Explore

ReutersReuters
South Korea confirms first project under $350 billion US investment pact despite viability concerns

South Korea confirms first project under $350 billion US investment pact despite viability concerns

By Heejin Kim, Jihoon Lee and Joyce Lee SEOUL, Sept 22 (Reuters) - South Korea confirmed its first project under a $350 billion US investment pact on Tuesday and said it is considering two others, moving ahead despite profitability concerns and criticism from President Donald Trump over the pace of
TrendlineTrendline
AIR Control Concepts Expands into Asia-Pacific Region with New Locations

AIR Control Concepts Expands into Asia-Pacific Region with New Locations

AIR Control Concepts Expands into Asia-Pacific Region with New Locations
TrendlineTrendline
Hanwha Aerospace to Invest $2.2 Billion in Arkansas Ammunition Production Base

Hanwha Aerospace to Invest $2.2 Billion in Arkansas Ammunition Production Base

Hanwha Aerospace to Invest $2.2 Billion in Arkansas Ammunition Production Base
AP NewsAP News
North Korea touts new weapons system described as hypersonic

North Korea touts new weapons system described as hypersonic

North Korea says its latest missile tests involved a new weapons system of “great significance,” with photos indicating it launched a missile previously described as hypersonic
Rapid ReadRapid Read
South Korea Prepares for Chuseok 2026 Holiday with Travel Deals and Cultural Events

South Korea Prepares for Chuseok 2026 Holiday with Travel Deals and Cultural Events

South Korea is gearing up for its Chuseok 2026 holiday, a major autumn harvest festival, which will run from September 24 to September 26, with Chuseok Day falling on Friday, September 25. This period, extended by Sunday, creates a four-day break for many. The government and various organizations are offering a range of incentives and events to mark the occasion. These include waived expressway tolls nationwide from September 24 to September 27, and special train fares from Korail, offering 30% to 50% off remaining seats on 793 trains, excluding Chuseok Day itself. Additionally, several palaces and cultural sites, such as Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, and Changgyeonggung palaces, along with Jongmyo Shrine and Joseon royal tombs, will offer free admission from September 24 to September 27. Cultural events, including traditional folk games, crafts, and performances, are scheduled across Seoul and other cities like Yongin, Suwon, Busan, Jeonju, and Andong, providing opportunities for both locals a...
Rapid ReadRapid Read
South Korea Sees Highest July Newborn Count in Seven Years, Cumulative Births Exceed 170,000

South Korea Sees Highest July Newborn Count in Seven Years, Cumulative Births Exceed 170,000

South Korea has recorded its highest number of July newborns in seven years, with 24,275 babies born, an 11.1% increase from the same month last year. This marks the highest July figure since 2019 and the highest growth rate for July since 2007. The cumulative number of newborns from January to July reached 170,079, also the highest since 2019, and represents a 14.7% increase compared to the same period last year, setting a new record for growth. This upward trend is attributed to an increase in marriages over the past two years, a rise in the population aged 30 to 34, and more positive perceptions regarding childbirth. The total fertility rate for July increased to 0.89, up 0.08 from last year. Marriages also continue an upward trend, with 22,282 recorded in July, a 9.3% increase from a year prior, marking the highest July level since 2015.
Rapid ReadRapid Read
South Korea to Reduce Middle East Oil Reliance and Expand Strategic Reserves by 2035

South Korea to Reduce Middle East Oil Reliance and Expand Strategic Reserves by 2035

South Korea has announced a comprehensive plan to significantly reduce its dependence on Middle Eastern oil imports to below 50% by 2035. This initiative, outlined in the 'First Basic Resource Security Plan' approved by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, aims to diversify crude oil suppliers and strengthen the nation's energy security. Currently, nearly 70% of South Korea's oil imports originate from the Middle East. The plan also includes expanding oil storage capacity by an additional 20 million barrels by 2030, increasing both government reserves and international joint stockpiles. Furthermore, the government will broaden its critical mineral stockpiling program, increasing the number of covered minerals from 24 to 29 and extending reserve targets for vulnerable supply chains from 180 days to up to 365 days. This strategic shift is a direct response to lessons learned from Middle East conflicts and aims to establish a robust resource security framework.
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Special Counsel Appeals Acquittal of Former President Yoon Suk-yeol in Perjury Case

Special Counsel Appeals Acquittal of Former President Yoon Suk-yeol in Perjury Case

A special counsel team, led by Cho Eun-suk, has appealed the acquittal of former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on perjury charges. The appeal was filed with the Seoul High Court after an appellate bench ruled that Yoon did not provide false testimony during a November hearing. The charges stem from Yoon's testimony during the insurrection trial of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. The special counsel alleged that Yoon committed perjury by stating he intended to hold a Cabinet meeting prior to declaring martial law on December 3, 2024. The prosecution argued that Yoon initially summoned only six Cabinet members and then changed his mind to satisfy the legal quorum for a full Cabinet meeting at Han's suggestion. However, both the lower court and the appellate court sided with Yoon, concluding that evidence suggested he had intended to invite additional Cabinet members independently of Han's proposal. The special counsel had sought a 10 million-won (approximately US$7,399) fine for Yoon.
Rapid ReadRapid Read
South Korea Recommends Disclosure of AI Tool Usage in Research Papers

South Korea Recommends Disclosure of AI Tool Usage in Research Papers

The South Korean government has issued new guidelines recommending that researchers disclose the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, in their academic papers. This recommendation is part of the 'National R&D AI Research Ethics Guide,' developed by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Institute of Science & Technology Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP). The guidelines target all individuals involved in national R&D, including research leaders, co-researchers, and student researchers. The disclosure should specify the AI model and version used, the purpose of its application (e.g., literature search, data organization, translation, grammar correction), and the scope of its utilization. The government emphasizes that AI is merely a tool and that transparency in its use is crucial for ethical research practices. The guidelines also explicitly classify 'hidden prompts'—manipulating paper reviews by concealing AI commands—as research misconduct. Fu...
ReutersReuters
Europe faces Q4 jet fuel supply deficit even as South Korea becomes latest big supplier

Europe faces Q4 jet fuel supply deficit even as South Korea becomes latest big supplier

By Seher Dareen and Trixie Yap LONDON, Sept 21 (Reuters) - Europe faces a fourth-quarter jet fuel deficit, even as it turns to far-flung suppliers including South Korea, which is set to boost its jet exports to Europe to a four-year high in September, according to analysts and shipping data.
ReutersReuters
US stresses backing for Japan, Korea and Taiwan ahead of Trump-Xi summit

US stresses backing for Japan, Korea and Taiwan ahead of Trump-Xi summit

By Simon Lewis and David Brunnstrom NEW YORK, Sept 21 (Reuters) - The United States on Monday reiterated its commitment to the defense of key Asian allies Japan and South Korea, and the three nations expressed support for Taiwan ahead of a summit this week between US President Donald Trump and
ReutersReuters
South Korean opposition lawmaker warns on risks in US investment package

South Korean opposition lawmaker warns on risks in US investment package

By Joyce Lee SEOUL, Sept 21 (Reuters) - A South Korean opposition lawmaker called on Monday for parliamentary scrutiny of Seoul's planned US investment package, warning that negotiations over energy projects could leave South Korea carrying disproportionate financial risks.