Housebuilder accused of encroaching on designated nature zone to build hot tub

Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, on Friday reiterated Pyongyang's rejection of South Korea's offer to provide humanitarian medical assistance, criticizing the gesture as a "farce." Kim's statement carried by the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) came a day after she rejected Seoul's plan to send 1,431 medical items across 166 categories to a hospital in Pyongyang, as part of a humanitarian medical support program. She called the offer an "insult" and "political provocation." "The racket of 'mine explosion' and the farce of 'medical equipment support' orchestrated by the ROK are just the two sides of the same coin minted by its inveterate bad habit of escalating confrontation with our state." ROK stands for the Republic of Korea, South Korea's official name. Kim claimed that South Korea's medical aid proposal and its accusations against North Korea over a recent land mine explosion near the inter-Korean border were intended to damage Pyongyang's reputation and image. North Korea has denied responsibility for the Sept. 21 mine blast insi

The industry ministry on Friday formally dismissed a local news report alleging U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had voiced dissatisfaction with South Korea's spy agency during bilateral negotiations on strategic investment projects. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources issued the denial in response to a local newspaper article claiming Lutnick had conveyed Washington's discontent with South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS). "We clearly state that the claim that Commerce Secretary Lutnick expressed distrust of the NIS to Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan during negotiations on strategic investment projects in the U.S. is not true," the ministry said. The ministry called on the newspaper to report accurately to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and confusion. The NIS issued a similar notice to the press, saying it had received no information regarding the alleged remark by Lutnick. Washington has partially restricted Seoul's access to intelligence on North Korea-related technology since April in protest against the unification minister's disclosure of information

North Korea has held a series of events marking the upcoming founding anniversary of the country's ruling party, state media reported Friday, revving up a festive mood ahead of this week's celebration. The General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea and the Socialist Women's Union of Korea held separate concerts Thursday in celebration of the 81st anniversary of the Workers' Party, which falls on Saturday this year, according to the Rodong Sinmun, one of the North's most-widely read newspapers. China's Ambassador to Pyongyang Wang Yajun also delivered a flower basket to the North's ruling party on behalf of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party on Thursday to mark the anniversary, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). A separate flower basket from the Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang was also delivered alongside those from other foreign missions in the country, including Vietnam, Iran and Cuba. The U.S.-based Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported that preparations for a possible celebratory event for the anniversary appear to be under way at Mirim Airport in Pyongyang,

The footage, taken from both angles inside and outside the vehicle, shows Dunn driving on Franklin Road - a single lane carriageway in Perth’s north.

A rare flyover also gives some Australians another reason to look up tonight.

A van driver who shot himself after being involved in a crash that killed a “cherished” father should have been wearing his glasses.

A golf club has revealed plans to extend its course on land believed to be linked to Julius Caesar’s invasion of Britain.

Secret Drinker can’t get enough of the dripping sauce as he heads into the country for a high-class lunch.

Year 6 students and parents can have a guided tour and hear from the headteacher at STS.

A pub faces its 17th road closure as plans for new speed signs and markings at a crash-hit bridge come under scrutiny.

A cherished community pub has welcomed back customers after its new owners spent two days giving it a makeover with help from family and friends.