Beijing has started retaliatory moves against countries which have imposed restrictions on Chinese travelers, with Japan also reportedly targeted.

On October 29, a night when the streets of South Korea's capital Seoul were packed with Halloween revellers, 158 people were crushed to death in a narrow alley and nearly 200 others were injured. Most of the victims were in their twenties and thirties and had come to the popular nightlife district of Itaewon to enjoy the first Covid curbs-free Halloween festivities in three years.

South Koreans expressed frustration on Wednesday (February 9) after seeing their traditional costume used in last week's Olympic opening ceremony in Beijing, but the Chinese Embassy in South Korea defended the use. A woman wearing what appeared to be a Korean hanbok dress was among those representing China's different ethnic groups during the ceremony. Some South Koreans have complained about recent Chinese assertions that various aspects of Korean culture are of Chinese origin.

Seoul's annual circus festival goes ahead with drive in audiences amid the coronavirus pandemic. Clowns juggled and acrobats launched themselves through the air above a stage in an open field as onlookers clap their hands. A maximum of 30 cars with three people in each vehicle were permitted at the free event which also streamed to viewers online.

As the world avoids large gatherings over coronavirus, South Koreans are stepping out to fulfil their civic duty. Armed with hand sanitizer, disposable gloves and masks, millions turned out to vote in national elections.

Nigeria deports, permanently ban 27 South Koreans

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in says North Korea should swiftly return South Koreans and Americans detained in the reclusive nation.

South Koreans begin voting to elect a new leader, looking to move on from a corruption scandal that brought down former President Park Geun-hye and shook the political and business elite to the core.