The diplomatic community is up in arms over the death of Thitinart Satjipanon, spouse of Thai Ambassador Chaiyong Satjipanon, on Sept. 19 at Soonchunhyang University Hospital.A letter sent by Uzbekistan Ambassador and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Vitali Fen to Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik and Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Kim Sung-hwan condemned, in the harshest of language and tone, the treatment of the Thai ambassador’s wife by the hospital. “I would like to convey strong denunciation on

WASHINGTON (Yonhap News) ― South Korean officials are reviewing “realistic options” in case they face pressure to impose fresh sanctions on Iran, diplomatic sources here said Monday, as the U.N. nuclear watchdog is preparing to release a major report on Iran’s uranium enrichment program.The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is expected to link Iran’s UEP with weapons development in the new assessment to be issued before the agency’s board of governors meeting in Vienna in mid-November, a

South Korea will push for closer consultations with partners of the stalled multinational talks on North Korea’s denuclearization in nuclear talks with China and trilateral talks with the U.S. and Japan, officials said Monday. As his final trip to a six-nation dialogue member state, Seoul’s new chief nuclear negotiator Lim Sung-nam will arrive in Beijing Tuesday for talks with his Chinese counterpart Wu Dawei, according to the Foreign Ministry here. It is Lim’s first official visit to China sinc

The South Korean consul general in Irkutsk, Russia, has been called home to explain his conduct at a dinner with Russian government officials, a foreign ministry official here said Saturday.“We have summoned him earlier this week,” said the ministry official. “This is the first time to summon a head of an overseas mission for misbehavior.”The consul general to Irkutsk, whose name was withheld, has been under fire for disorderly conduct while under the influence of alcohol while at a dinner with

The cities of Daejeon and Durban have signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize their close links in a new sister city relationship.The MOU with the South African city will assist in building partnerships between the local governments and in the private and civil sectors.In the agreement, both parties made a commitment to work together to create strong economic links, cooperate in areas such as science and technology, education and industry, and encourage exchanges in sport and culture.D

The United States announced that it is joining the 108 countries and international organizations taking part in the 2012 Yeosu Expo.The U.S. Embassy said that its pavilion will build upon the expo’s theme of “The Living Ocean and Coast,” and showcase the diversity, spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation, and commitment to sustainable development of the American people. “This demonstrates the U.S.’ commitment to deepening our friendly ties and strengthening U.S.-Korea relations and engagement in

The Spanish Embassy is holding “The Week of Spain at Universities” throughout this week at several schools across the country.Spain has long cooperated with local universities to promote Spanish language and culture. Foremost among these is the Aula Cervantes center in Kyung Hee University.The embassy also works with Spanish lecturers at several other institutions such as the University of Pyeongtaek and Korea University.During Spanish Week there will be screening of some relevant Spanish movies

A former senior South Korean diplomat in Russia has been under a probe by prosecutors on suspicion of embezzling tens of millions of won of the government's budget, the Seoul prosecution and the culture ministry said on Friday.Ryu Min, 53, is suspected of pocketing about US$51,714 between 2008 and M