Organization · 16 stories from 35 outlets in the last 7 days · 1,163 published stories all time
AI summaryChoi Ji-man, a former major league first baseman best known for his tenure with the Tampa Bay Rays, has signed a one-year deal with the Ulsan Whales of the Futures League, South Korea's minor league. The 34-year-old says he aims to prove his health and remain a productive player, with hopes of eventually joining the national team.
AI summarySouth Korean stocks soared to an all-time high as investors welcomed the indefinite extension of the US-Iran ceasefire and strong economic data, though lingering tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and a weaker won tempered gains.
AI summaryUSFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson has proposed positioning South Korea as a regional sustainment hub for the maintenance and repair of US military assets, leveraging the country's defense industrial base. The plan, detailed in a document submitted to Congress and in recent remarks, also includes a broader modernization of the US-South Korea alliance and a shift to an 'east-up' strategic perspective in the Indo-Pacific.
AI summaryHonda Korea announced it will withdraw from South Korea's automobile market by the end of 2026, citing changing market conditions and exchange rate fluctuations. The company will continue customer services and refocus on its motorcycle business.
AI summaryDuring a state visit to Hanoi, President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea underscored the importance of cooperation with Vietnam on building resilient supply chains and expanding energy infrastructure. The two countries signed 74 MOUs, including a major metro deal, and agreed to deepen ties in nuclear energy, infrastructure, and supply chains.
AI summarySouth Korea's special counsel team raided the Supreme Prosecutors Office over former Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung's alleged involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid in 2024. Separately, a second special counsel team searched the same office and the Ministry of Justice regarding alleged mishandling of the investigation into former first lady Kim Keon Hee's luxury bag acceptance.
AI summaryHyundai Motor reported a 23.6% drop in first-quarter net profit, citing U.S. auto tariffs, higher raw material costs, and increased investment. Operating income declined 30.8%, while sales rose 3.4%. Kia also posted a 23.5% net profit decline, reflecting similar headwinds.
AI summarySouth Korea's new central bank governor and finance minister agreed to strengthen policy coordination in their first meeting, citing heightened market volatility from the Middle East conflict. They discussed joint responses to inflation and growth risks, plus efforts to internationalize the won. The meeting underscored the need for close communication on fiscal and monetary policy.
AI summaryUnification Minister Chung Dong-young has rejected accusations that his public identification of Kusong as a North Korean uranium enrichment site constituted a leak of classified information, calling the criticism a 'political trick' that harms national interests. The remarks have strained intelligence-sharing relations with the United States, which reportedly protested Seoul's disclosure of sensitive data.
AI summaryPresident Lee Jae Myung's approval rating remains at a record high of 69%, according to recent polls. Support for the ruling Democratic Party is also strong, while the main opposition party faces declining numbers. A majority of respondents back a constitutional amendment referendum alongside June local elections.
AI summarySouth Korea's economy expanded 1.7% in Q1 2026, the fastest quarterly growth in 5.5 years, driven by semiconductor exports. Private consumption and facility investment also contributed, though economists caution about concentration risks and Middle East uncertainties.
AI summarySK hynix reported record first-quarter results, with net profit surging 397.6% year-on-year to 40.34 trillion won, as AI demand for memory chips soared. Samsung Electronics also posted record operating profit, but both companies warn of a prolonged global supply crunch.
AI summaryNorth Korea has denounced Japan's planned overhaul of key security documents and its establishment of military drone offices, warning that these moves fuel Tokyo's 'reinvasion' ambitions. The criticism, reported by Yonhap, highlights regional tensions over Japan's defense buildup.
AI summaryThe top U.S. general in South Korea said the allies aim to meet all conditions for wartime operational control (OPCON) transfer to Seoul no later than the second quarter of fiscal year 2029, with a roadmap delivered to the Pentagon. Seoul's defense ministry added that a timeline will be set at this year's Security Consultative Meeting. A U.S. expert downplayed concerns that the transfer would weaken the alliance.
AI summaryA diplomatic dispute has emerged between South Korea and the United States after Republican lawmakers accused Seoul of discriminating against Coupang, a U.S.-listed e-commerce company. South Korean officials and lawmakers have rejected the claims, calling them interference in domestic affairs, while the foreign ministry insists that the investigation is fair and non-discriminatory.
AI summaryAustralian left-hander Lachlan Wells threw eight one-hit innings for the LG Twins against the Hanwha Eagles, but was pulled before the ninth, missing a chance at his first career complete-game shutout. Song Chan-eui's two-run homer powered the Twins to a 3-0 victory, their third straight.
AI summarySouth Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Vietnam's top leader To Lam held summit talks in Hanoi, agreeing to deepen cooperation on energy security and supply chain stabilization amid global uncertainties. The leaders also discussed infrastructure projects and Vietnam's potential revival of its nuclear power program, with bilateral trade reaching a record US$94.6 billion in 2025.
AI summaryThe Hanwha Eagles are grappling with bullpen woes, a franchise-record 18 walks and hit-by-pitches in a single game, and the impending shoulder surgery of starter Moon Dong-ju. Manager Kim Kyung-moon says he is focusing on daily wins rather than brooding over close calls.
AI summarySouth Korean stocks closed at a fresh record high on Wednesday, with the KOSPI rising 0.46% to 6,417.93, driven by strong corporate earnings outlook. The rally continued into Thursday as the index gained another 0.75% to 6,465.97, buoyed by U.S. President Trump's indefinite extension of the ceasefire with Iran.
AI summarySouth Korean investigators indicted Park Wang-yeol, a notorious drug trafficker, on aggravated drug charges about a month after his temporary repatriation from the Philippines. Park, who had been serving a 60-year sentence in the Philippines for murder, is accused of smuggling methamphetamine into South Korea, with authorities suspecting he continued his operations from prison using messaging apps.