Under a 2019 revision of the law, globally recognized K-pop stars were allowed to put off their service until 30. Military service is hugely controversial in South Korea where all able-bodied men aged between 18 and 28 must fulfil their duties as part of efforts to defend against nuclear-armed North Korea.

President Han Duck-soo said the government would carry out a "thorough investigation" as the casualty count continued to climb overnight. A 561-member task force will interview witnesses to the tragedy.

Police have set up a 475-member task force as the president and prime minister call for new safety measures to prevent a repeat of the tragedy.

Federal police in South Korea have raided local police departments as part of an investigation into alleged ineptitude. Police have already admitted mistakes in responding to the crowd surge that killed scores of people.

North Korea fired at least 23 missiles into the sea on Wednesday, including one that landed less than 60 km (40 miles) off South Korea's coast, which South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol described as "territorial encroachment" and Washington denounced as "reckless".

Seoul has long walked a tightrope between China, its most important trading partner, and the US, its closest security ally.

Ghana, who lost their opening game to Portugal, are seeking their first points on Monday in a Group H match against South Korea, who kicked off with a 0-0 draw against Uruguay.

The government has ordered thousands of cargo truck drivers to return to work. The strike has been going on for two weeks, over freight fare issues. Concerns have been raised over the effect on the economy.

K-pop star Jin is the first of the BTS group to enlist for mandatory military service. His boot camp is located near the North Korean border.

Asking someone you just met how old they are might be impolite in many cultures, but in South Korea, it's one of the first questions people ask each other. Why is knowing someone's age so important for South Koreans?

For the first time in five years, several North Korean drones violated the South's airspace, according to Seoul. The incident comes after a record pace of North Korean weapons demonstrations this year.

South Korean officials declared the import of "full-body" sex dolls was allowed, but child-like dolls would still be banned. Importers said the decision was "reasonable."