Experts say the North's fast pace in testing activity shows its dual goal of advancing its weaponry and applying pressure on Washington over a deepening freeze in nuclear negotiations.

The grievances over sexual slavery, forced labor and other abuses stemming from Japan's WW II-era colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula have strained Seoul-Tokyo relations in recent years.

The politically inexperienced Yoon Suk Yeol's pledge to get tough on North Korea could mark a sharp break with the outgoing liberal administration's policies.

Young voters are considered a key voting bloc as the ruling Democratic Party and the conservative opposition People Power Party vie to secure the presidency. But gender issues divide South Koreans.

Negative campaigns are aggravating South Korea's already severe political divide as presidential elections approach on Wednesday.

South Koreans in their 20s and 30s make up a third of voters, and candidates want to win them over. Many young voters are over the folks in power, a lot of whom are from an activist generation.

Saturday's launch was North Korea's ninth round of weapons launches in 2022 as it attempts to pressure the Biden administration for concessions.

North Korea last week issued a veiled threat to resume testing nuclear explosives and long-range missiles targeting the U.S.

The launch corresponded with an unexplained order by the FAA to ground some flights on the U.S. West Coast.

The potential upgrade at a U.S. air defense base, within range of missiles in North Korea and China, has residents concerned as Seoul walks a delicate balancing act between the rival powers.

The South Korean government says it will grant a special pardon to former President Park Geun-hye, 69, who is serving a lengthy prison term for bribery and other crimes.

As North Korea's dictator marks a milestone on Friday, he might be facing his toughest moment yet, as crushing sanctions, the pandemic and growing economic trouble converge

These are the first adjustments to social measures since the country began a long-awaited transition to a new phase in pandemic response in early November and lifted most of the restrictions.

South Korea is seeking a degree of normalcy by gradually easing restrictions. "We have to find a way to safely coexist with COVID-19 even if that means taking some risks," an official said.

Women's equality has made slow progress in South Korea. Some South Koreans want to bring about change starting at the country's cultural roots by reinterpreting Confucius.