Topic: Seoul

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10 amazing stories about the Olympics

As the 2012 Olympics play out in London, David Wallechinsky’s latest book The Complete Book of the Olympics, 2012 Edition, provides some great finds about past Games.
15 biggest moments for women in the Olympics

Since 1900, when women first began competing in the Olympic Games, there have been many unforgettable moments.
Blast-off: 6 recent missile advances

Missiles have been prominent in the news with India’s successful test, North Korea’s failed one, and much talk of missile defense systems in Europe and the Persian Gulf. Here are six recent noteworthy missile-technology advances.
What sanctions? Top five countries buying oil from Iran.

Iran is the third-largest exporter of crude oil in the world, behind Saudi Arabia and Russia. Its economy relies heavily on oil exports. According to tallies from June 2011, here is a list of the top 5 importers of Iranian oil.
Kim Jong-il's death: 4 questions about 'dear successor' Kim Jong-un

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Terrorism & Security After threatening the US, North Korea turns its ire on South Korea

North Korea reacted to the UN Security Council's unanimous vote to condemn the North's recent satellite launch by announcing that it would now take 'strong physical countermeasures against' the South.
Japan's Abe: Will the hawkish nationalist have to rule as a moderate?

The new prime minister ran on a platform of restoring national pride and standing up to China, but pressures in and outside the country may force him to dial back that rhetoric.
Stocks slip ahead of earnings season

Stocks fell on Wall Street Tuesday in anticipation of the beginning of corporate earnings season. The European debt crisis continued to cast a pall over the stock market.
What does Google want with North Korea? (+video)

Google chairman Eric Schmidt, known for his advocacy of Internet freedom, could travel as early as next week to North Korea – a country almost entirely sealed off from online communications.
Why is Google chairman Schmidt heading to North Korea?

Two people familiar with the plans told The Associated Press that the trip was a 'private, humanitarian mission.'
Why North Korea has arrested an American citizen

North Korea says Kenneth Bae, a tour operator from Washington state, has "committed a crime against North Korea" and has confessed his crime. Could Kenneth Bae be a new bargaining chip in sanctions talks?
South Korea's president-elect promises aid to North

South Korea's incoming president, Park Geun-hye, says she will reach out to the North and offer humanitarian aid. Some analysts doubt her sincerity and expect her to take a more moderate approach.
South Korea's new female president could renew talks with North Korea

In a televised speech by South Korea's first female president, Park Geun-hye, she mentioned North Korea's recent rocket launch, and emphasized the importance of engagement and aid with the neighboring nation.
South Korea elects its first woman president, Park Geun-hye

Conservative candidate Park Geun-hye has made history by winning South Korea's presidential election, becoming the country's first female president-elect after defeating her liberal rival.
Exit polls: South Korea to get first woman president

A win for conservative Park Geun-hye would see her return to the presidential palace where she served as her father's first lady in the 1970s after her mother was assassinated.
South Koreans take to the polls

On Wednesday South Korea will elect a new president. Recent polls indicate conservative Park Geun-hye may beat out challenger Moon Jae-in. Chilly weather is likely to influence voter turnout.
Japan's hawkish Abe claims the win, but not a mandate

Shinzo Abe is set to become Japan's seventh prime minister in 6-1/2 years on Dec. 26. While he is known for a tougher line on China, many say he will focus largely on Japan's economy.
Dictator's daughter leading polls ahead of South Korean election

Conservative candidate Park Geun-hye holds the slight edge ahead of an election Wednesday that could affect relations with North Korea.
Mysteries swirl around North Korea's satellite launch (+video)

The US believes North Korea's satellite is out of control, but the South Koreans insist that it is functioning normally.
North Korea rocket test shows long road to credible missiles

Experts say Pyongyang is years from even having a shot at developing reliable missiles that could bombard distant targets, though it did gain attention and the outrage of world leaders with its first successful launch of a three-stage, long-range rocket.
North Korea rocket launch: Why China only 'expresses regret' (+video)

Beijing's restrained response to a widely condemned rocket launch is based on its concern about North Korea's stability – and its view that a tough UN resolution could worsen regional security.
As North Korea celebrates surprise rocket launch, alarm mounts abroad (+video)

North Korea went ahead with a rocket launch despite international pressure to call it off. Critics say the launch masks a weapons development effort and is a clear violation of UN sanctions.
Defiant North Korean rocket launch gives Kim Jong-un a boost (+video)

One year into his role as North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un made a statement by launching a rocket on Wednesday. Experts suggest the launch was intended to honor the current leader's father who died last year.
North Korea ignores international opposition, launches rocket

Despite U.N. sanctions and international warnings, North Korea launched a long-range rocket on Wednesday. Most analysts agree the move was intended to bolster national support for Kim Jong-un.
North Korea extends window, plans for rocket launch (+video)

Faced with technical problems, North Korea extended the window during which they plan to launch a long-ranch rocket. It will be the country's second attempt to launch a rocket this year.
Japanese chef dishes on North Korean leader and missile launch

'It’s hard to understand why surrounding countries are so sensitive,' says Kenji Fujimoto, who left North Korea in 2001 but returned for a visit last summer at Kim Jong-un’s invitation.
North Korea preps for rocket launch despite international warnings

Many are concerned that North Korea's rocket launch is cover for developing the technology to attach a nuclear warhead to a long-range missile capable of going as far as Hawaii, Alaska, or the US West Coast.
China warns North Korea about rocket test plans (+video)

North Korea, a longtime Chinese ally, plans to launch a long-range rocket later this month, raising tensions with the US and South Korea.
Could China overtake US as global trader?

A special report by the Associated Press examines China's influence with its trading partners over three decades, and how business, politics, and daily life are changing with China's rise as a global player.
North Korea rocket preparations: Could it be a bluff?

There are questions about whether North Korean scientists have corrected whatever caused the embarrassing crackup of its last rocket shortly after liftoff in April, and whether Pyongyang is willing to risk another failure — along with UN condemnation and more sanctions.