Korea
Activity
Xi Jinping and Donald Trump Meet in Beijing to Push Diplomacy on Trade, Iran, and Taiwan
Xi Jinping and Donald Trump met in Beijing to discuss trade, Iran, and Taiwan, aiming to reduce tensions. This diplomatic effort could shape future relations and global stability amid ongoing conflicts.
Hyundai, Kia to Announce Q1 Earnings Drop Amid U.S. Tariffs and Won Fluctuations
Hyundai and Kia are projected to report declining first-quarter earnings affected by U.S. tariffs and a stronger Korean won. The results reflect persistent external pressures despite sales growth, signaling challenging times ahead for South Korea's auto giants.
South Korea Expedites Visa Processing for Record 93,500 Foreign Farmworkers in 2023
South Korea is fast-tracking visa approvals to meet the surge in demand for foreign farmworkers during planting season. The move aims to fill labor shortages and improve worker conditions, as the country prepares to accept a record number of 93,500 workers this year.
IRS Officer's Daughter Murdered in Delhi; Servant Suspected as Main Culprit
The daughter of a senior IRS officer was found murdered in her Delhi home, with suspicion falling on the household servant. The case raises concerns about security for public officials and is under active investigation.
HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk Faces Arrest Warrant in Stock Fraud Probe
Police have requested an arrest warrant for HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk over allegations of stock trading fraud related to his 2019 IPO. This marks a major development in a case implicating one of Korea's leading entertainment companies.
Thai Broker and Korean Employer Face Prosecution Over Illegal Thai Worker Imports and Exploitation in Korea
A Thai broker and her Korean employer are under investigation for illegally importing Thai workers into Korea and exploiting them for agricultural labor. The cases underscore persistent concerns over illegal immigration and labor rights in South Korea.
China Denies Wang Yi South Korea Visit Delay, Cites No Finalized Details
China's Foreign Ministry says no finalized plans exist yet for Wang Yi's visit to Seoul and denies delays are related to Korea’s entry system updates. The discussions are ongoing, as both nations continue diplomatic communications following the January summit.
Samsung Display Executive Lee Chang-hee to Lead IEC Display Standards Committee in Historic First for Korea
Samsung Display's Lee Chang-hee has been elected chair of the IEC standards body for advanced display tech, marking Korea's first such leadership. The role underscores Korea's growing influence in setting international display technology benchmarks, with terms commencing in October 2026.
Korea and EU formalize strategic economic partnership to boost trade and security
Korea and the EU agreed to establish a strategic economic partnership during their first dialogue in Seoul, targeting stronger cooperation amid global uncertainties. The deal aims to deepen ties in trade, supply chains, and technology, with further details to be ironed out.
French Cinema Week 2026 Launches Nationwide in Korea to Mark 140 Years of Relations
French Cinema Week 2026 begins nationwide in Korea from April 24, featuring top French films to celebrate 140 years of France-Korea relations. The expansion highlights the event's increasing cultural importance and international recognition.
BOK Nominee Shin Hyun-song Sells Foreign Assets, Plans Further Reduction
Shin Hyun-song has confirmed he sold a large portion of his foreign currency assets and plans to reduce holdings further. This addresses conflicts of interest concerns as his confirmation hearing nears, potentially influencing market and policy expectations.
Nuevo Leon Promotes Korean Tourism for 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico
Nuevo Leon is actively promoting itself to Korean football fans ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing safety and accessibility. The state is organizing Korea Week to attract more Korean visitors and enhance cultural ties, aiming to capitalize on the tournament's international audience.
South Korea's April Exports Surge 36.7% in First 10 Days, Led by Semiconductor Demand
South Korea's exports increased sharply by 36.7% in the first 10 days of April, reaching $25.2 billion, with semiconductors accounting for the majority of growth. This strong performance signals a positive economic outlook amid ongoing market recovery and global chip demand.
Korea and Finland Discuss Boosting Cooperation in Supply Chains and Advanced Industries
Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo met with Finnish officials in Seoul to discuss expanding cooperation in supply chains and advanced industries. The talks aim to solidify bilateral ties amid global economic challenges and promote technological innovation.
Galleries Art Fair 2026 Opens in Seoul with Record Galleries and Public Interest
The 44th Galleries Art Fair in Seoul opened with a record 169 galleries and attracted almost 4,500 visitors. The event indicates renewed confidence in Korea's art market and strong interest from younger collectors as the sector begins the year positively.
Korea, China, and ASEAN Initiate Talks to Expand and Strengthen Bilateral Free Trade Agreements
Korea is holding its first joint committee meeting with ASEAN to discuss upgrading their Free Trade Agreement, focusing on digital and critical minerals. Simultaneously, Korea and China are beginning their 14th round of negotiations to expand their bilateral FTA to include services, investment, and finance sectors, aiming to deepen economic ties.
Samsung expands AirDrop-like sharing on Galaxy S26 from South Korea to US and more
Samsung has expanded AirDrop support on its Galaxy S26 smartphones from South Korea to the US and other international markets. This wider rollout improves cross-platform sharing with Apple devices and signals Samsung's commitment to enhancing Android-iPhone interoperability.
Byeon Woo-seok and IU to Star in 'Perfect Crown,' a Modern Royal Romance Series
Byeon Woo-seok and IU will headline the upcoming K-drama 'Perfect Crown,' set in a fictional modern Korea with a constitutional monarchy. The series explores themes of social barriers and romance, following MBC's successful royal drama line.
World Baseball Classic Quarterfinals Set: Dominican Republic Leads as Others Qualify
The World Baseball Classic has revealed the quarterfinalists, with Dominican Republic, Korea, and Great Britain advancing. The rankings provide insights into team performances and upcoming matchups.
South Korean Stocks Tumble to 2008 Lows as Crypto Surges Amid Geopolitical Tensions
South Korea's stock market plummeted to levels not seen since 2008 amid rising geopolitical tensions. Investors are increasingly turning to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, which remains stable while other digital assets like ether and Solana decline. This shift underscores the evolving amid geopolitical uncertainties.