analyst at South Korea’s Sejong Institute. During a recent meeting in Washington, Yoon and Biden agreed to a declaration that includes more nuclear information-sharing and regular visits to South Korea by a U.S. nuclear-powered sub. The Biden administration may now be pushing for an extended deterrence dialogue among Washington, Seoul and Tokyo that “would convey a formidable response both to North Korea and to China, and even to a potential Chinese–Russian military axis,” Sneider recently wrote. Hiroshima, the first target of a nuclear weapon in history, could provide a symbolic backdrop for Kishida and Yoon to raise awareness about the North Korean threat while underlining goals for nuclear non-proliferation. In another trust-building gesture, Kishida and Yoon plan to pay their respects at a Hiroshima memorial for Korean atomic bomb victims. Despite the improving ties, however, there's no certainty how long reconciliation will last. After decades of poverty and dictatorship following the 1950-53 Korean War, South Korea has become a developed economic and military power. But there are large policy swings between conservative governments, like the one in power now, and liberal governments that are more wary of stronger ties with Japan and the United States. And then there are the historical issues, including continuing court hearings on forced labor, which remain “buried like landmines, not far from the surface and ready to be set off,” Sneider said.