Seoul: A government joint rapid response team on Monday initiated a ground search operation for nine South Koreans who have been missing in the wake of massive floods in Nepal. The team is also in discussions with Nepali authorities to secure permission for helicopter operations, as stated by Seoul's foreign ministry. The search team plans to proceed to Ramche, located approximately 1-2 kilometers from the last known location of the missing individuals, and intends to camp there overnight to facilitate the search efforts.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean won appreciated to its strongest level against the U.S. dollar in roughly 13 months. This rise is attributed to dollar-selling activities by exporters. At 3:30 p.m., the won was quoted at 1,368.6 won per dollar, marking an increase of 3.9 won from the previous stock trading session's close.
In another development, the exact cause of death for a missing woman found dead on Jeju Island remains undetermined due to the decomposition of the body. A senior police official disclosed that the body, identified by the surname Jang, was discovered last Monday at a palm tree farm near a lodging facility she had stayed at. Her disappearance was reported by her boyfriend in May.
On the economic front, the chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Chey Tae-won, called for enhanced economic cooperation with Japan. During a meeting with his Japanese counterpart in Sendai, Chey emphasized that South Korea and Japan share many similarities and can mutually benefit by expanding each other's markets.
Meanwhile, North Korea criticized the United States for what it described as a "hostile" policy. A spokesperson for North Korea's foreign ministry condemned Washington's actions, which are carried out under the banners of denuclearization and human rights, and vowed to respond with the "toughest" countermeasures.
Domestically, the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) expressed disapproval of President Lee Jae Myung's recent Cabinet reshuffle. The opposition accused President Lee of prioritizing political interests over the welfare of the people. The reshuffle included six ministerial appointments, notably Rep. Kim Seung-won of the ruling Democratic Party as the new justice minister and Rep. Yong Hye-in of the minor Basic Income Party as the new gender equality minister.