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S. Korea says in close talks with U.S. after Senate bill signals tougher OPCON transfer oversight

South Korea says it remains in close talks with the United States over the wartime operational control (OPCON) transition, after a U.S. Senate bill introduced a provision requiring regular reports to Congress on the transfer road map. The provision reflects differing views between Seoul and Washington on the pace of the transfer, with Seoul seeking to complete it before 2030 and the U.S. emphasizing conditions and readiness.

1 outlet · 4 articles Jun 19

Gov't to seek dismissal of heads of 2 public firms following review

South Korea's finance ministry will seek to replace the heads of two public institutions—the Government Employees Pension Service and KOICA—following a performance evaluation. Seven institutions received the lowest grade, and warnings were issued to several agency heads, including those tied to fatal workplace accidents.

1 outlet · 2 articles Jun 19

(World Cup) Fans gather at Gwanghwamun to root for S. Korea in World Cup match against Mexico

Thousands of South Korean fans gathered at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square for street cheering during the 2026 World Cup group stage, including matches against Czechia, Mexico, and South Africa. Reports from Yonhap detail fan enthusiasm, heat-beating measures, and the cultural significance of street cheering since 2002.

1 outlet · 4 articles Jun 19

Severed leg found at recycling center was mistakenly thrown out by hospital worker: police

A severed human leg found at a recycling facility in Incheon on June 10 was traced back to an 80-something patient at a nearby nursing hospital. Police confirmed that a volunteer worker mistakenly discarded the amputated limb as recyclable waste, leading to an investigation into potential medical law violations.

1 outlet · 2 articles Jun 19

U.S.-Iran MOU poses new opportunities, challenges for S. Korea: finance minister

South Korea's finance minister said the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding to end their conflict presents both opportunities and challenges, with the government planning post-conflict economic policies. The deal follows a 106-day conflict that disrupted global supply chains, and analysts warn of lingering risks including inflation and energy insecurity.

1 outlet · 2 articles Jun 19

Producer prices rise for 9th consecutive month in May

South Korea's producer prices increased for the ninth consecutive month in May, climbing 0.8% on-month, driven by higher petroleum and raw material costs amid the Middle East conflict. Meanwhile, import prices fell for a second straight month, with the index down 0.3% on-month.

1 outlet · 2 articles Jun 18

(2nd LD) Seoul stocks end at record peak of above 9,000 on extended chip rally

South Korea's benchmark KOSPI closed above 9,000 points for the first time in its history on June 18, 2026, rallying 2.25 percent to 9,063.84. The surge was led by semiconductor heavyweights Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, with foreign investors purchasing a net 1.3 trillion won, despite a hawkish Federal Reserve stance and ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions.

1 outlet · 7 articles Jun 18

(2nd LD) KOSPI tops another historic milestone 9,000 on chip rally

South Korea's benchmark KOSPI index crossed the 9,000-point mark for the first time in history on Thursday, buoyed by a surge in semiconductor and AI-related stocks. The index closed at 9,063.84, up 2.25 percent, extending a dramatic rally that has seen it gain over 110 percent this year. Analysts attribute the rise to global AI investment and a recent U.S.-Iran peace agreement.

1 outlet · 4 articles Jun 18

(LEAD) New entity tasked with implementing Seoul's investment pledge to U.S. sets sail

South Korea has formally launched the Korea-U.S. Strategic Investment Corporation to implement its $350 billion investment commitment to the United States, tied to lower tariffs. The state-run body will run for 20 years with 2 trillion won in government seed funding, and former deputy trade minister Park Jong-won has been named its first chief. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said the step extends the bilateral alliance into strategic industries.

1 outlet · 4 articles Jun 18

Seoul stocks end at record peak of above 9,000 on extended chip rally

South Korea's benchmark KOSPI index closed above the 9,000-point mark for the first time in history, rising 2.25 percent to 9,063.84 on June 18, led by chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK hynix on optimism over AI. The previous session saw the index extend its winning streak to five days, reaching 8,864.24, amid caution ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's rate decision.

1 outlet · 2 articles Jun 18

S. Korea remains unchanged on stance regarding N. Korea as enemy: defense ministry

South Korea's defense ministry has reiterated its stance that North Korea is the enemy, rejecting a newspaper report suggesting the phrase would be removed from the upcoming 2026 defense white paper due to the Lee Jae Myung government's rapprochement policy. The ministry's deputy spokesperson stated the report is not true, and officials expect the white paper to retain the labeling, which has been removed or softened under past liberal administrations but reinstated during conservative governments.

1 outlet · 2 articles Jun 18

(LEAD) S. Korea to apply zero tariffs on LNG, LPG under quota scheme to tackle inflation

South Korea plans to apply zero tariffs on LNG and LPG within quotas in the second half of 2026 to ease inflation amid global energy price volatility. The government also announced discount events for agricultural and fishery products worth 350 billion won to keep consumer price inflation around 3 percent.

1 outlet · 4 articles Jun 18

Senate confirms Michelle Steel as U.S. ambassador to S. Korea

The U.S. Senate confirmed Michelle Steel, a former two-term congresswoman, as ambassador to South Korea in a 55-39 vote. Steel, the second Korean American to hold the post, will face tasks including modernizing the alliance and implementing bilateral agreements. Seoul granted agrement for her appointment.

1 outlet · 3 articles Jun 18

South Korea to ease civilian curbs along border with North

South Korea announced plans to reduce the Civilian Control Line (CCL) along the border with North Korea from 10 km to an average of 6 km starting 2027, easing restrictions for farmers and residents while maintaining military readiness. The move responds to long-standing grievances over property rights and economic disadvantages, and includes simplified drone flight approvals.

2 outlets · 2 articles Jun 17

(LEAD) 18-month prison term sought for Seoul mayor on charges of accepting illegal funds

A special counsel team has recommended an 18-month prison sentence for Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon over alleged illegal political funds linked to opinion polls before the 2021 mayoral by-election. The team also sought forfeiture of 33 million won and prison terms for two co-defendants. Oh denies the charges, calling the indictment 'very immoral'.

1 outlet · 3 articles Jun 17

PPP to file petitions challenging local election results

South Korea's main opposition People Power Party has filed petitions challenging the results of local elections in multiple metropolitan regions after unprecedented ballot shortages on June 3. The party is seeking to overturn results in up to nine races, including some it won, sparking internal criticism and national debate over election integrity.

1 outlet · 2 articles Jun 17

BLACKPINK's Jennie maintains No. 10 on Billboard Hot 100 with 'Dracula'

Jennie's collaboration with Tame Impala, 'Dracula,' remains at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 for a second consecutive week, extending its chart run to 37 weeks. The track's initial climb was driven by a viral remix released in February, according to Yonhap.

1 outlet · 2 articles Jun 17

S. Korea, Mongolia discuss ways to accelerate economic ties, trade talks

South Korea and Mongolia have held high-level meetings to accelerate economic cooperation, including progress on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) and the launch of a vice ministerial-level strategic dialogue focused on critical minerals, supply chains, and other sectors.

1 outlet · 2 articles Jun 17

Gov't to ease civilian-restricted inter-Korean border boundaries for wider public access

South Korea's defense ministry announced plans to ease boundaries of the Civilian Control Line, a buffer zone near the inter-Korean border, to allow wider public access and promote regional development. The measure, affecting about 270 square kilometers, will also streamline approval processes and support local agriculture, balancing security needs with local convenience.

1 outlet · 2 articles Jun 17

'Teach You a Lesson' tops Netflix's weekly non-English chart for 2nd week

The Korean drama 'Teach You a Lesson' has dominated Netflix's global non-English chart for four consecutive weeks, with viewership and reach spanning multiple countries. Based on the webtoon 'Get Schooled,' the series follows a government team of inspectors tackling school bullying, resonating with audiences worldwide.

2 outlets · 9 articles Jun 16