Location · 1349 published stories · 104 outlets · All places
South Korea's exports surged 49.4% in the first 20 days of April, reaching $50.4 billion, with imports up 17.7% to $39.9 billion, yielding a trade surplus. Meanwhile, container shipping costs to the U.S. and Middle East rose in March, while those to China fell. The figures, from the Korea Customs Service, point to continued trade momentum amid global supply chain shifts.
South Korea's credit card loans reached an all-time high in March, rising for a third consecutive month amid economic slowdown and high inflation. Meanwhile, card spending jumped over 7% in the first quarter, driven by a stock market rally and rising oil prices.
During a summit in New Delhi, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to strengthen cooperation on stabilizing energy supply chains and to double bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. The leaders also discussed upgrading their free trade agreement and expanding ties in defense, shipbuilding, and artificial intelligence.
BIGBANG announced they have completed work on a new album and will launch a world tour in August, marking their 20th anniversary. The trio performed at Coachella twice, their first full-group shows in nine years.
South Korea's Unification Minister Chung Dong-young has expressed regret over allegations that his reference to a North Korean nuclear facility in Kusong constituted a leak of sensitive intelligence. Reports indicate the US has reduced intelligence-sharing with Seoul in response, while the unification ministry insists the remarks were based on publicly available information.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in New Delhi for summit talks focused on deepening economic ties and strengthening their strategic partnership. Lee stressed the need for joint efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the impact of the US-Iran conflict on global supply chains and energy security.
South Korean stocks closed higher in recent sessions despite ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions, as investors shifted focus to corporate earnings. The KOSPI reached a record high on Tuesday, driven by anticipation of U.S. tech earnings, while analysts noted the market's growing resilience to geopolitical noise.
President Lee Jae Myung approved Shin Hyun-song as the new Bank of Korea governor after the National Assembly's strategy and finance committee adopted his confirmation hearing report, clearing the way for his official appointment. The decision came amid opposition concerns over allegations involving Shin's family, though bipartisan agreement prevented a leadership vacuum.
North Korea has confirmed testing a tactical ballistic missile equipped with a cluster bomb warhead, alongside other weapons systems. State media reported the tests as part of routine military development, while regional observers note the launches add to regional tensions. The reports detail the weapon's capabilities but differ on supervision details.
South Korea and India held the Korea-India Space Day in Bengaluru to boost bilateral space cooperation. Innospace and Grahaa Space signed an MOU for multi-launch services, building on earlier collaboration despite a failed December launch.
Oil prices have surged amid stalled peace negotiations between the United States and Iran, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining largely closed. Conflicting signals from Washington and Tehran, including the cancellation of planned talks and the seizure of an Iranian vessel, have kept markets volatile.
South Korea is promoting its defense industry at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2026 exhibition in Malaysia, with eight firms showcasing advanced technologies. Concurrently, LIG Defense & Aerospace has secured a US$94 million deal to export the Haegung missile system to Malaysia, marking the weapon's first export.
South Korean golfer Kim Si-woo finished third at the RBC Heritage on Sunday, carding a final-round 68 to tie his career high with five top-10 finishes this season. Matt Fitzpatrick won the tournament in a playoff with Scottie Scheffler. Kim's bogey on the 18th hole cost him a chance at the playoff.
North Korea test-fired its upgraded Hwasong-11 Ra tactical ballistic missile on Sunday, with leader Kim Jong Un overseeing the launch. According to state media, the test evaluated cluster bomb and fragmentation warhead capabilities, with five missiles hitting a target area 136 kilometers away. South Korea's National Security Office condemned the launch as a violation of UN resolutions.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for a state visit, with summit talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled for Monday. The trip, which also includes Vietnam, focuses on deepening economic cooperation, upgrading trade agreements, and addressing supply chain uncertainties amid Middle East turmoil.
North Korea conducted another ballistic missile test on Sunday, the fourth this month and seventh of the year, according to reports from Reuters and Dawn. The launches come amid regional tensions from the US-Israeli war on Iran and ahead of a planned US-China summit, with analysts divided on whether they signal strength or insecurity.
North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles toward the sea off its eastern coast, according to South Korea's military. The launch is the latest in a series of tests this year, and comes amid diplomatic tensions and upcoming US-China talks.
South Korea's presidential National Security Office convened an emergency meeting following North Korea's launch of multiple ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, condemning the act as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. The launches, detected from the Sinpho area at around 6:10 a.m., prompted Seoul to strengthen military readiness and share information with allies.
South Korea's main opposition People Power Party has selected incumbent Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon as its candidate for the June 3 mayoral election. Oh, who is seeking a fifth non-consecutive term, will face ruling Democratic Party candidate Chong Won-o.
Neukgu, a two-year-old male wolf, was recaptured on Friday after escaping from O-World zoo in Daejeon, South Korea, nine days earlier. The search involved thermal imaging drones, police, and military, and ended with a veterinarian tranquilizing the wolf near a highway. Neukgu was found in stable condition, with a fishing hook removed from his stomach, and the zoo remains closed as it faces scrutiny over a series of animal escapes.