Yonhap — Page 27

Organization · 1160 published stories · 82 outlets

(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

(2nd LD) Fed holds key rate steady under new Chair Warsh; policymakers project rate increase this year

The U.S. Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged for the fourth consecutive meeting, its first decision under new Chair Kevin Warsh. New projections show a majority of policymakers expect rates to rise by year-end amid inflation running well above the 2% target, driven partly by Middle East conflict-related energy costs.

3 outlets · 5 articles Jun 17

Pentagon renames Indo-Pacific Command back to Pacific Command

The U.S. Defense Department has renamed its Indo-Pacific Command back to Pacific Command, a symbolic move that has sparked debate over the implications for U.S.-India relations. While Pentagon officials and diplomats dismiss the change as honoring historical roots, analysts and Indian commentators view it as a signal of shifting U.S. strategic priorities.

4 outlets · 6 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

(World Cup) S. Koreans train behind closed doors with Mexico looming

South Korea held a closed-door training session two days before their World Cup Group A match against Mexico, with the full squad available after injury recoveries. A drone was intercepted by Mexican military forces at the training site, with head coach Hong Myung-bo expressing regret over the incident.

1 outlet · 10 articles Jun 16

(LEAD) Wiz slugger embracing injury layoff as learning experience

KT Wiz slugger Ahn Hyun-min returned from a two-month hamstring injury layoff, contributing two RBIs in a 6-2 win over the Doosan Bears. He described the rehab period as a valuable learning experience, adjusting his diet and seeking advice from Kia Tigers star Kim Do-yeong.

1 outlet · 3 articles Jun 16

(LEAD) Lee arrives in France for G7 summit

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung arrived in Evian-les-Bains, France, to attend the G7 summit as an invited partner country. On the sidelines, he met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, discussing bilateral ties and Canada's submarine acquisition project. Lee is scheduled to return home Wednesday, wrapping up his 10-day Europe trip.

1 outlet · 5 articles Jun 16

Kim Si-woo seeking major success at U.S. Open in midst of best PGA Tour season

Kim Si-woo, South Korea's top-ranked golfer at No. 18 in the world, tees off at the U.S. Open seeking his first major breakthrough during what has been the best season of his PGA Tour career. With eight top-10 finishes in 16 starts and a No. 4 spot in the FedEx Cup standings, Kim is among three South Koreans in the field at Shinnecock Hills.

1 outlet · 2 articles Jun 16

(LEAD) Rival parties agree to launch parliamentary probe on election ballot shortage

South Korea's ruling Democratic Party and main opposition People Power Party have agreed to launch a 45-day parliamentary investigation into the National Election Commission over ballot shortages that disrupted voting during the June 3 local elections. The National Assembly approved the probe on June 18, with an 18-member special committee chaired by the opposition.

1 outlet · 16 articles Jun 16

(LEAD) Seoul stocks up for 4th day to finish above 8,700 on U.S.-Iran deal optimism

Seoul stocks rose for a fourth consecutive session on Tuesday, closing above 8,700 points as investors welcomed a U.S.-Iran agreement to end their conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The KOSPI added 2.11 percent, amid gains in tech and auto shares, while oil prices retreated and U.S. markets hit records.

1 outlet · 5 articles Jun 16

(LEAD) PM vows to deal sternly with illegal acts by ballot protesters

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok vowed stern action against illegal acts in protests over ballot shortages in South Korea's local elections, as demonstrators continue to block a Seoul gymnasium. Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung also expressed regret over protesters' actions, while the National Election Commission has apologized for the shortages.

1 outlet · 3 articles Jun 16