SOUTH KOREA

Jun 21 2026FINANCE

Why South Korea’s Chip Success Isn’t Helping Its Currency

South Korea produces nearly half the world’s AI memory chips, but its currency isn’t getting stronger. Instead, the Korean won keeps falling, hitting levels not seen since 2009. Normally, a country that sells more than it buys should see its money rise in value. But here, something else is at play.

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Jun 17 2026POLITICS

South Korea pushes for US-North Korea talks after Trump photos surface

South Korea's president recently had a quick chat with Donald Trump at a big world leaders' meeting. He asked Trump to step up as the main player in solving tensions with North Korea. The short conversation happened during a group photo session. Trump then asked about the current state of play with

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Jun 10 2026POLITICS

Starbucks Korea’s joke about a dark day in South Korea

South Koreans mark May 18 every year to remember a brutal crackdown. In 1980, soldiers killed hundreds of unarmed citizens in Gwangju who were protesting a new military government. Yet when the 46th anniversary rolled around in 2026, Starbucks Korea chose to joke about the tragedy with a special tum

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May 26 2026POLITICS

How Japan and South Korea Balance Old Wounds with Modern Needs

Japan and South Korea share a bond that’s hard to ignore. On one side, they’re economic allies, trading technology, cars, and pop culture like K-pop. On the other, they’re stuck in arguments over history—especially Japan’s rule over Korea in the early 1900s. These fights pop up in trade disputes, co

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May 14 2026POLITICS

South Korea Rules Out Iran in Hormuz Ship Attack

The South Korean government says it is very unlikely that any country other than Iran was behind the attack on a Korean cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz. A senior official from Seoul’s foreign ministry told reporters that they are carefully reviewing intelligence supplied by the United States. T

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May 13 2026POLITICS

South Korea Explores Safety Help for Persian Gulf Without Jumping Into War

South Korea’s defense chief recently met with his U. S. counterpart to talk about safer shipping lanes near Iran. Instead of sending troops right away, Seoul is thinking about smaller steps first. Possible moves include backing statements, sharing intelligence, or loaning equipment rather than boots

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May 11 2026POLITICS

South Korea Set for China‑US Trade Talks

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will head a delegation to South Korea for trade talks with U. S. counterparts on May 12‑13, the Ministry of Commerce announced. The meetings aim to build on agreements made in earlier talks and a 2023 summit in Busan, where leaders of both countries discussed key ec

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May 08 2026POLITICS

Korea Investigates Fire on Ship Near Hormuz Strait

South Korean authorities have begun looking into an explosion and blaze that hit a Korean‑run vessel in the waters near the Strait of Hormuz. The incident happened on Monday while the ship was anchored close to the United Arab Emirates, and it caused damage in the engine room. The crew of 24, which

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Apr 22 2026FINANCE

South Korea’s Stock Market Hits New Peak as Tech Shines

South Korea’s main stock index just crossed a major milestone, closing at 6, 388 points—a record high. The jump came mostly from tech stocks, especially chipmakers, which defied worries about Middle East tensions and rising oil prices. The market’s total value now sits at over $3. 5 trillion, beatin

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Apr 14 2026HEALTH

South Korea acts to keep hospital supplies flowing

South Korea is taking steps to make sure hospitals never run short of basic tools like needles and syringes. Starting this week, storing large amounts of these items at once will be against the law. The decision comes after the government met with companies that make medical supplies last week. They

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