Latest news, breaking stories, and expert analysis on South Korea. Stay informed with comprehensive coverage from trusted sources.
South Korea's KOSPI plunged below 5,000 points following Wall Street losses over AI investment concerns. Finance Minister Lee Hyoung-il announced measures including suspending the mandatory collateral maintenance ratio for securities firms to curb panic selling. The market has lost approximately $2.4 trillion in value since its June peak.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for the restoration of military-to-military communication channels between North and South Korea to avoid unintended escalation. The appeal follows heightened tensions after a September mine blast injured three South Korean soldiers, an act attributed to Pyongyang despite their denial.
Major global investors are urging South Korean conglomerates to accelerate corporate governance reforms, citing resistance from affiliates like Samsung Electronics. Despite record profits, Samsung trades at a significant discount compared to US peers, prompting complaints about modest shareholder returns and low dividends.
Kim Jong-chul has been nominated to serve as commissioner general of the Korean National Police Agency, filling a vacancy lasting nearly two years since the martial law declaration. The current deputy commissioner general cited high public expectations and his sense of duty upon nomination.
MSCI Chairman Henry Fernandez stated South Korea must demonstrate regulatory changes in practice before considering a developed-market upgrade. While acknowledging progress, the index provider emphasized effective implementation is key to achieving President Lee Jae Myung's goal.
South Korea plans to expand its Cheonghae anti-piracy mission off Somalia to include waters near the Strait of Hormuz. The deployment includes a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, mine-clearing assets, and unmanned vehicles, increasing personnel from 75 to 395 as Tehran warns against the move. Piracy incidents off Somalia have risen to 36 this year compared to 11 in all of 2025, prompting the shift toward Duqm, Oman.
The South Korean government argues that expanding the Cheonghae Unit's operational range supports national energy security and U.S. cooperation while avoiding direct confrontation with Iran. The editorial contends this compromise protects shipping routes but notes risks, including leaving vessels near the Strait of Hormuz without direct naval escorts.
The Guardian reports that K-pop group NewJeans signed restrictive contracts omitting rights to sleep and free choice when members were minors. The article highlights allegations of mistreatment by label Ador and Hybe's response amid ongoing contract disputes.
South Korea revised a youth counseling manual that previously classified homosexuality as juvenile delinquency in editions from December 2019 and December 2025. The Korea Youth Counselling and Welfare Institute attributed the error to outdated reference material carried over by the writing team, following criticism from human rights groups.
President Lee Jae Myung has nominated Lee Yong-cheol, the current defense procurement chief, to serve as South Korea's new justice minister. The appointment follows the resignation of former justice minister Jung Sung-ho in late August and aims to improve public communication.