Seoul Gazette - News from Seoul, the Dongan District, Manan District, Buk District, Busanjin District, South Korea and the world

The German government on Wednesday tried to smooth over a row within its ranks over conscription that threatens to overshadow its push to bolster military deterrence against Russia.

British driver George Russell and Italian Kimi Antonelli have signed contract extensions with Mercedes for next season, the Formula One team announced on Wednesday.

The US Supreme Court was hearing a case Wednesday on Black voter rights that could cement Republican control over the House of Representatives -- potentially even by next year's crucial midterm elections.

Dozens of troops and civilians were killed in a fresh round of border skirmishes between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday, officials on both sides of the frontier said, hours before Islamabad said the two sides had agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire.

"A king", "a hero", "Nelson Mandela", "Jesus Christ" -- no superlatives were too much for the crowd that came to mourn the death of Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga at his Nairobi home on Wednesday.

Greece's parliament on Wednesday debated a controversial reform proposed by the conservative government, which would allow 13-hour workdays under exceptional circumstances, drawing fire from unions and opposition parties.

It is absolutely critical for European countries to boost growth and productivity to catch up with the United States, a senior IMF official told AFP, calling on policymakers to make "smarter" spending choices.

Stephen Graham, the creator and star of searing teen murder saga "Adolescence", launched an appeal Wednesday for fathers around the world to pen and then share letters to their sons.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) and world number one Magnus Carlsen have a long history of disagreements, but on Wednesday both backed a new world championship concept that sets the stage for the Norwegian's return.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong signed a new deal until 2029, the Spanish champions announced Wednesday.

New challenges will test Pokemon trainers' reactions in their virtual beast battles, as the near-30-year-old saga's latest instalment hits Nintendo consoles on Thursday.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said Wednesday he wanted to "redefine" relations with Moscow as Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted him in Moscow, their first meeting since key Kremlin ally Bashar al-Assad was ousted last year.

Actor Will Arnett has revealed how "scary" it was doing live stand-up comedy as he prepared to play a novice comedian in Bradley Cooper's new movie "Is This Thing On?".

Madagascar braced for a new era of military rule Wednesday, a day after an elite army unit seized power following President Andry Rajoelina's impeachment and pledged elections in less than two years.

French telecom firm SFR on Wednesday rejected a buyout bid by three rivals, as the government and labour unions warned the deal could harm consumers and employees.

Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga, a "towering statesman" over decades of upheaval, died at the age of 80 on Wednesday during a health visit to India -- a political earthquake that leaves the east African nation on an uncertain path.

Stocks mostly rose and the dollar retreated Wednesday on hopes for further US interest rate cuts and a solid set of company earnings.

The increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere last year was the highest ever recorded, the United Nations said Wednesday, calling for urgent action to slash emissions.

Rory McIlroy on Wednesday said he wanted to "shift the narrative" away from abusive United States Ryder Cup fans and instead focus on his European team's famous victory.

Hollywood illustrator Drew Struzan, the man behind legendary film posters for hit films such as "E.T.", "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones" has died at the age of 78, prompting a flood of tributes.

Dozens of troops and civilians were killed in a fresh round of border skirmishes between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday, officials on both sides of the frontier said, as clashes entered their second week.

Manager Thomas Tuchel laughed off taunts from England fans as "British humour" after his team smashed Latvia 5-0 to become the first European side to book a place at next year's World Cup.

UK climate advisers warned the government for the first time on Wednesday to prepare for 2C of global warming by 2050, stressing current efforts to adapt to extreme weather were not enough.

Seoul on Wednesday banned travel to parts of Cambodia with South Korea shaken by the torture and killing of a college student there.

Left-arm spinner Noman Ali was South Africa's chief tormentor as Pakistan won a gripping first Test by 93 runs in Lahore on Wednesday.

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group say their "work isn't done" yet, despite returning the club to the top of English and European football as they marked 15 years at Anfield on Wednesday.

Israel was expected to allow Gaza's sole border crossing to the outside world to reopen Wednesday to allow humanitarian aid into the devastated territory as part of a US-backed ceasefire deal.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday he expected more NATO countries to buy American arms for Ukraine, as the alliance sought to bolster Kyiv and its own ability to counter Russia.

Naomi Osaka battled through injury to reach the quarter-finals of the Japan Open on Wednesday, choking back tears after hitting the winning shot against defending champion Suzan Lamens.

Left-arm spinner Noman Ali broke a stubborn 73-run stand between Dewald Brevis and Ryan Rickelton to push Pakistan four wickets from victory on day four the first Test in Lahore on Wednesday.

Stocks jumped and the dollar retreated Wednesday as trade war fears were overshadowed by comments from Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell that suggested the bank would cut interest rates again this month.

Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga has died at the age of 80 during a health visit to India, local police said Wednesday -- a political earthquake that could transform politics in the East African nation.