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South Korea successfully launched its fourth next-generation medium-sized Earth observation satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The satellite, equipped with a homegrown camera, entered low-Earth orbit and is expected to begin full-scale service in the first half of 2027.
China has launched a second coast guard patrol east of Taiwan amid international concern. The operation follows a similar patrol in June, which Beijing says was a response to Japan-Philippines maritime boundary talks. Taiwan reports tracking Chinese vessels, while the US, UK, France, and Germany have expressed concerns.
Iran has begun talks with Japanese companies about resuming crude oil purchases under a US sanctions waiver, though Japanese diplomatic sources reportedly view a deal as unrealistic over navigation safety concerns. Three Japanese buyers are reportedly considering purchases for the first time since 2019.
The South Korean won strengthened against the U.S. dollar on Friday, supported by weaker-than-expected U.S. employment growth and a firmer Japanese currency. The won closed at 1,525.6 per dollar, its strongest level since mid-June, while Seoul's main stock index surged nearly 6 percent.
South Korea's presidential office has denied a U.S. House Judiciary Committee report accusing the country of discriminatory treatment of Coupang. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said the investigation is conducted without discrimination, while parliament and the foreign ministry also expressed regret over the report.
South Korean stocks surged nearly 6 percent on Friday as investors bought beaten-down semiconductor shares, rebounding from a sharp sell-off the previous day. The KOSPI closed at 8,088.34, up 440.25 points, while the Korean won strengthened against the dollar. The rally was supported by reports of Anthropic's talks with Samsung Electronics on a custom AI chip.
Actor Kim Min-ha discusses her role in the Danish-Korean film 'Hana Korea,' which portrays the lives of North Korean defectors in South Korea. The film, based on true stories and interviews, premiered at the Busan International Film Festival and is set for release on July 8.
South Korea's space agency has unveiled plans to build a low-Earth orbit satellite communications network by 2035, comprising hundreds of satellites, and to advance the country's first lunar landing to 2030. The strategy, approved by the National Space Council, aims to strengthen domestic space capabilities and position Seoul for the 6G era.
Hyundai Motor Group announced plans to invest 42 trillion won over the next decade to establish next-generation mobility and physical AI hubs in southeastern South Korea, with Vice Chairman Jang Jae-hoon presenting the roadmap at a briefing in Jinju. The broader initiative sees major conglomerates pledging a combined 312 trillion won for cutting-edge industries across the region, as reported by Yonhap.
South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has launched the K-Football Innovation Committee to reform the sport following the national team's World Cup group-stage exit. Former captain Park Ji-sung co-chairs the committee, which has already moved to overhaul the KFA presidential election process amid criticism over transparency.
South Korea's bourse operator has repeatedly activated a buy-side sidecar for the KOSPI as the index surged on tech and semiconductor gains. The mechanism suspends program trading for five minutes when the KOSPI 200 Futures index rises 5% or more for at least one minute.
South Korea's government is implementing financial support measures for workers and partner companies of Homeplus after the Seoul Bankruptcy Court terminated the retailer's rehabilitation proceedings, including substitute wage payments, low-interest loans, and liquidity support for small merchants.
A Seoul court has extended Homeplus' rehabilitation proceedings until September after the retailer appealed a decision to terminate them. The move follows a 200 billion won funding agreement backed by its largest creditor Meritz Financial Group and owner MBK Partners, while the government and banks have stepped in to support affected workers and suppliers.
President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating rose to 54 percent in early July after hitting its lowest level in late June, according to Gallup Korea. The rebound was partly attributed to the government's 'three mega projects' initiative, though economic concerns still weighed on respondents.
Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, visited the Khaan Quest multinational peacekeeping exercise in Mongolia, emphasizing deeper cooperation among U.S. allies and partners. The exercise, involving troops from up to 18 countries, included field training and counter-unmanned aerial system drills, with South Korea's Marine Corps participating since 2006.
A White House official has accused South Korea of discriminating against U.S. e-commerce giant Coupang, saying the company is being 'singled out' by President Lee Jae Myung's administration. The remarks follow a House Judiciary Committee report alleging 'discriminatory attacks' on Coupang, while Seoul insists its investigations are lawful and non-discriminatory.
South Korea's foreign reserves increased to $427.36 billion in June, reversing a May decline, as financial institutions' foreign currency deposits rose. The Bank of Korea attributed the gain to such deposits despite ongoing market stabilization efforts, while the won remained weak.
Kang Chang-il, vice chair of South Korea's Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, called on both Koreas to refer to each other by their official names, echoing religious leaders' plea. The unification ministry said it views the growing calls as part of a broader effort to build public consensus. The council also expanded its membership to 25,000 advisers.
South Korea's foreign ministry and ruling party have expressed regret over a U.S. House Judiciary Committee report accusing Seoul of discriminatory treatment of Coupang. Officials defend the legal case against the e-commerce giant as lawful and non-discriminatory, while the report claims South Korea's actions violate a bilateral trade agreement.
The Doosan Bears have signed temporary starter Wes Benjamin to a full contract through the remainder of the KBO season and acquired infielder Yunior Severino as their new foreign hitter, following the releases of Chris Flexen and Daz Cameron.