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South Korea's military reported that North Korea launched an unidentified projectile toward the East Sea on Thursday, August 20. The launch came about a week after a short-range ballistic missile test and amid scaled-down U.S.-South Korea military exercises, with North Korea denouncing the drills as war rehearsals.
The South Korean won posted its largest monthly gain since 2009, driven by heavy dollar inflows after SK hynix's U.S. listing. The currency continued to rise in early August, supported by expectations of further rate hikes and strong economic growth.
South Korea's first 10 days of August were the hottest on record, averaging 29.1 C excluding Jeju Island and producing a national high of 42.5 C in Yangsan, the state weather agency said. Yonhap News reported the KMA figures, which also showed 32 locations exceeding 40 C and a record number of tropical nights earlier in the summer.
Japan's annual defence white paper has sparked sharp reactions across the region. China lodged a formal protest over its characterization as a strategic challenge and comments on Taiwan, South Korea objected to Tokyo's reaffirmed claim to the Dokdo islets, and North Korea denounced the document as a pretext for military buildup.
South Korea's KOSPI opened sharply lower on Thursday, falling 119.51 points, following losses on Wall Street and amid reports of progress on the Strait of Hormuz. The index had opened 59.6 points lower earlier in the week, with markets also tracking U.S. declines.
South Korea's exports jumped 45.3% in the first 10 days of August, reaching $21.3 billion, with a trade surplus of $1.8 billion. Separately, the number of first-time exporters rose nearly 4% in 2025, and their combined exports hit a five-year high.
South Korean officials say they were unable to reach U.S. forces via a hotline after a possible white phosphorus leak was reported at Osan Air Base, prompting a brief evacuation alert. The U.S. military later stated the substance was non-hazardous corrosion, but the incident has raised questions about emergency communication.
Seoul shares rebounded on bargain hunting as investors scooped up large-cap stocks despite concerns over AI spending and the Federal Reserve's policy path. The KOSPI traded higher late Thursday morning after opening with gains, led by tech stocks and institutions.
Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' has become the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time with $1.352 billion worldwide, surpassing 'Deadpool & Wolverine.' The film also leads in South Korea, where it has topped 7 million admissions, and is set for a digital release on Nov. 17.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that North Korea plans to deploy up to 50,000 troops to Russia, but Pyongyang dismissed the estimate as 'groundless.' South Korean intelligence reports no signs of imminent additional deployment, though preparations may continue.
Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone said Lee Kang-in is an all-around player after the South Korean midfielder made his debut in a 3-1 preseason loss to Manchester City in Seoul. Lee, who inherited the No. 7 jersey from Antoine Griezmann, had a couple of chances and looked to set up teammates.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia is preparing to receive an additional 30,000 to 50,000 North Korean troops for its war in Ukraine, according to Yonhap. He also noted Pyongyang plans to send more missile launchers and that North Korea will gain modern warfare experience. Zelenskyy urged South Korea to cooperate more closely with Ukraine on air defense and drones.
Former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok won Democratic Party leadership primaries in Incheon and Jeju Island on Saturday, beating rival Jung Chung-rae. The win reverses his previous loss in the southeast region, keeping the race closely contested ahead of the party's national convention on Aug. 17.
Government data shows heat-related illness cases in South Korea have nearly tripled over the past decade, with deaths also increasing. This year alone, 21 people have died and thousands have sought emergency care amid ongoing heat waves expected to last until late August.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day has become the highest-grossing Marvel film domestically and is closing in on Titanic's global box office record. The film also surpassed 5 million ticket sales in South Korea on its 11th day.
President Lee Jae-myung urged the prompt unification of the Army, Navy and Air Force academies, citing the Army academy's history of coups. The defense ministry reaffirmed its commitment this week, despite opposition from alumni groups and former chiefs of staff.
South Korean stocks declined for a second consecutive session on Friday as renewed tensions over the Strait of Hormuz weighed on investor sentiment, with foreign investors offloading a net 858 billion won. The KOSPI fell 0.6 percent to close at 6,258.77, while the won strengthened against the dollar.
A 2016 government audit alleged that the Korea Football Association used corporate credit cards to pay for sexual entertainment for foreign referees during international matches in 2011-2012, including Olympic and World Cup qualifiers. The allegations emerged as police raided the KFA's headquarters over a separate coaching appointment probe. The KFA said it has since tightened its internal guidelines.
A South Korean appellate court upheld a three-year prison sentence for former Marine commander Lim Seong-geun for occupational negligence resulting in the 2023 death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun. The defense ministry also imposed disciplinary measures on other senior officers involved, dismissing two former commanders and demoting two others.
Naver Corp. reported a 41.6% rise in second-quarter net profit to 704.3 billion won, driven by AI-enhanced commerce and advertising. Revenue grew 16.2% to 3.38 trillion won, while operating profit edged down 0.2% due to AI infrastructure investments.