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North Korea announced plans to strengthen its nuclear arsenal 'in quality and quantity' and expand the role of its military intelligence agency targeting South Korea. The decision, made at a ruling party military commission meeting, reflects a shift toward treating the two Koreas as hostile states, according to analysts.
South Korean officials outlined the strategic benefits of granting Seoul greater uranium enrichment authority, emphasizing its role in expanding the U.S. small modular reactor industry and reducing supply chain dependencies. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun also highlighted the deepening nuclear and technology cooperation with the United States during a reception marking America's 250th anniversary.
North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song arrived in Beijing for a three-day visit to mark the 65th anniversary of the signing of a friendship treaty with China. Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Pak, emphasizing bilateral relations and strategic cooperation, while South Korea's unification ministry said it would monitor developments.
SK Hynix has raised $26.5bn in a US listing, the largest-ever debut by a foreign firm on Wall Street. The offering, priced at $149 per American depositary share, was heavily oversubscribed as investors bet on AI-driven memory chip demand. Analysts see the move as a landmark for Korea's chip industry but raise questions about the local capital market.
Na Hong-jin's 'Hope' is a sci-fi thriller set in a remote coastal town, following local cops and villagers as they fight mysterious creatures. The film was invited to compete at Cannes and explores how small acts of tragedy can spiral into catastrophe.
South Korea's special counsel team has recommended a 13-year prison term for Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja on charges including bribing former first lady Kim Keon Hee. Han also faces allegations of violating the Political Funds Act in connection with payments to a lawmaker. Han has denied the allegations, accusing a former church official of acting independently.
South Korean stocks opened sharply higher on Friday, led by technology heavyweights, following overnight gains on Wall Street. The KOSPI added up to 3.57 percent at the open, with Samsung Electronics and SK hynix among the top contributors.
The Samsung Lions and LG Twins head into the KBO All-Star break separated by just two-thousandths of a point in winning percentage. The defending champion Twins have led since May 30 but now face a surging Lions squad, while the KT Wiz have drifted off the pace in third.
North Korea has called for expanding the functions and missions of its intelligence agency, the General Reconnaissance and Intelligence Bureau (GRIB), during a meeting of the Central Military Commission led by Kim Jong-un. The move is seen as aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering against South Korea, with analysts warning of potential cyber and drone threats.
The Korea Baseball Organization has set a new first-half attendance record with 7,633,775 fans through 424 games, surpassing the previous mark set in 2025. The league then topped 8 million total attendees in record time, continuing its trend of breaking attendance milestones.
Heavy monsoon rains have pounded central South Korea, leading to flooded homes, road closures, and temporary evacuations of hundreds of residents. Authorities have ramped up emergency responses, with the prime minister ordering heightened readiness as more heavy rainfall is forecast.
During President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to Ulaanbaatar, South Korea and Mongolia signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on renewable energy development, including a $100 million heat pump-based district heating project led by POSCO International and Newcom. The two countries also agreed in principle on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) and discussed cooperation on supply chains, AI, and building Mongolia's second national cancer center.
During a three-day state visit to Ulaanbaatar, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh declared a shared vision for cooperation, focusing on critical minerals, trade, and advanced technologies. They agreed in principle on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement aimed at boosting annual bilateral trade to US$1 billion by 2030. Lee also highlighted Mongolia's potential role in bridging the divided Koreas and attended the Naadam festival as a special guest.
Seoul shares closed higher on Thursday, buoyed by institutional buying that offset heavy retail selling, while the Korean won weakened against the U.S. dollar. The KOSPI gained 45.12 points, or 0.62 percent, to 7,291.91, despite concerns over geopolitical tensions and AI demand uncertainty.
The U.S. Department of Defense and Navy have sent requests for information to major South Korean shipbuilders, including HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean, regarding destroyer design and shipbuilding capacity. The move follows President Trump's inquiry about building 10 U.S. Navy vessels and comes after South Korea's setback in Canada's submarine program.
Prime Minister Han Seong-sook announced plans to expand the AI-driven work system to all central government agencies by year's end and disclose 100 types of core public data for AI use. Her office also hosted a morning lecture on AI with a focus on establishing a data roadmap and upgrading infrastructure.
South Korea's top court upheld a seven-year prison sentence for former President Yoon Suk Yeol over obstruction of justice related to his failed 2024 martial law bid. The ruling, delivered live on television, marks the first finalized conviction for Yoon, who continues to appeal a separate life sentence for insurrection.
South Korea's parliamentary sports committee has postponed its scheduled hearing on the Korea Football Association, originally set for July 22, due to ongoing negotiations between rival parties. Former national team head coach Hong Myung-bo has confirmed he will attend and answer all questions.
Former US national security adviser Michael Flynn opposes South Korea developing nuclear weapons, warning it would heighten tensions and suggesting reliance on US extended deterrence. Meanwhile, former deputy national security adviser Alex Wong sees potential for diplomacy with North Korea if strategic conditions change, pointing to President Trump's interest in Kim Jong-un and President Lee Jae-myung's openness to dialogue.
South Korea's managed fiscal balance improved to a deficit of 54.2 trillion won through May, driven by a 16% rise in tax revenue on strong corporate earnings and a bullish stock market. Corporate, income, and securities transaction taxes all surged, while government spending also increased.