Recent news and analysis on South Korea

Latest news, breaking stories, and expert analysis on South Korea. Stay informed with comprehensive coverage from trusted sources.

• Hybe Chairman Referred to Prosecution Over Alleged Shareholder Deception

  Seoul police secured a court order freezing 263.1 billion won in alleged illicit gains linked to Hybe chairman Bang Si-hyuk. Authorities allege Bang and associates misled shareholders in 2019 about listing plans while encouraging them to sell stakes to a private equity fund, generating improper gains after the October 2020 listing. Bang's legal team denies wrongdoing, stating they have provided objective evidence to resolve the allegations transparently.

• South Korean President Lee's approval hits new low of 40 pct

  President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating dropped to a record low of 40 percent, with disapproval rising to 51 percent. Gallup attributes this decline largely to dissatisfaction with his recent cabinet reshuffle, which involved nominating six new ministers. Support among respondents in their 20s fell sharply to 25%.

• South Korea denies Hormuz troop deployment reports

  The South Korean presidential office denied reports that the government has decided to deploy military assets to the Strait of Hormuz. This follows earlier statements where Seoul clarified that even minimal service member presence would legally constitute a troop deployment, while denying the issue is stalling US-South Korea negotiations.

• South Korea restructures state energy and transport firms

  South Korea announced a major restructuring of state-run firms, reducing the total number from 524 to 415 entities. The government guaranteed job security for existing workers, promising that wages and benefits would not deteriorate following the mergers.

• South Korea defense nominee pledges OPCON transfer strengthening alliance

  Defense Minister nominee Kang Shin-chul pledged to pursue the transfer of wartime operational control from the U.S. while strengthening the alliance ahead of his confirmation hearing. Incumbent Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back indicated full operational capability verification is targeted for completion this year, with results discussed at the October Security Consultative Meeting.

• South Korea to relocate remaining central agencies from Seoul to Sejong

  Prime Minister Han Seong-sook announced that the relocation of remaining central government agencies from Seoul to Sejong will begin in the first half of 2027. The process involves merging state-run institutions, reducing the total by 109 agencies. Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung indicated that foreign and unification ministries could move once new complexes are completed by 2033.

• South Korea excludes profit-linked bonuses from mandatory labor bargaining

  New guidelines clarify that performance bonuses tied to fixed profit percentages are voluntary subjects, not mandatory negotiation items. Large-scale projects like Samsung's semiconductor plants are also excluded due to uncertain impacts on working conditions under the revised trade union law effective in March.

• Seoul stocks open higher on Friday amid easing US rate hike concerns

  South Korean equity markets opened higher on Friday, driven by investor relief over easing U.S. interest rate hike concerns. Foreign and institutional investors drove the rally by purchasing a combined net 2.15 trillion won worth of shares. The benchmark KOSPI index rose 1.64 percent to close at 6,687.21.

• South Korea vows to revive US-North Korea dialogue

  South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun pledged to facilitate renewed talks between Washington and Pyongyang, citing President Donald Trump's interest in engagement. Speaking at the Seoul Diplomacy Forum, Cho emphasized that such dialogue aims for complete denuclearization and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

• South Korea unveils AI for all initiative blueprints

  Three South Korean tech consortia led by SK Telecom, KT Corp., and Kakao Corp. unveiled blueprints for the government-led "AI for all" initiative. The project, funded with 250 billion won, requires domestic AI models and targets services like universal chatbots and agentic assistants.