Seoul: A Navy patrol plane carrying four people crashed on a mountain in the southeastern city of Pohang on Thursday, authorities said. The crash occurred at 1:50 p.m., and witnesses reported smoke rising from the mountain.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the incident drew immediate attention from local emergency services and nearby residents. The cause of the crash is yet to be determined, and search and rescue operations are ongoing as officials work to locate and assist any survivors.
In a separate event, early voting for the presidential election began at 3,568 polling stations nationwide. This comes five days before a formal vote to elect a successor to former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted over his failed martial law bid. Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung and People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo were among those who cast their ballots early.
Additionally, Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Koichi Mizushima emphasized the importance of enhancing trilateral partnerships with the United States to improve relations between South Korea and Japan. He highlighted the need to address global security challenges, including tensions with Russia and North Korea.
In economic news, South Korea's central bank has lowered its benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point. The Bank of Korea's decision to reduce the key rate to 2.5 percent aims to support economic growth amid sluggish domestic demand and uncertainties related to international trade policies.