Organization · 16 stories from 35 outlets in the last 7 days · 1,163 published stories all time
AI summaryBTS' latest album 'Arirang' dropped to No. 3 on the Billboard 200 after topping the chart for three consecutive weeks, a first for a K-pop act. The album earned 78,000 equivalent album units in the latest tracking week, down 37% from the previous week, according to Yonhap.
AI summarySouth Korean short track speed skater Choi Min-jeong has won the national team trials for the 2026-2027 season, sealing her place on the team for what she has confirmed will be her final international season. The 27-year-old, the most decorated South Korean Olympian, plans to retire from international competition after the upcoming season, with the world championships in Seoul serving as her farewell event.
AI summaryHyundai Motor has launched its Ioniq electric vehicle brand in China, unveiling the Ioniq V production model and two concept cars. The move signals a renewed commitment to the world's largest auto market, with plans to launch 20 new models and target annual sales of 500,000 units.
AI summaryThe United States and Iran concluded marathon talks in Islamabad on Sunday without an agreement, with US Vice President JD Vance saying Iran chose not to accept Washington's terms. Iranian officials countered that no one expected a deal in a single session, blaming 'excessive demands' from the US. The outcome leaves a fragile two-week ceasefire hanging in the balance as both sides weigh next steps.
AI summarySouth Korea's major lenders are expected to limit household loan growth to 1% this year, down from earlier targets, as part of government efforts to curb rising home prices. The move aligns with stricter lending rules and expanded speculative zone designations in Seoul.
AI summarySouth Korea's presidential office convened an emergency economic review meeting to coordinate responses to the Middle East conflict, with officials pledging to maintain vigilance amid ongoing U.S.-Iran talks. The government also plans to restore naphtha supply, while President Lee Jae Myung has scheduled a separate advisory council session.
AI summaryUS Central Command says two guided-missile destroyers have transited the Strait of Hormuz to start clearing Iranian-laid mines, but Tehran denies the crossing and threatens to attack unauthorized vessels. The operation coincides with US-Iran ceasefire negotiations in Islamabad.
AI summaryBTS kicked off its massive world tour in Goyang, South Korea, marking their return after a four-year hiatus for military service. The tour spans 85 shows across 34 cities, with a record-breaking number of dates. Amid celebration, police reported the theft of about 500 admission wristbands at the venue.
AI summaryNorth Korean leader Kim Jong-un met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Pyongyang and called for stronger bilateral ties, placing top priority on relations with Beijing. Kim voiced support for China’s one-China principle and a multipolar world order. The visit was Wang’s first to North Korea since 2019 and follows last year’s Xi-Kim summit.
AI summaryUS Vice President JD Vance has arrived in Pakistan for rare direct talks with Iran, warning Tehran not to 'play' the US. Iran demanded a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of its frozen assets before negotiations, while both sides traded accusations over a fragile two-week ceasefire.
AI summarySouth Korea's National Assembly approved a 26.2 trillion-won supplementary budget to counter economic fallout from the Middle East conflict. The package includes cash assistance for the bottom 70% of income earners and additional naphtha supply support. Rollout details are emerging, with vulnerable groups receiving payments first.
AI summarySouth Korea has resumed tourist rail service to Dorasan Station, its northernmost stop near the border with North Korea, after a six-year hiatus. Unification Minister Chung Dong-young called the reopening a 'small starting point' for building everyday peace with Pyongyang.
AI summarySeoul shares closed higher on Friday, buoyed by optimism over upcoming U.S.-Iran negotiations following a two-week ceasefire in the Middle East. The KOSPI rose 1.4 percent to 5,858.87, extending weekly gains to nearly 9 percent, while foreign investors were net buyers of 1.1 trillion won worth of shares.
AI summaryThe Bank of Korea kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.5% for the seventh consecutive meeting, citing heightened uncertainty from the Middle East conflict. The decision was unanimous, with the central bank noting risks to inflation, growth, and financial markets. New Governor Shin Hyun-song has pledged a cautious monetary policy approach.
AI summaryChinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with North Korean officials in Pyongyang this week, marking his first visit to North Korea since 2019 and signaling a further thaw in bilateral relations. The talks, confirmed by multiple sources, come ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's planned visit to China in May.
AI summarySouth Korea's ruling Democratic Party has selected Chong Won-o, a former Seongdong district chief, as its candidate for Seoul mayor in the June 3 local elections. Chong won a majority in the primary, defeating two three-term lawmakers, and will face the winner of the main opposition's primary race.
AI summarySeoul shares fell over 1.5% on Thursday, ending a four-day rally as investors weighed conflicting US and Iranian statements about a two-week ceasefire. The KOSPI dropped 94.33 points, with tech and defense stocks leading declines, while the won weakened against the dollar.
AI summaryA fire broke out on a South Korean Navy submarine undergoing maintenance at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in Ulsan, forcing 40 people to evacuate. One cleaner in her 60s is missing, and authorities have located her inside the vessel but are struggling to reach her due to a narrow entry path.
AI summarySouth Korean shares declined Thursday morning as uncertainty over the US-Iran ceasefire deal weighed on investor sentiment. The KOSPI fell nearly 1 percent, with tech giants like Samsung Electronics and SK hynix leading losses, while oil refiners gained on rebounding crude prices.
AI summaryPresident Lee Jae Myung has urged a fundamental overhaul of South Korea's economic system, citing rising oil prices and inflationary pressures from the Middle East war. He framed the crisis as an opportunity for structural reform, as separate reports noted diplomatic efforts and North Korean military activities.