Latest news, breaking stories, and expert analysis on South Korea. Stay informed with comprehensive coverage from trusted sources.
South Korea has approved a 3.24 trillion-won project to acquire approximately 20 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters from Lockheed Martin by 2032. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration authorized the deal on Tuesday to help the Navy replace aging Lynx helicopters with advanced anti-submarine and anti-ship platforms.
Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok told U.S. Ambassador Michelle Steel that strengthening South Korea's independent defense capabilities complements rather than harms the U.S. alliance. Opposition leaders also urged upgrading ties to address North Korean threats.
President Lee Jae Myung thanked Turkmenistan during the inaugural South Korea-Central Asia Summit for helping evacuate over 30 South Koreans from Iran. The two nations signed 13 bilateral agreements covering investment, infrastructure, and joint shipbuilding to support Turkmenistan's logistics hub vision.
Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won faced intense questioning from opposition lawmakers regarding his wife's employment and his involvement in groups demanding dropped indictments against President Lee Jae Myung. Kim denied allegations of undue influence on the food and drug safety ministry, calling for an investigation into leaked confidential prosecution documents.
South Korean Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon proposed a one-point social dialogue regarding the controversial mega cluster bill. The government plans to introduce the legislation by month-end, which may exempt top earners from the 52-hour workweek limit, drawing strong opposition from major labor unions.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun argues that the upcoming first South Korea-Central Asia Summit marks a historic starting point for partnership. The op-ed contends that Seoul's early institutional engagement, predating major powers, positions it as a trusted leader in fostering trust and prosperity with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
Seoul city bus drivers are initiating a full-scale strike after failed negotiations, prompting the Seoul Metropolitan Government to deploy 1,500 free shuttle buses and increase subway frequency. The article details these alternative transportation measures designed to mitigate commuter disruption during the labor walkout.
Defense chiefs from South Korea and Japan agreed to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation based on mutual understanding. The agreement follows recent diplomatic friction caused by Japan's defense minister visiting a controversial war shrine and skipping a key dialogue in Seoul.
South Korea's Nuri rocket will launch on October 7 to deploy five primary Neonsats and ten CubeSats. This mission demonstrates the rocket's ability to maintain precise attitude control during sequential satellite separations using a new low-shock system, with NEONSATs released at 35-40 second intervals.
South Korean activists gathered outside Camp Humphreys on Monday to oppose potential military deployments to the Strait of Hormuz. While protesters accused Washington of coercion, government officials maintained that no final decision has been made and denied reports of a specific deployment deadline.