Yonhap — Page 38

Organization · 1160 published stories · 82 outlets

South Korea Unveils Global AI Hub Vision to Tackle Global Challenges

South Korea announced plans to establish the Global AI Hub, an international platform bringing together AI capabilities of global organizations to address issues like disease control and climate change. The initiative, unveiled by the Finance Ministry, will cooperate with nine global bodies and five multilateral development banks. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok also outlined domestic AI policies aimed at supporting small businesses.

1 outlet · 3 articles May 21, 2026

Lee's Approval Rating Dips to 66 Percent in Latest Poll

President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating has fallen to 66 percent, marking a second consecutive decline, according to a biweekly poll. The ruling Democratic Party maintains a significant lead over the opposition People Power Party ahead of the June 3 local elections.

1 outlet · 2 articles May 21, 2026

Xi Jinping Expected to Visit North Korea as Early as Next Week

Reports from South Korean and international media indicate that Chinese President Xi Jinping may visit North Korea in the coming weeks, potentially to mediate US-North Korea relations. Foreign Minister Wang Yi's recent visit and preparations in Pyongyang support the speculation. Seoul hopes Beijing will play a constructive role in Korean Peninsula affairs.

3 outlets · 5 articles May 21, 2026

'Colony': A Stylish Zombie Thriller That Prioritizes Spectacle Over Character Depth

Director Yeon Sang-ho's latest zombie film, 'Colony,' premiered at Cannes and features a unique take on the genre with network-connected zombies. Actor Jun Ji-hyun discusses her role as a grounded biotechnology professor, emphasizing a restrained performance over action. Reviews note the film's inventive spectacle but limited character development.

1 outlet · 2 articles May 21, 2026

CJ Olive Young to Open First U.S. Store in Pasadena, Eyes West Coast Expansion

South Korean health and beauty retailer CJ Olive Young announces its first U.S. store opening in Pasadena, California, featuring thousands of products from hundreds of Korean and global brands, with plans for further U.S. expansion.

1 outlet · 2 articles May 21, 2026

Seoul Shares Surge on Samsung Labor Deal, Nvidia Earnings, and U.S.-Iran Hopes

South Korean stocks rallied sharply on May 21, with the KOSPI jumping 8.42 percent, as Samsung Electronics averted a strike and Nvidia's strong earnings boosted tech sentiment. The market also drew support from hopes of a U.S.-Iran peace deal, though gains were tempered in subsequent sessions by profit-taking and renewed geopolitical tensions.

1 outlet · 10 articles May 21, 2026

South Korea's Exports Surge 65% in First 20 Days of May

South Korea's exports rose 65% year-on-year to $52.7 billion in the first 20 days of May, according to Korea Customs Service data. Imports increased 29.3% to $41.6 billion, yielding a trade surplus of $11 billion. Earlier 10-day data showed a 43.7% export jump.

1 outlet · 2 articles May 21, 2026

Trump says ready to wait a few more days for Iran agreement

US President Donald Trump has said he is willing to give diplomacy a few more days to reach an agreement with Iran before resuming military strikes. He cited requests from Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia for postponing hostilities and reiterated he will not offer sanctions relief until a peace deal is signed.

2 outlets · 3 articles May 20, 2026

Nominee for U.S. Envoy to South Korea Pledges to Strengthen Alliance, Protect American Firms

Michelle Steel, the nominee for U.S. ambassador to South Korea, vowed during her Senate confirmation hearing to strengthen the Seoul-Washington alliance, ensure American companies are not discriminated against, and advance bilateral trade and security agreements. Her remarks come as the two countries implement a joint fact sheet that includes South Korea's $350 billion investment pledge in U.S. strategic industries.

1 outlet · 3 articles May 20, 2026

North Korean club Naegohyang wins AFC Women's Champions League, defeating Tokyo Verdy Beleza in final

Naegohyang Women's FC of North Korea claimed the AFC Women's Champions League title with a 1-0 victory over Japan's Tokyo Verdy Beleza, days after a historic semifinal win against South Korean club Suwon FC Women. The tournament marked the first time a North Korean sports team visited the South in eight years, drawing intense interest and praise from President Lee Jae Myung.

3 outlets · 12 articles May 20, 2026

South Korea and India Discuss Expanding Defense Ties in Seoul Meetings

South Korean defense officials met with India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in Seoul to discuss expanding bilateral arms and defense cooperation. The talks included the signing of a memorandum of understanding between South Korean firms Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems with India's Larsen & Toubro, and an agreement to establish a joint platform for defense-related technology collaboration.

1 outlet · 2 articles May 20, 2026

Labor minister to mediate Samsung wage talks as union strike threat looms

South Korea's labor minister will mediate a fresh round of wage negotiations between Samsung Electronics and its largest union, hours after government-mediated talks broke down over performance-based bonuses. The labor ministry says it is too early to discuss emergency arbitration powers, while the union vows to proceed with a planned strike.

1 outlet · 4 articles May 20, 2026

South Korea Vows Continued Efforts to Curb Consumer Prices Amid Middle East War

South Korea's finance ministry announced measures to stabilize consumer prices, which rose 2.6% in April, as the Middle East conflict disrupts supply chains. The government plans emergency tariff-rate quotas, seafood stockpile releases, and maintains an emergency response system. Despite strong exports and economic growth, officials acknowledge growing inflationary pressures.

1 outlet · 4 articles May 20, 2026

South Korean oil tanker transits Strait of Hormuz amid U.S.-Iran tensions

A South Korean oil tanker has passed through the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first such transit since the U.S.-Iran war began. The vessel, carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil, received passage approval from Iran. Meanwhile, South Korea's oceans minister opposed Iran's reported push to charge transit fees.

2 outlets · 5 articles May 20, 2026

U.S. to Launch Bilateral Working Groups with South Korea on Summit Agreements

A senior U.S. diplomat will visit Seoul in the coming weeks to launch bilateral working groups on implementing agreements from the October summit between Presidents Trump and Lee, including nuclear-powered submarines and civilian nuclear fuel programs. Allison Hooker, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, will lead the U.S. delegation, as announced after her talks with South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo.

1 outlet · 5 articles May 19, 2026

South Korea's Unification Ministry Defends 'Two-State' Language in White Paper

South Korea's unification ministry has defended the use of 'two-state' language in its latest white paper, clarifying it does not constitute legal recognition of North Korea as a state. Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said the 'peace-oriented two-state approach' differs fundamentally from North Korea's 'two hostile states' policy. The ministry described the language as an implementation strategy for peaceful coexistence.

1 outlet · 3 articles May 19, 2026

South Korea and Japan agree to strengthen energy cooperation in fourth summit

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met in Andong for their fourth summit in six months, agreeing to enhance cooperation on energy supply chains, including LNG and crude oil swaps. The meeting underscored shared concerns over Middle East instability and reaffirmed trilateral security ties with the US.

3 outlets · 4 articles May 19, 2026

Seoul shares extend losses as foreign selling persists; won rebounds

South Korean stocks fell for a second consecutive session on Wednesday, with the KOSPI dropping 0.86% to 7,208.95, as foreign investors continued heavy selling of chipmakers and other heavyweights. The local currency gained ground against the U.S. dollar, while investors awaited Nvidia's earnings amid geopolitical tensions.

1 outlet · 3 articles May 19, 2026

Lee Calls Japan 'Important Partner' as South Korea Navigates Hormuz Security Crisis

President Lee Jae Myung met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to strengthen bilateral ties amid global instability, while Seoul manages conflicting narratives over an attack on the South Korean-operated vessel HMM Namu and volatile domestic economic indicators.

1 outlet · 7 articles May 19, 2026

Israeli Forces Seize Aid Flotilla Carrying South Korean Activists Bound for Gaza

Israeli forces intercepted two humanitarian aid boats carrying South Korean activists headed for Gaza, prompting criticism from President Lee Jae Myung and raising diplomatic tensions. Activists later alleged abuse during detention, which the Israeli Embassy denied.

1 outlet · 9 articles May 19, 2026