Location · 1432 published stories · 207 outlets · All places
New UBS data shows Australia ranks third-highest in median wealth globally, with over 25,000 new millionaires added last year. However, reports highlight a growing divide between average and median wealth, suggesting gains have favored the wealthiest.
South Korean parliamentary investigators entered a vote counting venue in Seoul on Thursday, ending a 27-day blockade by protesters demanding a rerun of the June 3 local elections. Police cleared the entrance and deployed around 2,000 personnel after scuffles broke out among demonstrators, and one protester reportedly collapsed.
President Lee Jae Myung announced a 392 trillion-won industrywide investment to transform the central Chungcheong region into a global center for AI-led innovation, with major companies including Samsung and SK hynix committing to new fabs and facilities. The government framed the plan as a strategic push for national competitiveness, though critics have accused officials of pressuring conglomerates.
South Korea's pharmaceutical exports exceeded $10 billion for the first time last year, driven by biopharmaceuticals and biosimilars. In the first half of this year, biopharmaceutical exports hit a record $4.5 billion, with strong demand from Switzerland and the United States.
The United States secured a historic 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina to advance to the World Cup last 16, with Folarin Balogun scoring before being sent off and Malik Tillman adding a late free-kick goal. The win ends a 24-year wait for a knockout-stage victory and sets up a clash with Belgium.
Iran announced it will use part of its frozen assets in Qatar to purchase goods needed by the country, following talks in Doha. The move comes under a memorandum of understanding that halted the war between Iran and the US, with both sides offering differing details on the amount and purpose of the funds.
South Korea's top officials, including President Lee Jae Myung and Prime Minister Han Seong-sook, have identified inflation as the government's foremost challenge, with consumer prices surging to multi-year highs. The government is mobilizing all available tools to stabilize prices and shield vulnerable populations from energy-driven cost increases amid Middle East conflict fallout.
Hanwha Ocean has been chosen as the preferred bidder for South Korea's next-generation Navy destroyer project, valued at 7.8 trillion won (US$5.1 billion). The company beat rival HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for the KDDX program, which aims to build six domestically developed Aegis destroyers. The selection follows a two-year legal dispute over stolen designs and a change to open competitive bidding.
South Korea's consumer prices rose 3.2 percent in June, the sharpest increase since December 2023, driven by higher fuel and food prices. The government and central bank are responding with measures to stabilize prices, with expectations of easing in July.
Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martinez, during a visit to Seoul, emphasized his country's commitment to joining the Korea-Central America Free Trade Agreement, which he said would boost bilateral trade and investment. The two countries' foreign ministers also discussed expanding development cooperation in climate change and public administration.
Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes to lead England to a 2-1 comeback victory over DR Congo in the World Cup round of 32. England will now face Mexico in the last 16.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a congratulatory message to Chinese President Xi Jinping on the 105th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party, reaffirming ties. Xi replied vowing long-term stable relations. The exchange follows their June summit in Pyongyang and precedes the 65th anniversary of the bilateral treaty.
South Korean stocks closed 2.04% lower on Wednesday as investors locked in gains from recent AI-driven semiconductor rallies, while uncertainty over U.S.-Iran peace talks weighed on sentiment. The KOSPI fell 173.07 points to 8,303.41, and the won weakened against the dollar despite record June exports.
South Korea's Fair Trade Commission has launched formal proceedings against Google over its Games Velocity Program, alleging the company abused its dominance in the Android app market by offering incentives to major game developers in exchange for preferential treatment. Google denies wrongdoing and has eight weeks to respond, with a potential fine of up to 849.6 billion won.
President Lee Jae Myung has started a new round of policy briefings with all government ministries and agencies, emphasizing the need for reform and innovation. The briefings, covering 140 bodies over nine sessions, will be livestreamed and include public observers.
South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back has reiterated the need to consolidate the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies into a single institution, citing the need to break down service silos and address demographic challenges. Alumni associations and retired brass have called on the government to halt the plan, arguing it is being pushed without sufficient review and risks undermining military expertise.
Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the country was unable to export any oil during the US blockade of its ports, but has since exported over 40 million barrels. He added that Iran prioritises diplomacy with the US while remaining ready for war.
South Korea's exports exceeded $100 billion in a single month for the first time, surging 70.9% year-on-year to $102.25 billion in June, driven by strong semiconductor demand and AI investments, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
Shota Iimura, the Lotte Giants' new Japanese pitcher, is having fun in the KBO despite a rough start. The 28-year-old signed as the team's Asian quota player and has impressed manager Kim Tae-hyoung with his energy and potential.
India is reportedly in early-stage talks with the UAE to sell defence systems including the BrahMos supersonic missile and Akashteer air defence system. The potential deal is seen as a step in India's push to become a serious arms exporter, though it would require Russia's approval for the BrahMos sale.