The Antenna

Many families are only just discovering the extent of damage to their homes for the first time.

A Korean-language advertisement for apples from Bonghwa, a county in North Gyeongsang Province, has appeared on a digital billboard in the heart of New York City’s Times Square, drawing attention for its unconventional message. The ad promotes Bonghwa apples, a local specialty of the southeastern region. Rather than making a conventional sales pitch, it declares, “Bonghwa apples are delicious, but we don’t advertise,” creating an ironic twist. The campaign came to light on Thursday, when photos documenting the advertisement were posted on the Instagram account of “Bongsungi,” Bonghwa County’s official promotional character. In the images, the word “Bonghwa” appears in blue and “apple” in red, with a design reminiscent of the Korean national flag. An image of a Bonghwa apple also appears in the advertisement. According to the Instagram post, the idea originated with Kim Su-sung, a 27-year-old official working in the Distribution and Specialty Crops Division of the Bonghwa Agricultural Technology Center. He reportedly paid about $230 out of his own pocket for the adv

Korean director Lee Joon-ik’s new short-form drama "Father’s Home-Cooked Meals" will be released in theaters before its digital release, marking the first time a short-form drama has received a theatrical release, Lezhin Snack announced Thursday. The project marks Lee’s first foray into directing a short-form drama and features a star-studded cast including Jung Jin-young, Lee Jung-eun and Byun Yo-han. Known for short runtimes and a vertical-screen format, short-form dramas have primarily been consumed on smartphones. The theatrical release is expected to offer audiences a different viewing experience. "Father’s Home-Cooked Meals" follows Ha-eung, a father who has spent 40 years expecting home-cooked meals three times a day. When his wife Soon-ae develops a condition that leaves her unable to cook, Ha-eung enters the kitchen for the first time in his life. His clumsy attempts to prepare meals himself turn the familiar routines of family life upside down in a humorous way. Based on the webtoon of the same name by Gorita, the drama has drawn considerable attention as Lee’s first

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won’s last-minute decision to appeal his 944 billion won ($666 million) property division ruling reportedly stems from a sharp disagreement over how the massive payout should be settled. Chey offered a hybrid package consisting of both cash and SK stock, but his ex-wife, Art Center Nabi Director Roh Soh-yeong, apparently rejected the offer, demanding the entire payment in cash. Faced with a Friday midnight deadline, Chey’s legal team submitted an appeal to the Supreme Court with just one minute to spare. Chey had initially considered liquidating equity to raise the funds and conclude the nine-year legal dispute. However, selling a massive block of shares in a short period raised concerns about driving down stock prices and undermining the group's governance structure. To bridge the gap, Chey reportedly proposed giving Roh a mix of cash and shares, offering to compensate her if the stock price dropped, while forfeiting any claim to potential gains if the price rose. Roh apparently refused the compromise, insisting on the precise execution of the appellate

Cyberattacks orchestrated by state-sponsored hacking groups from North Korea, China and Russia increased by 7.5 percent in the first half of this year, driven primarily by a sharp surge in early-year activity. According to a threat intelligence report by cybersecurity firm S2W, there were global Advanced Persistent Threat incidents between January and June, up from 147 in the preceding six months. The escalation was overwhelmingly concentrated in the first quarter, reflecting intensified digital offensives from Pyongyang and Moscow. North Korea remained the world’s most active state-backed threat actor, accounting for 99 incidents — a 13.8 percent jump from the previous six-month period. Pyongyang disproportionately targeted South Korea with 19 recorded attacks, followed by eight against the United States. To breach defenses, North Korean actors increasingly weaponized cutting-edge tools, leveraging generative artificial intelligence (AI), deepfakes, compromised code repositories and fraudulent job recruitment schemes. These sophisticated tactics focused heavily on infiltrating cry

Former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok won the ruling Democratic Party of Korea's (DPK) primary across Seoul and Gyeonggi Province on Sunday. Kim secured a narrow victory with 46.61 percent (148,245 votes), edging out incumbent party leader Rep. Jung Chung-rae at 46.28 percent (147,038 votes) and former party chief Rep. Song Young-gil at 7.05 percent (22,410 votes). Kim’s total cumulative vote share reached 49.91 percent, excluding regional weighting for North and South Gyeongsang provinces and Daegu. Meanwhile, Jung followed at 41.51 percent, with the gap between them at 8.4 percentage points. Kim also secured a victory in the party primary in Gwangju and the Jeolla provinces Saturday, a region viewed as a litmus test for the party's leadership race. Kim captured 57.54 percent of the vote in the party stronghold, outpacing Jung, who received 32.65 percent, and former party chief Rep. Song Young-gil, who took 9.81 percent. Before Sunday's primary, Kim led with a cumulative 235,128 votes, or 52.21 percent, across Chungcheong Province, Busan–Ulsan–South Gyeongsang Province, Jeju, Incheo

More than half of the jobs lost by young Koreans in July were concentrated in industries heavily exposed to artificial intelligence (AI). This marks a dramatic departure from previous years, when youth employment dips were primarily driven by slowdowns in traditional manufacturing and in-person services. The latest figures from the Ministry of Data and Statistics reveal that the number of employed individuals aged 15 to 29 fell by more than 191,000 compared to the same period last year. Notably, the information and communications sector, which encompasses computer programming, telecommunications and digital media publishing, bore the brunt of this decline, shedding 74,517 positions. This represents the sector's steepest single-month drop since comparable tracking began in 2014. Simultaneously, employment in professional, scientific and technical services — covering fields such as legal advice, accounting, corporate consulting, and taxation — contracted by another 23,640 jobs. Together, these two knowledge-intensive sectors accounted for 51.3 percent of the total youth employment lo

BUDAPEST — A dozen people were killed and at least 10 injured after a Polish bus overturned at night on a motorway in eastern Hungary, Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar said on Sunday morning in a Facebook post. The bus ran into a ditch and tipped over early on Sunday near the town of Mezokeresztes in eastern Hungary, police said, adding that the bus was heading towards the city of Nyiregyhaza on the motorway when the accident happened. State news agency MTI said there were 57 passengers and two drivers on the bus. Pictures from the scene showed a badly damaged red bus lying on one side in a ditch by the motorway with windows smashed and belongings and suitcases scattered around. "A Polish-registered bus travelling on the M3 motorway towards Nyiregyhaza ... veered off the straight stretch of road into a ditch and overturned. Preliminary information suggests the driver likely fell asleep," police said on their website. Polish President Karol Nawrocki said on X: "It is with deep sorrow that I received the tragic news of the Polish bus accident in Hungary, in which so many of our comp

With Samsung Electronics and SK hynix expected to unveil new shareholder return plans as early as this month, analysts estimate that the two chipmakers could together return as much as 300 trillion won ($212 billion) to investors. Record second-quarter earnings — 89.5 trillion won in operating profit at Samsung and 60.5 trillion won at SK hynix — have strengthened their ability to reward shareholders. The prospect of outsized payouts is also raising hopes that the two stocks, which together account for more than half of the benchmark KOSPI’s total market capitalization, could help rekindle the broader Korean market rally. Samsung has pledged to return half of its free cash flow under its 2024-26 shareholder return policy, while SK hynix similarly plans to allocate 50 percent of its free cash flow generated from 2025 through 2027 to shareholders. That could leave Samsung with as much as 200 trillion won and SK hynix with up to 100 trillion won to distribute, according to market estimates. Kim Dong-won, head of research at KB Securities, expects Samsung’s new program to be large eno

Sixteen years after winding down, Korea’s Investigative Commission on Pro-Japanese Collaborators’ Property will restart operations this December to examine and seize assets illegally amassed during Japan's occupation of Korea. The commission’s reactivation follows the scheduled enforcement of the Special Act on Asset Confiscation for Pro-Japanese and Anti-national Collaborators to the State on Dec. 3. The law targets wealth and property accumulated through cooperation with Japanese imperial forces during the 1910–1945 colonial period. Korea's renewed asset search is underscored by a stark, enduring socio-economic divide. Studies show nearly three-quarters of the descendants of independence activists live in low-income households, with many relying on state welfare — giving painful weight to the adage that "three generations are ruined by fighting for independence, while three generations prosper through collaboration." The special legislation was enacted to address a legal void after the first investigative commission was disbanded in 2010, just four years after its establishm

Park Chan-dae, mayor of Incheon and a close political ally of President Lee Jae Myung, has been elected to lead the Governors Association of Korea. With Park now at the helm of the association, expectations are rising that the administration and association will work closely together to produce tangible results in promoting local autonomy and decentralization. At the same time, concerns have emerged that the association’s standing could weaken if it becomes difficult for it to take positions at odds with the central government. Park and Lee previously worked closely together when Lee was party leader and Park was floor leader. The association held its 61st general meeting in central Seoul, Friday, and unanimously elected Park as its 19th president. His term is set to last one year. An association official said several governors had expressed their intention to run, but the process was concluded quickly. “It was wrapped up smoothly with a unanimous decision,” the official said. As head of the association, Park will attend Cabinet meetings starting from Tuesday. He will also serve alo

Korea's industry minister departed for Washington earlier in the day as Seoul faces mounting tariff pressure from the United States amid a series of unresolved bilateral trade issues, sources said Sunday. Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan's visit to the U.S. came at a sensitive time for bilateral trade relations, as Seoul faces growing U.S. pressure to accelerate its investment commitments under a bilateral tariff deal. Earlier, the ministry said the U.S. government is expected to announce the results of its investigation into alleged overproduction under Section 301 of the Trade Act by the end of this month. Last month, Washington also announced a new set of tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners, ranging from 10 percent to 12.5 percent, following an investigation into forced labor under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Under the new scheme, Korea is subject to 12.5 percent tariffs, along with Japan and Switzerland. Separate from the forced labor-related investigation, the U.S. government is also investigating 16 economies, including Korea, over alleged excess industrial capacity

SIKKA, Indonesia — Around 5,000 people have been evacuated after a magnitude-7.7 earthquake smashed an area in eastern Indonesia, killing at least 51, blocking roads and causing landslides, authorities said on Sunday. Thirty-six people were seriously injured in the Saturday morning quake in East Nusa Tenggara province, while 77 had minor injuries, Deputy Health Minister Benjamin Paulus Octavianus told a televised meeting. The quake, followed by some 341 aftershocks, is the Southeast Asian nation's deadliest since a 2022 quake killed hundreds in West Java. More than 3,300 people in the Sikka region self-evacuated or were in a sports arena, said the disaster mitigation agency BNPB. Some Sikka residents were stranded outside collapsed homes under a makeshift tent made out of tarp, while some people received treatment in a tent outside a hospital in the port town of Maumere. "I only brought my body," Abdul Mutas, 63, told Reuters after he and his family slept on a tarp surrounded by trees in the town of Sikka. "The tides were rising, so we ran," he said, describing their reaction to the qua

A teenage girl has been arrested after allegedly pouring boiling water over her mother, who tried to stop her from running away from home. The Namyangju Nambu Police Station in Gyeonggi Province said Aug. 15 that it had arrested the girl, identified only as A, and was questioning her on suspicion of aggravated injury to a parent. According to police, A allegedly poured boiling water from an electric kettle over her mother, identified as B, at their home in Namyangju at around 12:50 a.m. that day. The incident reportedly occurred after the two argued and A said she wanted to leave home. When B tried to stop her and take away her cellphone, A allegedly poured boiling water on her. Police arrived after a neighbor reported the incident and arrested A at the scene. Although A is a minor, she is not considered a juvenile below the age of criminal responsibility, according to police. Under Korean law, children aged 10 to under 14 are classified as “juvenile offenders” who cannot face criminal punishment but may be subject to protective measures. B suffered second-degree burns and was taken to

Jeonbuk National University is intensifying its efforts to nurture artificial intelligence (AI) experts at the master’s and doctoral levels capable of driving growth in key regional industries. The university said it plans to cultivate highly skilled “AI+X” professionals who can integrate AI with emerging industries through the research-oriented education system at the Graduate School of AI Convergence. It added that the plan is part of an initiative to transform the graduate school into one of the world’s top 100 AI-specialized graduate schools. To that end, the university will launch an “AI+X Advancement Program,” led by the Graduate School of AI Convergence, while significantly expanding its educational and research infrastructure. Rather than simply producing AI specialists, the university aims to nurture research-oriented talent capable of integrating AI with key regional strategic industries, including physical AI, robotics, defense, biotechnology and healthcare, smart farming and hydrogen energy. The graduate school operates seven departments, including the Department o

Director Hong Sang-soo and actor Kim Min-hee have clinched awards at this year's Locarno Film Festival for their latest film, "Nowhere to Lay My Eyes." Hong received the award for best direction at the 79th edition of the film festival in Switzerland on Saturday, while Kim, the director's long-time partner, won best performance along with Italian actress Monica Bellucci for her role in Italian drama "Kettice." "Nowhere to Lay My Eyes," Hong's 35th feature, follows Sang-hee (Kim Min-hee), who heads to the southern Korean island of Jeju to find her divorcee mom whom she last saw 10 years ago. It marked the fifth time Hong was invited to the Locarno film fest to screen his work. He won the best director award for "Our Sunhi" (2013) and the top Golden Leopard prize for "Right Now, Wrong Then" (2015). Kim previously clinched the best performance award at the festival for her role in Hong's "By the Stream" (2024).

The Kookmin University Solar Car Team (KUST) held a technical exchange meeting with Hyundai Motor staff members at the university’s Seoul campus on Aug. 7 to prepare for its participation in the 2027 World Solar Challenge. The university said Thursday that eight Hyundai Motor staff members, including Park Jeong-hee, head of FC System Design Team 2, attended the meeting, along with Shin Dong-hoon, KUST’s faculty advisor and professor of mechanical engineering. The meeting was organized to provide KUST with technical advice on vehicle development as it prepares to compete in the World Solar Challenge, an international solar car competition to be held in Australia in August 2027. During the meeting, KUST students explained to Hyundai Motor’s staff the design direction and key technical elements of the vehicle they are currently developing, as well as their preparations for the competition. Hyundai Motor’s staff reviewed the vehicle’s design and development plans and shared industry insights on key technical considerations for the development process. Hyundai Motor plans to continue

North Korea remained silent Sunday on South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's proposal to officially end the 1950-53 Korean War. Lee proposed dialogue to formally end the Korean War and establish a peace regime during a Liberation Day address Saturday that marked the 81st anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule. The two Koreas technically remain at war since the three-year conflict ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. North Korean state media, such as the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and the Rodong Sinmun, however, did not carry any reports on Lee's address as of Sunday morning. They instead focused reporting on commemorative events across the country on the occasion of the anniversary, such as people visiting statutes of the country's late leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il to pledge their loyalty. Lee's dialogue overture came despite the North remaining unresponsive to Seoul's repeated reconciliatory gestures since Lee took office in June last year. The Lee administration has pledged to consistently pursue dialogue with North Korea in pursuit of

LG Electronics Inc., a major home appliance maker in Korea, said Sunday it has started the operations of a new home appliance plant in Brazil to tap deeper into the South American region. Brazil has long been a key market for LG Electronics as the world's 11th-largest economy, where purchasing power among lower-income households has risen alongside government-support programs. The new manufacturing facility in Parana in southern Brazil, LG Electronics' second one, started operations last week. The facility has an annual capacity of building 600,000 refrigerators. Combined with its existing facility in Amazonas, LG's annual local production capacity for appliances is projected to top 7 million units. LG Electronics said the new plant will focus on premium and localized appliances to boost cost competitiveness amid rising local demand, while also serving as an export hub for neighboring countries.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said he expects a "more excellent future" in his country's ties with Russia in a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the North's state media reported Sunday. Kim voiced the expectations in response to Putin's congratulatory message to mark the 81st anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). "I am always proud to be able to expect more excellent future of the bilateral relations by leading, together with you, the DPRK-Russia ties that has carried forward the history of common struggle for justice and precious traditions of friendship," Kim said in the message dated Saturday. DPRK stands for North Korea's official name — the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Kim also expressed his "firm belief" that Russia would accomplish "the sacred cause of defending the sovereignty, security interests and territorial integrity of the country" in the message carried by the KCNA. The message comes as the two countries have forged closer ties since they signed a comprehensive s

Household credit in Korea is surely to have topped the 2,000 trillion-won ($1.41 trillion) landmark in the second quarter, driven by increased home-backed loans and stock loans, according to industry sources Sunday. According to the sources, household credit reached an all-time high of 1,993 trillion won at the end of March, up 14 trillion won from the end of last year, which represents the seventh consecutive quarterly increase, though the pace of growth slowed for the second straight quarter. Household credit refers to credit purchases and loans extended to households by financial institutions. But outstanding household loans by all financial institutions are estimated to have risen by at least 21 trillion won during the second quarter of the year, which means outstanding household credit surely surpassed the 2,000 trillion-won threshold. The government has implemented a series of measures to cool the overheated housing market and curb household debt. But demand for homes has not weakened, and stock loans have been on the rise in tandem with a bull run in the stock market. For the full y

Stock short selling has been on the rise despite the country's stock market sharply rebounding from a rout caused by a crash in chipmakers and artificial intelligence (AI)-related shares, data showed Sunday. According to the data from the Korea Exchange (KRX), outstanding short selling reached some 19 trillion won ($13.4 billion) as of Tuesday, up 14 percent, or 2.27 trillion won, from 16.73 trillion won at the end of last month. Stock short selling stood at 15 trillion won at the end of February but fell to 12 trillion won in early March. The figure rose to 23 trillion won in early June. So far this month, the country's benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) advanced 6 percent, and the secondary, tech-laden KOSDAQ index shot up 20 percent. The country's stock market had crashed last month amid woes over the profitability of the AI-related investment, which may reduce demand for chips. But investors remained worried over a sharp rise in a short period of time and are still uncertain whether the chipmaking sector has peaked.

The South Korean military fired warning shots last week after a group of North Korean soldiers crossed the inter-Korean land boundary, prompting them to return to their side, a source said Sunday. Multiple North Korean soldiers crossed the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) in the eastern front-line area sometime last week, prompting the warning shots under the military's operational procedures, according to the government source. It marked the South Korean military's first warning shots this year in response to North Korean troops crossing the boundary. No prior MDL violations by the North Korean military had been reported this year. The soldiers were said to have been likely patrolling the area when they crossed the MDL, which bisects the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas — a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War. The North Korean troops returned to their side after the warning shots, and no other unusual activity was reported. Under rules of engagement, the South Korean military airs warning broadcasts if North Korean troops approach the MDL, followed by firing warning shots if th

BOGOTA, Colombia — Hopes of finding survivors of the earthquake that struck western Colombia five days ago were dwindling on Saturday, as more bodies were pulled from buildings that collapsed due to the 7.4-magnitude quake that left hundreds dead or missing. The earthquake struck just after 7:30 a.m. in San Jose del Palmar, toppling apartment buildings and damaging schools, churches, hospitals and homes from the Pacific port Buenaventura to Colombia's coffee-growing region and major western cities. At least 294 people have died with 320 more missing and nearly 4,000 more injured, Colombia's disaster management unit estimated on Saturday. Over two-thirds of the deaths were concentrated in the cities of Cali and Pereira. "We have only one site where there are signs of life," Cali fire captain Alberto Hernandez told Reuters. "At the other locations, we are unfortunately in the phase of recovering bodies." With over 2 million inhabitants, Cali is Colombia's third-biggest city. Rescue workers continued through the morning to sift through mountains of shattered concrete, bricks and metal to

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump's war against Iran is stretching the limits of U.S. aircraft carriers and leaving the western Pacific without one of the key American warships as China shows more signs of aggression. The USS George Washington is departing the Pacific and expected to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East amid growing concerns about mental health and supply issues aboard the long-deployed carrier. The Lincoln has had its time at sea extended from its original May return date to support operations against Iran. The lack of a U.S. carrier in the Pacific may be short-lived if the Navy deploys another in the next couple of months. But it shows how the open-ended operations with Iran are running some American sailors ragged, analysts say, while the Trump administration further retreats from the Asia-Pacific region and focuses on the Western Hemisphere. “The administration says that the Pacific is supposed to be the most important behind the Western Hemisphere,” said Greg Poling, director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and Intern

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday posted a photo of him meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom in 2019 on social media, repeating his claim that he and Kim "get along great." The posting came as the White House has repeatedly said that Trump remains open to dialogue with Kim "without any preconditions" although it remains uncertain whether Pyongyang will come forward for talks amid deepening economic, diplomatic and military cooperation with Moscow. "Despite the unfriendly look on this particular picture, there are many where we're smiling, Kim Jong Un and I get along GREAT!" the president wrote on Truth Social. Trump had three in-person meetings with Kim during his first term: the first meeting in Singapore in June 2018, the second in Hanoi in February 2019 and then the Panmunjom meeting in June 2019. The third meeting drew international attention as Trump briefly set foot on North Korean soil after crossing the Military Demarcation Line with Kim -- the first time a sitting U.S. president had done so. In June, Trump also posted on Tr

In the age of online adoption listings and social media feeds, shelter pets face a surprisingly modern hurdle: dark fur simply doesn’t always capture well on camera. Without ideal lighting, a black dog's facial expressions can blur into shadows on a smartphone screen, making them easier for prospective adopters to scroll past. To give these overlooked rescues their moment in the spotlight, Gyeonggi Province said Thursday it will host Black Dog Day at Banryeomaru Yeoju, Korea’s largest companion animal cultural complex, Monday. Operating under the banner "Light Hidden Behind Black Fur — Waiting for Your Heart," the event aims to look past coat color and connect adopters with the vibrant personalities beneath. The day-long event pairs 18 black dogs currently residing at the shelter with 30 high-profile volunteers from the Blue Angel Celebrity Volunteer Group. Together, the human-canine pairs will participate in interactive bonding sessions designed to showcase the dogs' individual personalities and gentle temperaments. Morning activities will kick off at the shelter's Healing Park,

CHEONAN, South Chungcheong Province — In Cheonan, behind what can only be considered the most unassuming storefront in the country, lies a local favorite. This is Geuni Sikdang and it specializes in North Korean cuisine. Most will be familiar with Pyongyang naengmyeon (cold noodles), but this restaurant offers something a bit rarer: "eobok jaengban" (boiled meat platter). Eobok jaengban started in Pyongyang Market and was often shared when doing business deals to impress potential clients. It consists of beef brisket, beef broth, leafy vegetables and dumplings. When ours arrived, the beef cuts were splayed out beautifully around the outer edge of the pan and the fire underneath was immediately lit, both in the stovetop and in our appetites. We dug into the dumplings first and they were extremely subtle. A very mild kimchi was mixed in with tofu and bean sprouts. There was a surprising, yet welcome, parmesan flavor to the whole affair. The restaurant makes the broth every day and uses hanwoo 1++ Korean beef for this dish. Brisket and other “off-cuts” can be tough to use properly a

A flickering screen once was a sign of technological limitation. This year, the Seoul International Women's Film Festival (SIWFF) is using it as a sign of authenticity. Rounding out the summer and wrapping up the month of August, the 28th SIWFF will run from Aug. 20-26. Screenings and industry panels will take place across seven days at Megabox Sinchon and the Korean Film Archive's Cinematheque KOFA, under the festival's longtime slogan, "See the World Through Women's Eyes!" This year's theme, "Reimagining F," is a continuation from last year, where the "F" has stood for female, film, fellowship and festival. This year’s edition adds a new focus: the flicker. The trailer for the festival sets up the idea. An old CRT television flickers, a praxinoscope spins through a childlike animation and then artificial intelligence (AI) prompts appear typed out on an old typewriter. The imagery plays off the imperfection of older analog tools to contrast against the ideas of smooth, generated work that increasingly defines art made with AI. It's a nod to the literal flicker of early film projection

From 3.71 percent to 10.16 percent. When the Institute of Economics at Academia Sinica, Taiwan’s foremost national research institution, released its projection for the country’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2026 last month, it represented a staggering 6.45-percentage-point increase from its previous projection made in late December. Such a rate of growth is rarely seen in advanced economies and may even seem downright unrealistic. If Taiwan does exceed a 10 percent growth rate, it will be the first time the country has seen a double-digit growth in 16 years, since 2010. The nation’s GDP already jumped 14.5 percent year-on-year in the first quarter, fueled by a global investment boom in artificial intelligence (AI), while demand for advanced chips and servers is projected to persist into the second half of the year. The glossy growth outlook did not stand alone, as other economic research institutes issued similarly optimistic projections. On July 22, the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research (CIER) forecast Taiwan’s economic growth at 10.35 percent for th

At the wheelchair curling final of the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, held in Vancouver, Canada, in February 2025, gasps erupted around the arena when Britain's final draw shot fell short. As the Korean team secured its first gold medal of the games, Lee Hwan-kyung, 53, a key player on the team, turned his head toward the British players. His eyes fell on an athlete who had lost an arm after being injured during military service. Lee watched as the athlete pushed a delivery stick with all his remaining strength while struggling to maintain his balance. Lee lowered his head and sobbed for a long time. Speaking to Hankook Ilbo in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, Aug. 6, Lee recalled the moment. "I think I felt a sense of kinship and solidarity, knowing that the opposing player must have gone through difficult times, just as I had," he said. "The British players patted us on the shoulders and congratulated us. I couldn't understand everything they said, but it felt as if they were saying, 'You've overcome it, too. I ha

Officials say flash flooding may have swept away homes with people in them in worst-hit areas.

More than 30 children and young people in Co Galway are set to begin the new school year without access to school transport, prompting parents to call for urgent intervention from the Minister for Education.

Hundreds of homes and public buildings have been severely damaged with at least 53 people killed.

Police appeal for two people who stopped to help the victim in Wakefield to come forward.

The drones have been used for the first time in mainland Russia to hit military and industrial targets.

Six people were injured in the strike on the market selling second-hand records, posters, toys and tools.

Grandmothers, mothers, daughters, and granddaughters have made pilgrimages to Our Lady of Piekary for generations, bringing their intentions and family stories. Pope Leo XIV greeted the pilgrims during his Angelus address in Castel One of the participants, Dominika Szczawińska, told Vatican News: “I used to come here as a young wife, praying for a child, then as a young mother, and today I am the mother of teenagers.”

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The 55.6-metre (182ft) concrete figure is head-and-shoulders above Rio de Jaineiro's Christ the Redeemer.

The Kaikōura Wildlife Centre Trust said little penguins were at risk of mass localised extinctions.

Pope Leo’s appeals at the conclusion of the Sunday Angelus included a call for an end to violence directed against Palestinians in the West Bank; his hopes that sporting events can be a prophetic sign of peace and fraternity; and special greetings to Polish pilgrims taking part in the annual pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Piekary Śląskie.

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Former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok won the Democratic Party (DP) primaries in the capital region Sunday, taking another step toward winning the leadership race for the ruling party. Kim earned a combined 46.66 percent of the votes from Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, with Jung Chung-rae, pursuing his second consecutive term as DP leader, finishing second at 46.28 percent. Former DP leader Song Young-gil was a distant third with 7.06 percent. Previously, he beat his rivals in the following rounds: t

A 23-year-old man is in custody, police say.

Yonhap said the incident was the first reported violation of the military demarcation line ‌by North Korea this year.

Dáithí Ó Sé has revealed what judges are really looking for when they select the Rose of Tralee - and it's not faults or mistakes.

Countries across Europe are continuing to battle wildfires brought on by blistering temperatures which have left landscapes tinder-dry.

Pope Leo XIV reflects on the faith of the Canaanite woman, urging the Church to recognise how God’s grace works beyond established boundaries and to overcome discrimination and barriers that violate human dignity.

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Interviews with other foreign media would require notification ⁠to the intelligence ministry.

About 200 members of the Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment have been involved in the operation.

Three panels from ‌Polittico di San Gregorio altarpiece and a separate painting depicting the Virgin with Child were taken from the Museo Regionale di Messina in the 15th-century painter's hometown.

Visitors are stopping in the road - and even laying in the middle of it - to get the perfect picture. Locals fear it may end in a fatality.

A number of people have died after a head-on collision involving a car driving on the wrong side of the M9 motorway in Co Kildare.

Thousands of people have been evacuated after a magnitude-7.7 earthquake hit eastern Indonesia, killing at least 53 people, blocking roads and causing landslides.

The case laid bare deep frustration and anger with America's privatized medical system that Mangione said failed him after a back injury.

Hurricane Lala is expected to gradually weaken after the eye of the storm passed the southern tip of Hawaii's Big Island without making landfall, but heavy rainfall could produce flooding and mudslides as tens of thousands of homes are without power.

Morocco's economy is booming, at least on the surface, but experts say the persistent allure of life on the other side of the border is rooted in deeper anxieties.

Renewed hostilities between the Houthi rebels and the government have many fearing the return of all-out war.

The crash may have been caused by the driver falling asleep, say authorities.

Following Saturday's 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia, Catholic relief agency Caritas Indonesia has mobilized resources throughout the country to assist those affected by the disaster.

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An Iranian military official said that Qatar should allow an Iranian team to enter the country to investigate the fate of pilots whom Tehran says were captured by Qatari forces, Iranian media reported.

After 4½ years of protesting a war that appears to have no end in sight, Russian residents of Japan are adamant their work is still crucial to the cause.

The Education Ministry says 551 schools are using its cloud-based system called Te Rito, but a further 503 are signed up and waiting to be connected.

"The balance is keeping the politicians on the bus, but not letting them anywhere near the steering wheel," Coe said.

Data leaks regarding personal information occurred at 164 public institutions in the first half of this year, marking a consistent increase since 2021, according to data from the Personal Information Protection Commission on Sunday. The number of state-run institutes hit by personal information leaks has been rising every year from 22 in 2021, to 23 in 2023, 41 in 2023, 104 in 2024, and 128 in 2025, according to a report by Rep. Song Eon-seok of the main opposition People Power Party based on th

A Polish bus has overturned on a Hungarian highway killing 12 people and leaving at least 10 with serious injuries, Prime Minister Peter Magyar and officials said.

Experts say confusion, fear and politicians using gender diverse people as scapegoats could be behind the shifting attitudes.

Experts say practical measures to keep your home from catching fire are proven to work — and point to the communities have built back smarter.

South Korea’s rapidly aging population has created an issue that is at once demographic and deeply personal: Who will care for the growing number of older people? The arithmetic appears daunting. Korea is projected to face a shortfall of roughly 116,000 eldercare workers by 2028, according to government data. The Health Ministry estimates the country will need 990,000 additional caregivers by 2043. Yet beneath that headline shortage lies a contradiction. Nearly 2.3 million people have obtained c

Korean builders are racing into data centers, chasing multibillion-dollar opportunities as the generative AI boom fuels a global surge in demand for computing infrastructure. Global real estate consultancy JLL estimates that the data center market will grow at an annual average rate of 14 percent through 2030, while global data center power consumption is expected to nearly double from around 103 gigawatts in 2025 to 200 GW by 2030, led by an infrastructure super-cycle requiring up to $3 trillio

If there had been K-pop during the Joseon era, perhaps it would have sounded something like Seodo Band. Formed by five conservatory classmates, the band spent nine years circling around the material that would eventually become its first full-length album, "One: Circle," set for release Friday. The band — vocalist Seodo, guitarist Yeon Tae-hee, bassist Kim Tea-joo, drummer Jeong Hyun-bin and keyboardist Kim Seong-hyun — calls its music "Joseon-pop," a genre of its own making that combines tradit

South Korea's industry minister departed for Washington earlier in the day as Seoul faces mounting tariff pressure from the United States amid a series of unresolved bilateral trade issues, sources said Sunday. Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan's visit to the US came at a sensitive time for bilateral trade relations, as Seoul faces growing US pressure to accelerate its investment commitments under a bilateral tariff deal. Earlier, the ministry said the US government is expected to announce the res

Raleigh was once the biggest bike company in the world - now its only hope of survival is a cut-price buy-out; but that's a fate that's befallen many other iconic brands, writes Adam Maguire.

A Co Wicklow artist with Down syndrome has credited an inclusive arts programme for boosting his confidence - and his sales.

Temperatures could get as low as -9 in the South Island tonight.

New Zealand space operators have helped test how to detect an attack on a commercial satellite in a US military-led exercise.

A specialist surgeon has been going the extra mile quite literally to help cut wait times for patients in Taranaki.

People are being urged to get vaccinated against meningococcal disease.

The N700ST is based on the latest shinkansen model of JR Central, producing less noise and vibration while consuming less electricity.

The Government had hoped that as the deadline looms to begin restoring excise on fuel that the price shock at the pumps would have eased, writes Sandra Hurley.

John and Phyllis Holmes have picked up more than 9,000 bags of litter from the streets of Hampton, northeast of Saint John, since 2005. Researchers say what they are doing matters more than they know.

Ajisai has a visual impairment and is a bit nervous with new people. But before long, she'll find a way to win your heart.

Thick black smoke could be seen billowing from the cinema as the fire reached its peak.

Police are treating the death as unexplained.

The heavy rain in the southern part of South Korea was expected to continue until Monday, as showers fell on most of the country Sunday. Precipitations of at least 100 milliliters were expected across several parts of the Gyeongsang and Jeolla regions, as heavy rainfall of 30-50 milliliters fell on central and southern coastal areas of the South Jeolla region. Rain will let up in most parts of the central region Sunday afternoon, but showers are forecast for other regions at least until Monday m

The 12-year-old was biking through Whangārei's CBD when Lucas Remmerswaal shoved him off and hurled the bike on top of him.

Director Hong Sang-soo and actor Kim Min-hee have clinched awards at this year's Locarno Film Festival for their latest film, "Nowhere to Lay My Eyes." Hong received the award for best direction at the 79th edition of the film festival in Switzerland on Saturday, while Kim, the director's long-time partner, won best performance along with Italian actress Monica Bellucci for her role in Italian drama "Kettice." "Nowhere to Lay My Eyes," Hong's 35th feature, follows Sang-hee (Kim Min-hee), who hea

As the search for remains continues in Gaza, officials on the ground say there's a serious lack of heavy machinery like excavators to speed up the process of digging through the rubble. One family that owns two of the machines says the high cost of fuel and oil, and the lack of spare parts for maintenance, means they can't keep up with the demand for their services.

A regrown forest can look tall, lush and green. Restored wetlands can buzz with insects and flutter with birds. But scientists looking more closely are finding that some of their smallest inhabitants — mosses, lichens and algae — are still missing.

For people downsizing, choosing what to keep and what to get rid of can be the hardest part of the transition. Some older adults hire agencies to help them sell their possessions to people who will appreciate them. Some say they find it difficult to part ways with items that are attached to so many emotions and memories.

Allen Wu admits he was naive about what can happen to home building sites in Windsor. But now that his student housing project has been struck by vandals and thieves four times this summer, he and his partners are wondering how such crime is allowed to persist.

Party lays out its strategy, asking supporters for candidate votes to "bring this government to its knees".

Around 5,000 people have been evacuated after a magnitude-7.7 earthquake rocked eastern Indonesia, killing at least 53, blocking roads and causing landslides, authorities said.

Around 290 people have died with 140 more missing and nearly 4,000 more injured, according to ​official estimates.

Pyongyang and ​Moscow have grown closer ⁠since the reclusive state began deploying troops and weapons to support Russia's war against Ukraine.

The unmanned MMX, set to blast off from Tanegashima Space Center in the coming months, could also lay the groundwork for humans visiting the red planet.

North Korea remained silent Sunday on South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's proposal to officially end the 1950-53 Korean War. Lee proposed dialogue to formally end the Korean War and establish a peace regime during a Liberation Day address Saturday that marked the 81st anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule. The two Koreas technically remain at war since the three-year conflict ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. North Korean state media, such as the Kore

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has told Russian President Vladimir Putin that he expects "more excellent future" between the two countries, according to the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency on Sunday. The news comes a few hours after US President Donald Trump posted a 2019 photo of him and Kim, claiming an amicable relationship between the two. Kim called Putin a friend and said he was "proud to be able to expect more excellent future in the bilateral relations" between Pyongyang an

The star plays the first of 10 dates in London, after which she will "step back" from public life.

Based on her experience in the aftermath of the 1985 JAL crash, a former nurse is spreading her knowledge of seitai, or the arrangement of a deceased person's body.

Overnight strikes killed 12 people in Russia and Ukraine, authorities said, as waves of drones and missiles pummelled civilian infrastructure on both sides.

The claimant said they were seeking refugee and protected person status in New Zealand.

His parents say he was the light of their lives.

Stock short selling has been on the rise despite the country's stock market sharply rebounding from a rout caused by a crash in chipmakers and artificial intelligence (AI)-related shares, data showed Sunday. According to the data from the Korea Exchange (KRX), outstanding short selling reached some 19 trillion won (US$13.4 billion) as of Tuesday, up 14 percent, or 2.27 trillion won, from 16.73 trillion won at the end of last month. Stock short selling stood at 15 trillion won at the end of Febru

The South Korean military fired warning shots last week after a group of North Korean soldiers crossed the inter-Korean land boundary, prompting them to return to their side, a source said Sunday. Multiple North Korean soldiers crossed the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) in the eastern front-line area sometime last week, prompting the warning shots under the military's operational procedures, according to the government source. It marked the South Korean military's first warning shots this year

The Sexual Violence Centre in Cork has warned about the prominence and influence of toxic masculinity and how it is leading to incidents of spiking.

Household credit in South Korea is surely to have topped the 2,000 trillion-won ($1.41 trillion) landmark in the second quarter, driven by increased home-backed loans and stock loans, according to industry sources Sunday. According to the sources, household credit reached an all-time high of 1,993 trillion won at the end of March, up 14 trillion won from the end of last year, which represents the seventh consecutive quarterly increase, though the pace of growth slowed for the second straight qua

With the war a distant memory for many, Kazuhiko Takahashi marked the 81st anniversary of the war's end with a pledge to pursue peace.

Bargain Chemist in Lyall Bay says it plans to appeal a Health NZ decision not to grant its application.

At least two of the victims were found in vehicles that were submerged in water.

The party's proposed changes were they to come to power include a replacement for the disability payments system Pip.

Taylor Barnard, 22, says talented young drivers often get shut out because of financial issues.

The government says such developments are unacceptable – so why do they keep springing up?

Mobile game No 10: Full Confidence recently ranked above Minecraft on the UK App Store paid games chart

BC News asked current students about the worries they had before arriving at university how they overcame them.

Men who have had the procedure can expect 10-20% more girth for the next six to nine months - but it can go wrong.

Colombia's new president Abelardo de la Espriella has called on his US counterpart Donald Trump to suspend tariffs currently targeting the South American nation, which is reeling after a deadly earthquake.

Recent earthquakes in both countries have exposed sharply different government capacities to respond to disaster.

Made in advance, cold "sōmen" noodles are a tried-and-true way to get through summer's peak without sacrificing flavor.

Tayane Dalazen was on a shark-diving trip in Brazil when she was attacked.

The route let companies to obscure work done in China and Indonesia to deliver solar panels to the U.S. without tariffs.

The BBC spoke to working mothers about the challenges of a high-pressure career and making time for family.

U.S. attention is now centered on cutting off all revenue sources for the regime rather than any military or special forces operation.

Help started arriving Sunday for thousands of evacuees on Indonesia's Flores island after a powerful earthquake killed dozens of people.

While the Trump administration hasn't said what it's planning to do, there are still pressure points that the U.S. Treasury Department could hit.

Tehran says Doha is holding three pilots whose aircraft went down early in the Middle East war.

In January, Singapore's most premium chicken rice restaurant joined the Japanese capital's growing landscape of authentic takes on the iconic dish.

Authorities have retrieved 25 bodies from Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba to take the death toll from Tuesday's ferry capsizing to 72, police said, as the search continued for victims.

RNZ's money correspondent answers your questions.

A woman and her 5-week-old son who were reported missing in Co Louth have been found safe and well.

Hopes of finding survivors of the earthquake ⁠that struck western Colombia five days ago are dwindling, as more bodies were pulled from buildings.

The document concluded access to liquefied natural gas was unlikely to affect average electricity prices.

Iranian authorities have said three Iranian pilots who went down early in the Middle East war were still being held in Qatar, calling on the Gulf state to release them.

At around 2:20pm on Saturday a 300mm main burst on Mepham Place causing asphalt on the road to crack.

New funding will support predator control, habitat restoration and kōkako monitoring across more than 46,000 hectares of Taranaki forest.

Hundreds of villagers have been placed under evacuation orders in eastern Belgium as firefighters battle one of the country's worst-ever wildfires.

The BBC’s Katy Watson explains why triple-murder Erin Patterson is back in court this week trying to overturn her conviction.

There are signals within the Government that the timetable for restoring excise cuts on fuel may have to be revisited.

Pope Leo XIV reminds young people participating in the Third National Youth Day taking place this weekend in Monterrey, Mexico, that the purpose of our lives is to unite ourselves to Jesus and thus, by sharing in His life, attain the holiness to which we are called.

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Moroccan authorities have detained 111 irregular migrants in and around the northern city of Fnideq after they attempted a mass crossing into Spain's city of Ceuta.

A Quebec Superior Court judge has approved a historic $31.5-million settlement against the archdiocese of Quebec. The deal ends years of legal action for claimants who said they were sexually assaulted by members of the archdiocese since 1940.

The agreement is a step forward towards creating Canada’s first land-based link to Nunavut’s Arctic coast, providing year-round road access to Wekweètì and Gamèti.

The funeral mass of Noreen and James McHugh, a wife and husband from Cill Chartha, Co Donegal, has heard they were soulmates, who have left a lasting legacy.

Why you don’t have to be an expert to talk climate

Fort St. John Mayor Lilia Hansen wants B.C.'s gang task force to intervene after three shootings in less than a month near local schools.

Moroccan police arrested at least 111 people on Saturday as they tried to enter Spain's North ‌African enclave of Ceuta, amid tightened security on both sides of the border after social media posts called for another mass migrant crossing.

At least 38 people have died and thousands have been displaced after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s predominantly Catholic island of Flores. The Diocese of Labuan Bajo canceled the closing celebrations of the Golo Koe Maria Assumpta Nusantara Festival, while a major priestly formation celebration in Ledalero was moved outdoors after earthquake damage made the chapel and reception hall unsafe.

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Former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok won the ruling Democratic Party of Korea's (DPK) primaries in Gwangju and Jeolla Province on Saturday, outpacing his two rivals in the party's leadership race. Kim garnered a combined 57.54 percent of the votes from Gwangju and North and South Jeolla provinces, beating Jung Chung-rae, who is seeking a second consecutive term as DPK leader, with 32.65 percent. Song Young-gil, a former DPK leader, came in third with 9.81 percent. Kim's victory Saturday allowed him to maintain his lead in the leadership race ahead of the party congress Monday, where the new leader will be elected. The party's new leader is expected to play a key role in overseeing the nomination of candidates for the April 2028 parliamentary elections. Kim leads the race in cumulative votes, garnering 52.21 percent, followed by Jung with 38.14 percent. The DPK has held five of six regional primary rounds so far. The final primary, in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, takes place Sunday. Kim has won four rounds — in the central Chungcheong region; Incheon and Jeju Island; Gangwon Province, Daegu

TEHRAN — Iran on Saturday fired back at U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz part of U.S. territory, saying the crucial energy waterway it has blockaded "will remain Iranian." Trump has repeatedly said the strait, which Tehran effectively closed at the start of the Middle East war in late February, is under U.S. control — an assertion the Islamic Republic denies. "The Strait of Hormuz has been Iranian, is Iranian, and will remain Iranian," Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on X. "This strait will only be closed and opened under Iran's command." Trump told a political rally in New York state on Friday that after the U.S. defeats Iran, "pretty soon I'll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States." "It's true," he added. An unnamed White House official later clarified that Trump was joking, the Wall Street Journal reported. Last week, a top Iranian official laid out a laundry list of conditions for reopening the strait, including an end to the "war and aggression against Iran and its allies in Lebanon,

Korea denounced visits to Yasukuni Shrine by Japanese officials and politicians Saturday, urging Japan's leaders to face history and show remorse in order to develop bilateral relations based on mutual trust. The foreign ministry issued a statement after Japanese ministers and lawmakers visited or sent ritual offerings to the controversial shrine, a symbol of Japan's militaristic past, on the anniversary of Japan's 1945 surrender in World War II. "The government cannot but deplore the anachronistic and historically oblivious acts of responsible Japanese leaders who have once again made ritual offerings or paid visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, which glorifies Japan's past wars of aggression and honors convicted war criminals," the ministry said. It urged Japan's leaders to face history squarely and show remorse for the past through their actions, calling it an important foundation for building future-oriented Korea-Japan relations based on mutual trust. Kim Hak-jo, director general for international policy at Korea's defense ministry, summoned Takeshi Nagayoshi, Japan's defense attache in S

DUBAI/CAIRO/GARDEN CITY, New York — Iran called on the U.S. to accept defeat while President Donald Trump blasted Tehran as "very evil" and told Americans to brace for continued high fuel prices as a result of the war. Progress toward peace talks and oil tanker traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz waterway remained halted, with no sign the warring parties were moving toward ending the conflict that the U.S. and Israel launched on Feb. 28. "This strait will be opened and closed only under Iran's command, and so long as you do not accept the reality of defeat and stop indulging in fantasies, Iran will continue to enforce the blockade," Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi posted on X early on Saturday. U.S. gasoline up 29% on year Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran had not decided to resume talks with the U.S. He told Iranian news outlet Shahrara News in an interview published on Saturday that Washington must meet conditions on the strait in order for shipping to resume in the waterway that handled one-fifth of the world's oil before the war. Trump urged Ameri

LONDON — A British sociologist who resigned last week from the University of Cambridge following weeks of public accusations of plagiarism and media scrutiny was found dead Friday. Jason Arday, who was 37 when he became Cambridge's youngest Black professor in 2023, resigned after he came under intense media pressure, with weeks of allegations about plagiarism in his academic work and questions surrounding claims about his athletic and fundraising accomplishments. The Times and Telegraph newspapers, along with the BBC and Sky News, reported that Arday, 41, was found “unresponsive” inside a home in Battersea, south London, on Friday afternoon. News of his death comes the same week as the release of his memoir, “Great and Unfortunate Things,” a highly anticipated work that Simon & Schuster had decided to release despite the doubts about his credibility. In a statement issued through his publisher, Arday's family said that they were “in shock to have lost this amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son.” “The campaign of misinformation was too much for Jason, who was a g

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday extended congratulations to President Lee Jae Myung on the 78th anniversary of the establishment of South Korea's government, China's Xinhua News Agency reported. In a congratulatory message, Xi described South Korea and China as "important neighbors and partners," underscoring the importance of advancing bilateral relations. The message came as South Korea marked Aug. 15 as National Liberation Day, commemorating the end of Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule and the establishment of the Republic of Korea's government three years later. "Over the 34 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have, through joint efforts, achieved mutual success and common development, with fruitful outcomes in exchanges and cooperation across various fields," Xi was quoted as saying by Xinhua. Xi said his reciprocal visits with Lee in late 2025 and earlier this year provided "strategic guidance" for bilateral ties, expressing hope that Seoul and Beijing would continue on the "right track" to contribute to peace and development in the region

Sogang University in Seoul came under a hacking attack, and some 180,000 pieces of personal information of students, graduates, faculty and others were leaked, officials said Saturday. Former President Park Geun-hye is believed to be among those affected. The school said it has confirmed circumstances where some information was leaked due to an unidentified outside attack on its integrated login account information. Leaked information includes student ID numbers, names, affiliations, mobile phone numbers and passwords. School officials said they became aware of the attack on Friday, three days after it occurred. The university has since blocked the IP address used in the attack, taken emergency measures, and reported the incident to the Personal Information Protection Commission and the education ministry. "Emergency response measures have been completed, and we're now checking vulnerable points in the internal server," an official said. "We're working with an outside cybersecurity firm on measures to prevent additional damage, including strengthening the monitoring system." Former Presi

Singer EJAE, who gained global attention through the Netflix animated film "KPop Demon Hunters," has shared an update ahead of her wedding. On Friday, EJAE posted several photos on social media, writing, "So grateful to have someone I can call home." "9 years together and many more years to go," she wrote. The photos drew attention as EJAE showed off a wedding ring from a luxury jewelry brand. In one photo, she places her hand, wearing the ring, over that of her fiancé, while another shows the couple embracing, capturing their excitement ahead of the wedding. EJAE announced her engagement in January after sharing photos of a proposal from Korean American producer Sam Kim. The couple is reportedly set to marry in November. EJAE gained widespread recognition for writing, composing and performing "Golden," a song from the soundtrack of Netflix's "KPop Demon Hunters." "Golden" won best song written for visual media at the 68th Grammy Awards and best original song at the 98th Academy Awards. This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a gener

Japanese media and online users are showing strong interest in the controversy surrounding actor Ha Young, who has faced public criticism over her initial response to revelations about the pro-Japanese activities of her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho (1872-1927). Much of the Japanese reaction has been sympathetic toward Ha, with some describing the backlash as "modern-day guilt by association" and criticizing the response in Korea. The reaction highlights a stark difference in perspective between Japan, the former colonial power, and Korea, which was subjected to Japanese colonial rule from 1910 to 1945. 'Branded a descendant of a pro-Japanese collaborator' A column published Wednesday by the conservative Japanese outlet JBpress is one example. Its headline, "Why does Korea not forgive descendants of pro-Japanese collaborators? The 'modern-day guilt by association' cornering celebrities and the weaponization of history," made clear its critical view of the Korean response. The outlet first outlined the known facts, identifying Ha's great-grandfather as Ahn Sang-ho, who served as a counci

The members of K-pop girl group Fin.K.L have reunited over yoga, with Ock Joo-hyun, Lee Jin and Sung Yu-ri visiting Lee Hyori's yoga studio and offering fans a glimpse of their enduring friendship. The yoga studio run by Lee posted a photo on its official social media account Friday with the caption, "Fin.K.L's Rajakapotasana." The photo shows Ock, Lee Jin and Sung dressed in comfortable workout clothes as they practice Rajakapotasana, a yoga pose, on the floor. The members are seen smiling and enjoying their yoga session at Lee Hyori's studio. Their reunion also drew attention for showing that the four have maintained their close friendship 28 years after their debut. All four Fin.K.L members also gathered in April following the death of Lee Hyori's father, showing their support for one another. Fin.K.L debuted in 1998 and produced a string of hits including "Eternal Love," "Now" and "Ruby." Lee Hyori lived on Jeju Island after marrying musician Lee Sang-soon before moving to Pyeongchang-dong in Seoul's Jongno District. She opened a yoga studio in Yeonhui-dong, Seoul, last year and has be

Korean lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties expressed regret Saturday over visits by Japanese officials and politicians to a war shrine seen as a symbol of Japan's imperialistic past. The response came after Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and a group of lawmakers from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) paid tribute at the Yasukuni Shrine to mark the anniversary of Japan's 1945 surrender in World War II. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a ritual offering but did not visit the shrine in person. Jeon Su-mi, a spokesperson for the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), criticized the visits by Japanese officials and LDP lawmakers as an "anachronistic provocation," calling them "reckless acts" based on "twisted patriotism." Kim Dae-sik of the main opposition People Power Party, who is known for his close ties with Japan, voiced "deep regret," saying Koizumi's shrine visit is an act that undermines mutual trust between the two countries. "Japan's responsible leaders should face the history of its aggression and show true remorse through actions,

A car cannot remain in good condition if it races at full speed without a break, suddenly shuts off and then accelerates again without warming up. The human body is much the same. If people spend the entire workweek under pressure, finally relax on the first day of vacation and then plunge straight back into their routine upon returning to work, their bodies can easily suffer. A 46-year-old civil servant surnamed Park experienced just that. Before his summer vacation, he cut back on sleep for several nights to finish a backlog of work. But when he finally arrived at his vacation destination, he developed a headache and flu-like aches. He ended up spending his entire first day at his accommodations. Although several days of rest might have been expected to help, he said that after returning to work his body felt as heavy as a waterlogged sponge and he struggled to concentrate. He had become sick during a vacation meant for rest and returned feeling even more fatigued rather than recharged. The phenomenon cannot simply be dismissed as psychological. Researchers at Tilburg University in the N

Jeong Ji-an (Kim Hye-jun), who lost both of her parents as a child, grew up with her uncle. But when Ji-an is a 21-year-old college student, her uncle dies by suicide. He had always kept her at a distance, and she is so angry that he died suddenly without saying a word that she cannot even cry. Then, immediately after the funeral, the truth about her uncle, Jeong Jin-man (Lee Dong-wook), begins to emerge. Even his occupation was a lie. The agricultural hose shopping website he ran in a rural village was merely a front for "Murderhelp," an online weapons store for assassins. As Ji-an struggles to believe that her uncle was an arms dealer, killers with old scores to settle with Jin-man begin surrounding her home, intent on eliminating her and taking over the store. Season 1 of the Disney+ series "A Shop for Killers," released in 2024, followed Ji-an's struggle for survival while trapped inside her home and surrounded by assassins. She solved a number of mysteries, but the season ended with her uncle returning alive, suggesting that many secrets remained hidden. The series returned with its

Jerusalem's Old City, home to sacred sites of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, is increasingly being marred by religious tensions. The three religions have historically maintained a delicate balance through their respective quarters, but expressions of hostility toward other communities are reaching dangerous levels as Jewish extremist groups gain influence amid what critics say is tacit acceptance and encouragement from the Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which includes far-right parties. Extremism threatens holy sites of three religions The Christian Quarter is one of the places where interreligious tensions are most visible. According to the Israeli civic group Religious Freedom Data Center (RFDC), 83 cases of harassment targeting Christians were reported from April through June this year. Spitting accounted for the largest number, with 47 cases, followed by eight cases of verbal abuse. While a reporter from the Hankook Ilbo accompanied nuns on their way home through the Old City on Aug. 4, a Jewish teenager spat toward them. "After a French nun was assaulted in

BLACKPINK's Lisa has apologized to fans over the group's 10th anniversary event, which drew criticism over its organization and limited scale. "It's been almost a week since our 10th anniversary," Lisa said Friday on a fan communication platform, referring to the anniversary celebrations that sparked complaints among fans. "There have been some matters that have been circulating online. It makes me sad and I'm truly sorry about how things turned out," she said. "I can’t even imagine how sad this must have been because I was too." "It was supposed to be a special moment and a time of celebration for all of us," she said, expressing regret over how the anniversary unfolded. "I'm not here to justify anything or make a point. I just wanted to honor the love and connection we shared. I'm truly grateful that we were able to come together," she said. "I hope we can carry the love we shared with us moving forward. Thank you for always being there for us." BLACKPINK held a fan event at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul's Yongsan District on Aug. 8 to mark the 10th anniversary of its debut. The

Korea's chief trade negotiator has been dismissed from his post, officials said Saturday, as Seoul faces mounting tariff pressure from the United States amid a series of unresolved bilateral trade issues. Yeo Han-koo was notified of his dismissal by the Ministry of Personnel Management on Friday, an official at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said, without elaborating on the reason for the decision. His dismissal "has nothing to do with tariff negotiations between Seoul and Washington," a government official told Yonhap News Agency. Amid speculation that his dismissal was related to personal misconduct, Yeo said in a statement that such speculation was unfounded and that he would consider taking legal action over false reports. The dismissal comes at a sensitive time for bilateral trade relations, as Seoul faces growing U.S. pressure to accelerate its investment commitments under a bilateral tariff deal and a dispute over fines against U.S.-listed e-commerce giant Coupang over a personal data breach. On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing new ta

President Lee Jae Myung on Saturday proposed that the two Koreas begin talks on ending their long-running war and discuss practical ways to halt the advancement of Pyongyang's nuclear program, pledging to seek a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. Lee made the proposal in his speech at a National Liberation Day ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule. "Let us put down our intentions to threaten each other and begin discussions to end the long-running war as the directly involved parties," Lee said, adding, "In the process, (we) may also discuss effective ways to halt the advancement of the North's nuclear capabilities." The divided Koreas have technically remained at war since the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. Lee said he will embark on a journey to end the war and replace the "unstable armistice system" with a peace regime. Lee's dialogue overture came despite the North remaining unresponsive to Seoul's repeated reconciliatory gestures since Lee took office in June last year. In his Liberation Day s

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has paid tribute to Soviet soldiers who fought against Japan during World War II to mark Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, vowing to further strengthen ties with Russia, Pyongyang's state media reported Saturday. Kim visited the Liberation Tower in Pyongyang on Friday, a day before the 81st anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule, the North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. Kim laid a wreath bearing the phrase, "We will not forget the feats of the martyrs of the Soviet Army." "The excellent history, traditions and ties of blood between the DPRK and Russia now serve as a fundamental cornerstone and inexhaustible driving force for the bilateral relations of friendship and cooperation," Kim said in an English dispatch. He added that their "great friendship and unity" would be carried forward "generation after generation." DPRK is the acronym of North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. It marked the third time Kim has visited the Liberation Tower on the occasion of Liberation Day s

Nvidia has revised its plans to support a proposed OpenAI data center project in Ohio and is now expected to initially guarantee less than $120 billion, down from the $250 billion previously discussed, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. The Journal said Nvidia and OpenAI are nearing an agreement, with the chipmaker expected to provide a financial backstop only for the first phase of the project. A deal could be signed as early as this weekend, according to the report. The change was made after investors raised concerns about Nvidia's risk exposure tied to large financing commitments, the newspaper said. This came after Nvidia on Monday partnered with six major financial institutions to launch compute financing platforms aimed at raising over $500 billion in third-party capital for AI infrastructure. OpenAI is still discussing a binding lease for the full 10-gigawatt project in Ohio, WSJ said. The site is being developed by SB Energy, a subsidiary of SoftBank, and would be the largest data center project announced to date if completed. Nvidi

TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stayed away from Tokyo's controversial Yasukuni Shrine , apparently to prioritize diplomatic relations with China and South Korea, but did not mention her country’s wartime past in Asia or remorse over it in an address Saturday as Japan marked the 81st anniversary of its surrender in World War II. Takaichi mourned the victims of major devastation in Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Okinawa, as well as those who perished in overseas battlefronts, and thanked them for their sacrifice as the “foundation of Japan's peace and prosperity today.” She did not mention Japanese atrocities in Asia or apologize. “Japan, since the end of the war, has consistently contributed to global peace and prosperity. We will never let the tragedy of the war be repeated," she said, adding that Japan can play a key role in addressing global challenges as “a dependable nation" in the region. Visits by Japanese politicians to the Yasukuni Shrine, which also commemorates World War II war criminals, have been criticized by China and South Korea. They see it as showin

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that he will declare the Strait of Hormuz a territory of the United States "pretty soon," asserting America's control of the crucial waterway through its naval blockade. Trump made the remarks during a visit to a police academy in Garden City, New York, as disruptions to shipping through the strait, a key shipping route for oil, natural gas and other commodities, have continued amid the war in the Middle East, leaving energy prices high. "After we finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated ... pretty soon, I will be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States," Trump said. "We have the blockade. No ships get through unless we want them to," he added. Trump did not elaborate on his plan to declare the strait a U.S. territory at a time when Tehran seeks to maintain control over the waterway, viewing the strait as a pivotal source of leverage in its negotiations with Washington, particularly ahead of the U.S. midterm elections in November. The president said that though he used the U.S. military "a little

MAUMERE, Indonesia — A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia early Saturday, killing at least 20 people, collapsing buildings and homes as well as causing panic in a region prone to deadly quakes. Authorities said six people were injured, and two others were missing after a landslide triggered by the quake. Authorities issued a tsunami warning and urged coastal residents to move to higher ground, but later lifted the warning when Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency said monitoring showed no significant sea-level changes that would pose a threat to coastal communities. The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake hit Indonesia's Flores region with a depth of 10 kilometers at 5:58 a.m. local time. Its epicenter was 68 km (42 miles) north-northwest of the city of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province. The initial quake was followed by several aftershocks. The head of the Maumere Search and Rescue Agency, Fathur Rahman, said rescuers have recovered at least 20 bodies in the three devastated regencies of Sikka, West Manggarai, and East Mang

A provincial government’s bid to bring home “Independence,” a calligraphic work by Korean independence fighter Ahn Jung-geun, remains stalled as officials struggle to reach a deal with its Japanese holder. The Gyeonggi Provincial Government said Friday that its yearlong effort to secure the work’s return has yet to yield a result, adding that it will continue talks through the end of the year as Korea marks the 81st anniversary of its liberation from Japanese colonial rule. Ahn, a revered Korean independence activist, wrote the calligraphy at Lushun Prison shortly before his execution in 1910 for assassinating Ito Hirobumi, Japan’s first prime minister and resident-general in Korea, at Harbin Station the previous year. He then gave a Japanese guard the work, which is regarded as one of his most symbolically significant pieces. According to provincial officials, it is now held in custody by Ryukoku University in Kyoto after being entrusted by descendants of the guard. Provincial officials had initially expected negotiations to proceed smoothly. In 2025, as Korea marked the 80th

Walking through a forest trail lowers the heat strain on the human body significantly faster than walking on asphalt roads in the city, according to a field experiment by the National Institute of Forest Science, a research body under the Korea Forest Service, conducted amid Korea's ongoing summer heat wave. The institute tested the cooling effect of Hongneung Forest, an experimental forest in Dongdaemun District that dates to the Joseon era, by using thermal imaging cameras to compare pedestrians' heat response while walking on a forest trail versus a nearby asphalt road. Participants who walked the forest trail saw their average facial surface temperature drop by as much as 1.9 degrees Celsius from their starting point, and it stayed about 1.7 degrees lower even after the walk ended. On the asphalt road, by contrast, the average facial surface temperature — 37.0 degrees Celsius at the start — jumped to 38.1 degrees in the first stretch and showed little improvement by the end. Averaged over the full route, facial surface temperatures were 1.1 degrees lower on the forest trail tha

A few decades ago, Korean studies was often treated as an afterthought and viewed as a sub-discipline to Chinese and Japanese studies. Today, a landmark complete English translation of one of Korea’s most important medieval texts is proving how dynamic and indispensable Korean history is to the global literary landscape. At the heart of this milestone is Remco Breuker, a professor of Korean Studies at Leiden University in the Netherlands and a leading European authority on pre-modern Korean history. He, together with two other scholars — one of whom was his own teacher — to translate "Samguk Yusa," also known in English as "Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms." Published by the University of Hawaii Press, his translation is titled "Vestiges of the Three Kingdoms of Ancient Korea." The 570-page work is the first complete and fully annotated English translation of the 13th-century classic. Compiled primarily by the Buddhist monk Iryeon during the late Goryeo period, "Samguk Yusa" is a collection of forktalkes and legends of the Three Kingdoms period and before. The newly released volum

In an era when national symbols can feel confined to government plazas and ceremonial flagpoles, Korea is embarking on a modern civic experiment: bringing its emblem directly into everyday life. On the occasion of the 81st National Liberation Day, marking the end of Japanese colonial rule in 1945, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety is launching a sweeping campaign Saturday designed to integrate the Taegeukgi — Korea’s national flag — into the rhythm of daily routines. Blending private sector partnerships, digital downloads and charitable initiatives, the government hopes to transform civic pride from a formal duty into an accessible habit. As part of the initiative, Vice Minister of the Interior and Safety Kim Min-jae joined NongHyup Bank Vice President Lee Young-woo at Government Complex Seoul to hand out custom keychains featuring the flag and the Rose of Sharon (hibiscus syriacus), Korea's national flower. The accessories, designed to attach to backpacks or keyrings, reflect an effort to build familiar connections with national iconography among younger generations. The v

American figurative sculptor Austen Brantley takes inspiration from artwork across many eras, from Mesopotamia and ancient Greece to the Gandharan period and African artistic traditions. “I feel like there's a lot of intention and spiritualism put into the craftsmanship of the work, and it's all saying something,” he said. A self-taught artist, he discovered sculpture when his ceramics teacher recognized his ability during his junior year at Berkley High School in Michigan. He has maintained a full-time professional studio practice since 2014, and he has made over 3,000 sculptures. His emotionally resonant sculptures explore the figure as a vessel for memory, identity, mythology and collective history. His sculptures are recognized for their introspective expressions, dynamic compositions, tactile surfaces and carefully developed patinas. “My figures often occupy quiet psychological spaces,” he said. “Their expressions and postures are introspective, allowing the viewer to encounter them slowly rather than through a single, fixed interpretation. I am interested in the tension

Many people think of soju, Korea's iconic distilled alcoholic beverage, as a cheap, low-quality liquor that comes in a green bottle and causes a killer hangover. But Julia Mellor, founder of The Sool Company, has made it her mission to evangelize the traditional rice-based version of the drink. Recently, she set up a booth at the International Dutch Distillers Festival, where she gave two soju masterclasses for 110 guests introducing 3 craft sojus paired with Korean snacks. "It was a totally Dutch festival, so the audience was very green and probably 90 percent of attendees had never heard of soju, so it was a really great opportunity," Mellor said of the event. "The encouraging thing is that once people taste these premium Korean spirits without preconceived ideas, the quality speaks for itself. To have the opportunity to present Korean soju to such a new audience with no background knowledge was an exciting milestone and gave us a confidence boost that we are headed in the right direction." Mellor, an Australian, spent 17 years living in Korea, where she discovered her love for Korea'

NEW YORK — Americans who bought something from an overseas vendor last year may be in for a surprise when they check their bank accounts. Shippers including FedEx and UPS that acted as customs brokers for imported packages and received tariff refunds from the U.S. government have started to pass on those refunds to the customers that originally paid the tariffs. The refunds to consumers are the last step in a monthslong process that kicked off in February when the Supreme Court struck down sweeping tariffs implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump in March 2025 under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act on goods from almost every country. The court ordered the government to return the tariffs it collected. So far, about $100 billion in tariffs have been refunded to companies who paid them under a system set up by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. That doesn't mean Americans will get anywhere close to what they paid in tariffs, since most were paid indirectly. In 2025, the Trump tariffs amounted to an average tax increase of $1,000 per U.S. household, according to the

NEW YORK — U.S. stocks are drifting near their record heights Friday following the latest report on the economy to come in surprisingly weak, this time about how much shoppers are spending at retailers. Such data could keep interest rates low, which is something Wall Street loves, but it also raises the risk of a slowing economy when inflation is still high. The S&P 500 slipped 0.2 percent from its all-time high set the day before. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 113 points, or 0.2 percent, as of 11:45 a.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was 0.5 percent lower. Stocks gave up modest gains from earlier in the morning after oil prices swung higher. The price for a barrel of Brent crude rose 0.9 percent to $87.88 as uncertainty continues about when the war with Iran will allow oil tankers to freely exit the Persian Gulf again. Also raising uncertainty was a report showing shoppers spent less at U.S. retailers last month than the month before. That surprised economists, who were forecasting another month of growth. On the bright side for financial markets, such a pullback

WASHINGTON — U.S. retail sales gave their weakest showing in more than a year and consumer sentiment plunged, data showed Friday, as households battered by fallout from President Donald Trump's Iran war curbed spending and raised their expectations of inflation. Total U.S. retail sales were down 0.6 percent in July from the previous month, at $763.6 billion, said the Department of Commerce. A new U.S. consumer sentiment survey by the University of Michigan showed confidence dropped by around eight percent in August, ending two months of gains. The United States and Israel launched the war against Iran on Feb. 28, plunging the Middle East into conflict and sending energy prices skyrocketing as Tehran retaliated by attacking Washington's Gulf allies and snarling a fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies. The war has sent inflation — already elevated from the U.S. Federal Reserve's long-term 2 percent target — surging, and has hit American households battered by years of high prices hard. Expectations for inflation in the year ahead ticked up from 4.2 percent in July to 4.3 percent i

WASHINGTON — The Department of Defense is introducing a course centered on Western civilization and Christianity this fall in the schools it operates for military families, part of an effort by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to redirect the education system toward patriotic values and classical learning. The Department of Defense Education Activity operates about 160 schools across 11 countries and educates roughly 70,000 students who are children of active-duty military or civilian service members. Conservatives have eyed the schools — which, unlike most public schools, are run by the federal government — as a testing ground for reshaping education. The Western civilization course planned for this fall will use a textbook published by Encounter Books, a conservative publishing house. Titled "The Golden Thread: A History of the Western Tradition, Volume I: The Ancient World and Christendom," it includes suggested lesson plans created in partnership with Hillsdale College, a conservative Christian school in Michigan that has also developed influential materials for K-12 schools. Hi

WASHINGTON — The U.S. has received several warnings from Israel over the past year that Iran intended to assassinate President Donald Trump, including before a secret Air Force One ruse in Turkey, which U.S. intelligence officials could not independently verify, according to a current U.S. official and two former officials. The warnings, passed to U.S. intelligence agencies and in some cases relayed directly by Israeli officials to senior White House officials, included possible plots to shoot Trump with a sniper or recruit someone to attack him with a knife at a large public event, the sources said. The tips began in the lead-up to the 12-day war in June 2025 and intensified prior to the U.S. decision to go to war in Iran in February, the sources said. The most detailed warning came ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara in July, the U.S. official and the other person familiar with the matter said. Israeli officials briefed the White House about intelligence that indicated Iran may try to kill Trump, potentially with a shoulder-launched missile, while he traveled on Air Force One for th

SEONGNAM, Gyeonggi Province — For decades, the three days of summer considered the hottest of the year were among the busiest for Korea's dog meat restaurants, as diners sought traditional stamina-boosting foods to endure the heat. The third "boknal," or hot day, of 2026 on Friday carried an added sense of finality. It was the last before a nationwide ban on the breeding, slaughter and sale of dogs for meat takes full effect in February 2027. At Moran Market in Seongnam, once the country's best-known hubs for dog meat, lunchtime crowds filled alleyways lined with restaurants. Yet many businesses have shifted to black goat stew and other alternatives, while the few customers still ordering "bosintang," or dog meat stew, were overwhelmingly elderly. "It's really desolate now," said Kim Yong-book, head of the Moran Market Merchants' Association, who has worked in the area, which is near Seoul, for more than 40 years. What was once a bustling trade hub has become "a town of old people," he said. The ban caps a long decline in dog meat consumption as rising pet ownership and changing attitude

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won has appealed the latest court ruling ordering him to pay 944 billion won ($668 million) in property division to his former wife, Roh Soh-yeong, sources said Saturday. In July, the Seoul High Court handed down the ruling after the Supreme Court sent the case back for review in October last year while finalizing the divorce and Chey's alimony payment of 2 billion won to Roh, the daughter of the late former President Roh Tae-woo. The newly determined amount was lower than the 1.38 trillion won that the court initially ordered Chey to pay in property division in 2024. As the Supreme Court reviews whether a lower court misinterpreted legal principles, experts said there is little chance of the ruling being overturned, as it already reviewed the case when it sent it back to the lower court in October last year. Chey initiated divorce proceedings in 2017 after admitting two years earlier to having an extramarital lover and a child with her. Chey and Roh married in 1988 and have three children together.

A protagonist with memory loss. A dicey office love triangle. A chance encounter with a first love and a secret surrounding someone’s birth. Cliche-riddled, old-fashioned romantic comedies are back. After a series of productions loaded with elaborate worldbuilding and heavy atmospheres, broadcasters seem to have decided that trend has run its course and that viewers now need something lighthearted — an unhealthy yet familiar and addictive treat. 'You can't beat the classics' “Our Sticky Love,” which premiered on Netlfix on Aug. 7, might be the most quintessential romantic comedy of the season. The drama revolves around a young man and woman: Go Eun-sae, played by Ha Young, an elite prosecutor who wakes up in a hospital after losing her memory and fingerprints; and Jang Tae-ha, played by Jung Hae-in, a boxing coach who claims to be her boyfriend. Together, they begin a new life in a rural Korean village. Eun-sae’s antagonistic attitude toward Tae-ha, rooted in her deeply suspicious personality, steadily gives way to a phase of denying her attraction to the male lead before the

President Lee Jae Myung on Friday reiterated his support for a four-year, two-term presidential system through a constitutional revision, stressing that he is also open to shortening his term. "It has been my campaign pledge and consistent position that we should pursue a constitutional revision to introduce a four-year presidency allowing either nonconsecutive or consecutive terms, enabling voters to conduct a midpoint evaluation, while strengthening local autonomy and the people's basic rights," Lee said in a social media post. Lee noted that he is open to shortening his term if necessary for the constitutional revision. Article 128 of the Constitution stipulates that an extension of the presidential term shall not apply to the president in office at the time the amendment is proposed. "The Constitution, which is now 40 years old, is no longer suited to the current era, and a majority of the people agree on the need for a revision. If a constitutional revision is actually pursued, it would be desirable for the specific details to be determined by the National Assembly through an agreem

In Korea, the places where chips are made also happen to be where more children are born. “An obstetrician tells me everyone in this neighborhood has two or three kids,” said Shin Jung-won, 39, who has worked as a researcher at Samsung Electronics for 15 years. Due to give birth soon, she has a family plan shared by many residents in the neighborhood: to have two children. Shin lives in Dongtan District in Hwaseong Special City, the place she settled three years ago due to its close proximity to her workplace — a Samsung Electronics campus is located there — and had a young population with many children. That day, as Shin headed to a department store just below her apartment, the indoor space was full of young parents with children, many pushing strollers, even on a weekday morning. Shin herself was also on parental leave. Bonuses are the most frequently discussed subject among her colleagues, according to Shin. Although she is not part of the semiconductor division that received such exorbitant sums, she has heard how many inside the company openly talk about plans to earn 3 bi

The Total Eclipse of the Heart singer died last month in a hospital in Portugal.

A man has been arrested after a prisoner died following an assault at Wheatfield Prison in Dublin on Thursday night.

A search and rescue operation is under way to find survivors in Flores, an island in eastern Indonesia.

Hurricane Lala took aim at Hawaii's Big Island on Saturday on a forecast track for possible landfall, which would be the island's first direct hit from a hurricane in 155 years.

As the Church marks the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jenny Kraska reflects on the theme: "Good luck ignoring mom!"

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Demobilised former combatants are actively joining the fight against Ebola by participating in public information campaigns in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

In northern Kenya, a herder scans the sky for rain that hasn't come. The grass his animals need is thinning by the day.

Thousands of people, hundreds of miles, and successive generations walking the same road. On August 15, the season of walking pilgrimages reaches its peak at Jasna Góra – a tradition that remains a vivid expression of faith and community in Poland.

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Heartstopper's Kit Connor and Christopher Abbot are also joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Scotland Yard copied in all those who had signed up to receive a monthly update.

The Europe’s tallest statue of Mary was blessed on August 15 in Konotopie, Poland. During the ceremony, Bishop Krzysztof Wętkowski said the more than 55-meter (180-foot) monument is meant to turn people’s thoughts toward God and serve as a place of prayer.

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Robbie Williams has opened up about overcoming a "huge amount of imposter syndrome", saying he has reached a point in his life where he feels incredibly "lucky" and "grateful" to be doing what he does.

Booksellers are reporting mysterious bulk orders. It's thought the books are being used to train AI - and ending up pulped.

The academic's Cambridge appointment in 2023 drew worldwide attention

Andy Burnham said the former Cambridge professor's death was a "really sad, sad and sorry state of affairs".

The death of former Cambridge professor Jason Arday is a "tragedy" and should be a "moment for reflection", British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has proposed talks with North Korea to formally end the long-running Korean War.

Pope Leo XIV reflects on how Mary’s Assumption reveals humanity’s destiny of eternal life, and prays for those suffering in the Holy Land, Ukraine, Russia and earthquake-stricken Colombia.

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A motorcyclist in his 30s has died after a single-vehicle crash in Carraghy, Co Galway last night.

Rose of Tralee co-host Kathryn Thomas has hit back at critics who dismiss the festival as outdated, branding such comments as "boring" and "lazy".

Main bursts in Porirua, cracking the asphalt and causing hours of disruption for residents.

It was a much-hyped summit that many thought could deliver a breakthrough to end the war in Ukraine. One year on, did the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska have any impact on efforts to end the conflict?

A 50-year-old father and his two sons were found floating off Koh Samui island, a local official told AFP on Saturday.

As e-scooters become increasingly common across Canada, pediatricians warn parents and children that e-scooter injuries are often severe and can be deadly.

The airport said the retail upgrade is its most significant airside refurbishment in a decade.

A name suppression order for one of the nurses responsible for the care of a 21-year-old Erica Hume who died by suicide has lapsed.

Progress toward peace talks and oil tanker traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz waterway remain halted.

Police in Virginia say they have arrested a 19-year-old in connection with a shooting on Saturday that left five people injured. No one died in the shooting, but one victim sustained critical injuries.

Japanese crime, mystery and horror have hit their stride with English readers, offering a complement and counterpoint to "healing fiction."

Hundreds of structures have been lost to wildfires so far this year. Experts say even those who are fully insured will face a long, complex process as they begin to rebuild.

The 7.7 magnitude earthquake triggered an early tsunami warning for some regions of Indonesia.

During Mass in Castel Gandolfo for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Leo XIV marvels how the Blessed Virgin Mary, through God's grace, leads us toward Heaven, insisting that love is "humanity’s most beautiful adornment," stressing that it "transfigures, transforms, ennobles and lifts us up, making us light, free and close to God, even amid life’s ups and downs."

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Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon killed at least 11 people Saturday, in some of the deadliest attacks since a precarious truce between Israel and Hezbollah went into effect in June.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Helen McEntee has said that over the past five years, women and girls in Afghanistan have been subjected to an appalling campaign of discriminatory violence, abuse and exclusion.

A police investigation is continuing after a young child was killed in a dog attack on Friday afternoon.

Those paying respects included Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi — a regular visitor — and economic security minister Kimi Onoda.

On Saturday, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia, killing at least 47 people.

A Tibetan man living in NZ claims members of his community are being spied on and harassed for opposition to China's controversial law.

A wintry blast is heading towards the North Island, and snow could make driving difficult in the South Island.

A man is in a critical condition in hospital following a three-vehicle crash in Co Meath.

To fight the growing risk posed by screwworm, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted emergency approval to a liquid ivermectin for horses product made by Calgary-based company Solvet. The product can now be sold and used for the short-term prevention of screwworm in the United States.

Iran has called on the US to accept defeat, while President Donald Trump blasted Tehran as "very evil" and told Americans to prepare for continued high fuel prices as a result of the war.

The highway will be shut between Waiau Road and Anaura Road, north of Mangatuna, from 9pm Saturday until 6am Sunday.

South Korea denounced visits to the Yasukuni Shrine by Japanese officials and politicians Saturday, urging Japan's leaders to squarely face history and show remorse in order to develop bilateral relations based on mutual trust. The foreign ministry issued a statement after Japanese ministers and lawmakers visited or sent ritual offerings to the controversial shrine, a symbol of Japan's militaristic past, on the anniversary of Japan's 1945 surrender in World War II. "The government cannot but dep

Young rail enthusiast Aizu Rive says he's excited New Zealand now has a metro network.

Six woven pieces made through a collaboration with NZMACI's National Weaving School will feature in Shona Tāwhiao's The House of Harakeke collection.

Monarch butterflies are booming on parts of the Canadian prairie, thanks in part to a wet and hot summer that's produced a healthy population of flowering plants and milkweed that the endangered species depends on.

When foreign musicians look to Korea for inspiration, K-pop is often the obvious starting point. But not everyone is listening to chart-topping idols. Some are instead drawn to everyday sounds that most people scarcely notice, or to genres that have slipped from the mainstream. When Max Adoubleyou, a 32-year-old artist and producer from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, visited Korea in March, one sound kept catching his attention: the chime that played every few minutes as cars exited the parking gar

Visitors expecting Georg Baselitz's famous upside-down figures at his first Korean museum retrospective are greeted instead by a picture of cattle, hung front and center right upon entering the galleries. In it, two cows stand in a green pasture. A clean horizontal cut runs through the canvas, and the halves sit out of register, so that muzzles and shoulders no longer align. The picture hangs right side up, yet it manages to unsettle all the same. "Two Cows Divided I" (1966), the oldest work in

Celebrities build their careers in the public eye, but in South Korea, the public's interest in their lives often extends well beyond their work — and increasingly into their homes. When a celebrity buys or sells a property, entertainment reports routinely detail where it is, how much it cost, what type of home it is, whether the celebrity borrowed money to buy it and how much they may have gained from the transaction. The more expensive or luxurious the property, the greater the attention. That

The Kospi has proved it can rally. The harder test is whether Korean companies can keep commanding higher valuations after the momentum fades. That challenge lies at the heart of Korea’s push to turn its decades-old “Korea discount” into a “Korea premium.” This year’s surge brought that goal closer, fueled by governance reform, stronger shareholder returns and a historic semiconductor earnings boom. But the summer correction exposed the rally’s narrow foundations. Samsung Electronics and SK hyni

The Korean Wave, or Hallyu, is usually dated to 1997, when Chinese state broadcaster CCTV aired the Korean drama "What is Love" (1991-92), an unlikely hit that is often credited as the phenomenon's starting point. Almost three decades later, the industry that emerged from it has become one of Korea’s most closely watched exports, with dramas, K-pop, webtoons and games driving revenue growth and global success, and spilling over into related industries such as tourism, beauty, food and fashion. T

New Plymouth children's author, Steph Julian, has been announced as Puke Ariki's first-ever writer in residence.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon on Saturday rang the Bosingak bell with descendants of independence activists and joined citizens in shouting “Manse” three times to commemorate the 81st anniversary of Korea’s Liberation Day. Oh and other participants rang the Bosingak bell 33 times, carrying the historical significance of Korea’s liberation. After the ceremony, they waved the national flag and shouted “Manse” three times, expressing their hopes for a bright future for South Korea. They then joined the Se

Lebanon has said Israeli strikes on the south killed 11 people including three children, the deadliest raids since deals in June eased hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

The result was about the only thing that was expected in Clacton as Nigel Farage won the by-election.

Weight loss drugs are effectively the blockbuster drugs of the modern era.

Back-to-back extreme storms have overwhelmed parts of Ontario's Niagara region, flooding homes, farms and businesses. St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe says aging infrastructure is struggling to keep up — and preparing for future floods could cost billions.

Brothers Brewing had to close its patio this summer at 15 Wyndham St. because of a major reconstruction project in downtown Guelph. But a new beer garden at the Guelph Lawn Bowling Club is helping the brewery keep business open for the duration of the construction project while introducing customers to a new sport.

Temperatures will tumble this weekend with the weather feeling noticeably cooler as the fifth widespread heatwave of the year comes to an end.

The Hamilton man was sentenced earlier this month on charges of theft, blackmail and intentional damage in relation to numerous incidents.

Dozens of aftershocks have already been felt, the strongest measured at a magnitude of 6.1.

From glaciers shrinking to an exposed shipwreck,  satellites capture the impact of extreme heat and drought.

Seven dresses are being put on display at Birr Castle for National Heritage Week, offering a rare glimpse into the glamorous world of fashion, art and high society in the 1930s.

An invasive plant is spreading farther into northern Ontario, prompting communites to work on ways to identify and control it before it becomes firmly established. A Sudbury-based environmental group hosted a workshop this week to teach people how to identify invasive phragmites and help stop its spread.

Charity thrift stores are being inundated with clothing donations, and the international market for used textiles is in flux, resulting in more and more garments heading to the dumpster.

The "substantial" rise in meth contamination since a safety rule change in 2018 should trigger a tightening of restrictions again, expert says.

The election will effectively be a one-on-one battle between incumbent Gov. Denny Tamaki, 66, who is gunning for a third term, and Genta Koja, 42, former deputy mayor of Naha.

Decades after the Berlin Wall fell, observers see deep-seated regional grievances and feelings of second-class citizenship driving a surge for the far-right Alternative for Germany party.

Personal information belonging to about 180,000 students, alumni and employees of Sogang University has been leaked in a data breach. Sogang University said Saturday it had detected signs of an information leak involving its integrated login accounts on the previoius day. In a notice posted on its official website, the university said it had confirmed signs of some information being leaked following an external attack by an unidentified party. “Upon becoming aware of the incident, we immediately

In an open letter, Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath says she was in an abusive relationship and notes the scrutiny she has faced as a long battle between her, her former partner and the city has publicly unfolded.

An obscure battle that took place on Canadian soil just a year before Confederation may not reverberate in the historical consciousness of Canadians outside of the town of Fort Erie, Ont. — but it lays claim to a number of historical focal points.

When Charlie Rousseau visited her hometown of Rouyn-Noranda, Que., for a festival in June, she noticed there were old-style parking meters that required users to slip change into a slot to pay. The problem is, Rousseau can't easily hold coins, let alone reach the slot to pay.

A Saskatchewan company is drilling for hydrogen to prove it can be extracted from the ground at a commercial scale. Max Power says that could lead to greener, cheaper hydrogen for decarbonizing industry and transportation. Here's what you need to know about the development of natural hydrogen.

The Taliban victory not only displaced hundreds of thousands of Afghans, the reimposition of their strict, authoritarian fundamentalist regime has featured the systematic erasure of women from public life, the suppression of free media and dissent and the enforcement of rigid moral codes through a dedicated ministry.

President Lee Jae-myung pledged to "broaden the scope of cooperation for mutual benefit and work together to address shared challenges."

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for peaceful coexistence with North Korea while emphasizing the administration’s intention to continue broaden cooperating with Japan. “I hope the South and the North can sit down together to pursue peaceful coexistence and shared growth. Rather than a concession, this would mark the start of coexistence,” said Lee in his commemorative speech during the 81th anniversary of Liberation Day at the Sejong Center in Seoul on Saturday. “We will embark on

Rescuers are combing through debris for survivors after a powerful earthquake struck off Indonesia's eastern Flores island, killing at least 47 people, according to a disaster official.

Monster Wolf and Pochi are among the robots deployed to scare away bears and transport cherry blossoms in a northern region of Japan where many farmers are in their 70s or older.

East Asia's summers are becoming hotter and longer, and such "personal cooling" has become a ubiquitous part of daily life.

The omission of the term stood in stark contrast to her immediate predecessor Shigeru Ishiba, while the inclusion of the term "Indo-Pacific" highlighted her foreign policy agenda.

A Korean county’s apples have made an unlikely appearance in the heart of New York’s Times Square as a local government official personally paid 329,000 won ($232) for a 15-second advertisement. The advertisement promoting apples from Bonghwa County in North Gyeongsang Province was displayed on a Times Square billboard every hour at 36 minutes from 1:36 p.m. Thursday to 12:36 p.m. Friday, Korea time. Featuring a picture of a red apple, the ad displayed a short message in Korean: “Bonghwa apples

The NZ Raptor Trust has spent 10 years getting injured birds back in the air.

Yeo Han-koo, South Korea’s top trade negotiator who played a key role in major trade issues including last year’s tariff negotiations with the United States, has been sacked. President Lee Jae Myung dismissed Yeo, minister for trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, effective Saturday, according to the ministry. The dismissal was unusual in that Yeo was removed from public office through an administrative measure that unilaterally strips an official of their position. The government

In a document recently sent to members, the U.S. asks a series of questions that gauge support for U.S. President Donald Trump's approach.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has paid tribute to Soviet soldiers who fought against Japan during World War II to mark Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, vowing to further strengthen ties with Russia, Pyongyang's state media reported Saturday. Kim visited the Liberation Tower in Pyongyang on Friday, a day before the 81st anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule, the North's Korean Central News Agency said. Kim laid a wreath bearing the phrase, "We will

Rescuers combed through debris for survivors Saturday after a powerful earthquake struck off Flores island in eastern Indonesia, killing at least 20 people and sending thousands fleeing. As the full scale of the disaster unfolded, rescue official Fathur Rahman told AFP at least 20 people were confirmed dead from four different towns on the island, popular with tourists. "From the reports we have received, 20 people have died, six are injured, and two are still buried," Fathur said by telephone f

The so-called defense primes are aiming to offer options beyond the costly, complicated and slow-to-produce "exquisite" projectiles.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said he would "soon" declare the Strait of Hormuz waterway part of US territory after defeating Iran. "After we finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated -- pretty soon I'll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States," he said with a chuckle during a political rally at a police academy in New York state. "It's true," he added. Trump, together with Israel, launched a war against Iran on February 28 with the stated aims of en

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday called South Korea an "indispensable partner" in joint efforts to promote prosperity in a congratulatory message to the Korean people marking the 81st anniversary of their nation's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. In a press statement marking Korea's Liberation Day, Rubio delivered the message on behalf of the US government as Seoul and Washington deepen cooperation in various areas, ranging from defense to shipbuilding and critical minerals. "T

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent an offering to a war shrine seen as a symbol of Japan's imperialistic past Saturday to mark the country's 1945 surrender in World War II. Takaichi sent the offering to Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine in her capacity as president of the Liberal Democratic Party without visiting the shrine in person. Before taking office, Takaichi had visited the shrine on Aug. 15 every year, but she is believed to have refrained from doing so as prime minister in consideration

Options include further strengthening economic sanctions on Russia and temporarily recalling Japan's ambassador to the nation.

Efforts have been made to preserve the history of public housing for Japanese returnees from former Manchuria and elsewhere after the end of World War II.

The request extends the senior Democrat's pattern of scrutinizing the Trump administration's foreign-exchange policies.

Washington is warning other nations they will be excluded from a U.S.-led coalition if ​they also sign up for Beijing's competing framework.

Ramsey stars in a new film about a cancer survivor who attends “chemo camp” and finds friendship, love and freedom.

The BBC's lawyers argue Trump's family members "have personal knowledge" of his intentions in the speech he gave outside the US Capitol on 6 January 2021.

The death of a much-loved pet can lead to a flood of emotions - including guilt, writes Helena Wilkinson.

Pacific governments have asked New Zealand for advice on handling the H5 avian influenza, or bird flu, according to the Ministry of Primary and Industries.

Almost 49,000 people have received financial support from the Government's Help to Buy scheme since July 2020, new figures show

From exploring their own backyard to travelling abroad, many Canadians are spending their money elsewhere to send a message to the US president.

In one of the world's fastest aging countries, older people are finding creative ways to stay healthy.

Despite a thin-is-beautiful aesthetic dominating popular beauty trends in Japan, the Strongirls Japan powerlifting group takes a more muscular approach to femininity.

The young Japanese drivers of the ubiquitous carts in Tokyo's tourist districts say taking care of their bodies is a critical part of the job.

Hato Hone St John's major incident declaration will remain in place throughout the weekend, as winter illness drives record demand for ambulances.

The Pacific Music Awards marked its 22nd year this week but organisers say the event is struggling financially

The Regional District of East Kootenay voted 12-3 to stop changing clocks twice a year and stay on Mountain Daylight Time, keeping the region aligned with Alberta year-round.

A member of the prominent pro-separation group the Alberta Prosperity Project has “resigned” after he used a racial slur at an event on Thursday where the group presented a draft constitution for an independent Alberta.

A multibillion-dollar project that would radically change inner-city Wellington has entered the fast-track process - but its fate is still unknown.

The accident happened on Orari Station Road shortly after 8pm on Friday.

Former University of Cambridge professor Jason Arday, who resigned following a plagiarism row, has been found dead at his home in London.

Thousands of Aucklanders are expected to tour the new $5.5b Karanga-a-Hape Station, featuring New Zealand's longest escalator and a Kauri snail-inspired ceiling.

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service is apologizing for causing confusion, saying that investigations have revealed RCMP killed the bear that attacked a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge earlier this month.

A round-up of news from around the region, including a figure for how many political parties are registered to contest Fiji's upcoming general elections.

There's a call for Fiji Boxing chair to resign, after a Melbourne fiasco involving Fijian boxer James Singh

The Pacific Music Awards marked it 22nd year this week but organisers say the event is struggling financially

The family of a man who died after his car veered off track and flipped over into a flooded stream at a Co Kerry forestry rally in 2022, have called on Motorsport Ireland to "learn from their mistakes" following the end of an inquest into his death.

A British sociologist who resigned last week from the University of Cambridge following weeks of public accusations of plagiarism and media scrutiny was found dead Friday.

The livestock on Chris Thompson's farm can be counted in the millions if not billions. At a greenhouse near Karaka he and his team rear a fighting force of beneficial bugs to beat back pests, the natural way.

The three-storey home on University Drive, which has been assessed at a value of $1.6 million, exceeds the maximum allowable height of 8.5 metres for homes in established neighbourhoods by 1.4 metres. It is also wider than allowed.

A man in his 40s has died from injuries sustained during an assault in Dublin city centre earlier this week.

Italian police have recovered three paintings by influential French artists Paul Cezanne, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Henri Matisse that were stolen from a museum near the northern city of Parma in March, officials said.

Karoline Leavitt is officially stepping down from her role as White House press secretary. Avneet Dhillon explains how the youngest press secretary in U.S. history helped carry out major changes to media access at the White House and why her combative approach earned her top praise from President Donald Trump.

(Photo credits: The Canadian Press, Reuters, Adobe Stock and Getty Images)

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday urged Americans to accept slightly higher gasoline prices as ‌the cost of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and said he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S territory.

A passenger train derailed in eastern England less than 24 hours after three carriages of another train overturned in the southeast severely injuring two people.

Claude Paquin, a Quebec man who was wrongfully convicted of a double murder and acquitted 41 years later, has reached a mulitimillion-dollar settlement with Montreal and the provincial government.

Five years after the Taliban swept to power, many are asking whether the West has any bargaining chips left

People gather during Fan Friday to meet racing drivers and check out the new street course in Markham, Ont., ahead of the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy. The 12-turn, 3.52-kilometre street circuit is hosting the series for the first time after the event moved from Exhibition Place in Toronto.

The Constitutional Council - the top court in France - has struck down a law banning children under 15 from using social media, saying it infringes on fundamental freedoms.

O’Leary Digital attempt to strike the judicial review application from Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation was dismissed by an Alberta judge on Aug. 13. The First Nations expects the judicial review to go ahead later this year as they continue to raise concerns about consultation and water rights centred around the proposed Wonder Valley data centre campus.

This weekend marks nine years since the death of Joe Deacy, who died after a violent assault in Mayo in August 2017.

The parliamentary standards investigation into Farage's £5m gift has reopened.

Italian police have recovered three paintings by ‌French masters Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse and Pierre-Auguste Renoir that were stolen from a museum near Parma ​in March, officials said on ​Friday.

Firefighters raced to save a mythical 1,000-year-old monastery in northeastern Spain as a growing wildfire prompted the hasty removal of the bones of the medieval monarchs buried there.

Luigi Mangione has admitted in court to killing a health insurance executive and pleaded guilty to federal charges of stalking the executive with the intent to kill him.

Noodin Richard took home first place at Opaskwayak Indigenous Days' first big auntie earring contest, with a pair of floor-length earrings she made from everyday materials. The contest's winners quickly went viral on social media, inspiring laughs, memes and promises to create bigger and better earrings in future competitions.

Saskatoon police say they charged a 31-year-old man from Dundurn, Sask., with three counts of mischief in connection with an Aug. 1 vandalism incident at Congregation Agudas Israel.

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won on Friday filed an appeal against the Seoul High Court’s ruling in his divorce case with former Art Center Nabi Director Roh So-young, sending the dispute over a 944 billion won ($668 million) property settlement back to the Supreme Court. The deadline for filing an appeal expired at midnight Friday. Had neither side appealed, the high court’s ruling would have become final. In July, the Seoul High Court ordered Chey to pay Roh 944 billion won in cash, plus about 1

Higher fees to retrieve impounded vehicles, including scramblers, from gardaí have come into force today.

Flights at Catania airport in Sicily will remain suspended until tomorrow afternoon because of ash from Mount Etna's ongoing volcanic activity.

In the communities of the Peruvian Amazon, anticipation is growing over Pope Leo's arrival in the country that shaped his missionary journey. The bishops of Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado hope that the papal visit to Pucallpa will be much more than a celebration: a call to conversion, unity, and renewed defense of the peoples of the Amazon.

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A national union says it was told by Stellantis this week that it is seriously considering the closure and sale of the Brampton assembly plant. In a statement, Stellantis said its focus remains on finding a sustainable manufacturing solution for the plant.

The mother of Rhasidat Adeleke, who won a silver medal at the European Athletics Championships, has described her daughter as "really amazing" and said her success is "unbelievable and unreal".

The organiser of the Eurovision Song Contest has said it is looking into changes to the rules for 2027, reportedly to discourage voting campaigns that may influence the results.

Romania and neighboring Hungary are facing an energy crisis linked to a record heat wave and the related low level of the Danube River, with Romania forced to shut down its last operating nuclear reactor while Hungary struggles to keep the only one of its four Paks reactors still operating online.

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NATO has said its fighter jets shot down a drone that entered Latvian airspace, the latest incursion along the military alliance's eastern flank bordering Russia.

US President Donald Trump's administration has asked the US Supreme Court to allow it to continue construction of his $400 million White House ballroom after an appeals court ruled the project lacked the necessary approval from Congress.

Three death-row inmates were executed by lethal injection in the United States on Thursday, August 13, in three different states. According to the Death Penalty Information Center (DPIC), an organization that advocates for the abolition of the death penalty, this was the first time in more than sixteen years that three executions had taken place in the country on the same day.

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Three Brazilian nationals have been charged with possessing close to €3.5 million in crime proceeds and enhancing a criminal organisation following a prostitution and money laundering probe.

Hundreds of students from countries affected by Canada’s temporary Ebola travel restrictions could face changes to their academic plans as universities prepare for different scenarios.

Wrecks of World War II German warships have resurfaced on the Danube River in eastern Serbia ⁠due to record-low water levels.

After Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, independence leader Kim Koo visited Seokguram Hermitage in Bukhansan National Park. At this location, where he took refuge before going into exile in Shanghai, he reflected on the past and left a carved inscription reading, "At Seokguram, Kim Koo, who visited this place in the autumn of 1948." His calligraphy, reflecting his longing for Korean independence, remains vivid on the giant rock. On the eve of the 81st National Liberation Day, the Korea National Park Service on Friday highlighted the historical legacy left by those who fought to restore Korea's sovereignty and achieve independence. A natural boulder below Cheonwangbong Peak in Jirisan National Park, measuring 4.2 meters wide and 1.9 meters high, holds a 392-character rock inscription. Composed by late Joseon-era scholar Muk Hui and written in calligraphy by Kwon Ryun, the inscription was carved into the rock on July 1, 1924. The text invokes the power of Mount Jiri and the majesty of Cheonwangbong Peak to repel foreign invaders in hopes of a brighter era. A rock at Baegunda

The Lee Jae Myung administration is at odds with the Seoul Metropolitan Government over the former's proposal to use part or all of Yongsan Park in central Seoul for public housing, showing the growing tension between efforts to increase housing supply and the preservation of urban green. Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yun-duk told reporters on Friday that the government is considering using not only Yongsan Children's Garden but potentially the entire Yongsan Park site for housing development. "Yongsan Children's Garden is a narrow concept. We are considering the entire Yongsan Park," Kim said during a news conference marking his first year in office. He said the government has been examining various sites in Yongsan, including areas that may face environmental contamination and require negotiations with the U.S. military, adding the government would consider all possible options to increase housing supply. Kim then said any housing development at the park would require discussions with the National Assembly, the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Yongsan District and t

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong continued to receive no compensation in the first half, while SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won received 1.75 billion won ($1.23 million), regulatory filings showed Friday. According to regulatory filings released by local businesses on the day, Lee continued to receive no salary from Samsung Electronics, a practice he has maintained since 2017. Chey received 1.75 billion won from SK Inc., the holding company of SK Group, in the first half. Doosan Group Chairman Park Jeong-won, meanwhile, received the highest compensation among local business tycoons at 45.58 billion won. Hanwha Group Chairman Kim Seung-youn received 11.58 billion won from the group's affiliates, regulatory filings showed. Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin also collected 11.2 billion won from the retail conglomerate's affiliates. Regulatory filings showed LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo received total compensation of 4.83 billion won in the first half. Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung took home 2.25 billion won, 1.35 billion won and 900 million won from Hyundai Motor Co

Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho has requested disciplinary action against two prosecutors who stormed out of a high-profile perjury trial in protest of allegedly unfair court proceedings last year, the ministry said Friday. The move follows an internal inspection into four prosecutors of the Suwon District Prosecutors Office who abruptly left a pretrial hearing after the court rejected their request to call witnesses in November 2025. Before exiting, the team filed a motion to disqualify the bench over alleged unfair proceedings. Two of the prosecutors have since resigned and received ministerial warnings, while disciplinary proceedings will continue for the remaining two, the ministry said. The walkout occurred during the trial of Lee Hwa-young, a former vice governor of Gyeonggi Province. Lee was sentenced to four months in prison for giving false testimony to parliament in 2024 that prosecutors offered him and a businessman food and alcohol during interrogations. Lee claimed the prosecutors used the treatment to coerce false statements incriminating current President Lee Jae Myung, who

Samsung Electronics spent a record 27.3 trillion won ($19 billion) on research and development activities in the first half of 2026, its regulatory filing showed Friday. The South Korean tech giant's R&D spending for the January-June period marks a 51.5 percent rise from the previous year's 18.06 trillion won, setting a record high for the six-month period. Samsung Electronics also spent 28 trillion won on facility investment in the first half, setting a fresh high for the period and rising nearly 5 trillion won from a year earlier. The company noted the investment was allocated to establish infrastructure critical for long-term growth in the semiconductor and display segments. The regulatory filing also showed Jun Young-hyun, head of Samsung's device solutions division, received 2.39 billion won in compensation in the first half, while Roh Tae-moon, co-chief executive officer in charge of the mobile business, received 7.4 billion won.

Haerin of NewJeans appeared on the cover of a magazine, marking her first individual activity since returning to music label Ador. Marie Claire Korea uploaded photos of Haerin gracing the cover of its September issue to its social media accounts Friday. Her appearance had been teased earlier, when the magazine uploaded partially obscured photos of her with the caption, “The girl you’ve missed so much—a bit like a bunny, a bit like a cat.” The teaser also included a voice message from Haerin asking, “Ready to have a stylish day?” The photos showed Haerin exuding a more mature air as she looked into the camera while holding perfume, lipstick or a rose. Her trademark large eyes and high-bridged nose stood out even in the close-up shots. When content celebrating NewJeans’ 4th debut anniversary was released last month, Haerin’s distinctive canine tooth, which has long been considered one of her charming features, appeared less pronounced, leading some fans to suspect that she had gotten dental veneers. In the latest photo spread, however, Haerin’s endearing visuals remained

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Korea Customs Service have designated tapentadol, a narcotic painkiller, as a banned substance in imported foods after it was found in a diet product called TAWON LIAR brought into the country through international mail, the two agencies said. The two agencies jointly pursued the move as a preemptive step to block narcotics from entering the country through direct overseas purchases of food products — a booming channel of e-commerce in which Korean consumers buy items directly from foreign retailers and have them shipped into the country. Tapentadol works by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin and can cause life-threatening or fatal respiratory depression; it is classified as a narcotic under Korea's Narcotics Control Act. The substance was found by the Incheon International Airport Customs analysis office in a shipment of TAWON LIAR mailed from France. The office reported the finding to the ministry, which designated tapentadol as a blocked ingredient to swiftly stop it from entering the country. As of this month, Korea

A Korean court has fined a freelance photojournalist for traveling to Ukraine without government authorization after Russia invaded the country in 2022, triggering a multiyear military conflict. Legal sources said Friday that the Goyang branch of the Uijeongbu District Court fined Jang Jin-young, 46, 5 million won ($3,530) Wednesday for violating the Passport Act. Jang entered Ukraine in March 2022 to cover the war and worked there for about two weeks before returning to Korea. The court said that Jang failed to apply for the foreign ministry's exceptional passport use approval, ruling that the personal safety risks from traveling to a conflict zone outweighed his right to gather news. Jang's legal team immediately pushed back, announcing plans to appeal the ruling. His lawyer argued that the process for receiving special permission from the ministry is restricted to journalists of media organizations accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and excludes freelance journalists and reporters from small independent outlets. "The current travel ban system, where the foreign ministry det

Major conglomerates HD Hyundai and SK are spearheading efforts to incorporate Korean industry in TerraPower’s global small modular reactor (SMR) supply chain through talks with Bill Gates, TerraPower’s board chairman, who has been holding meetings with the groups' heads and top government officials in Korea. HD Hyundai said its Chairman Chung Ki-sun and Hyundai E&C CEO Lee Han-woo met Gates and TerraPower CEO Chris Levesque at a hotel in Seoul on Friday. This marks the first meeting among the top executives since HD Hyundai, TerraPower and Hyundai E&C signed a three-way memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the next-generation sodium-cooled fast reactor business back in May. During the meeting, they discussed cooperation strategies to commercialize land-based reactors, building on the progress made so far. HD Hyundai plans to accelerate investment in production facilities ahead of commercialization, with the goal of supplying two to three reactor vessels per year. "Based on a cooperative framework ranging across technology, manufacturing and engineering-procurement-construc

On one of Seoul’s hottest summer nights of August, winter arrived at Charlotte Theater. An hour before the Korean premiere of Disney’s “Frozen,” the theater lobby was already humming with families, couples, friends and solo musical fans. Long lines formed at the merchandise shop and in front of a call board and photo zone featuring a towering ice sculpture and illuminated snowflakes. Children in Elsa capes, sparkling crowns and princess shoes waited patiently beside adults eager to document the long-awaited arrival of the global musical hit. The sold-out audience came for snow and spectacle. It received both — along with a polished Korean production anchored by powerhouse turns from Jung Sun-ah as Elsa and Park Jin-joo as Anna. Based on Disney’s 2013 animated film, “Frozen” follows the estranged royal sisters Elsa and Anna. Elsa, terrified that her power to freeze everything around her will hurt those she loves, retreats into isolation. Anna sets out to save both her sister and the kingdom of Arendelle from an endless winter. The stage musical, which premiered on Broadway

The Korean Chamber Orchestra (KCO) will bring together young musicians and a teenage composer for its 2026 Debut Concert on Sept. 12, offering a compact showcase of Korea’s next generation of classical musicians. The concert, set for 5 p.m. at Seoul Arts Center's Doam Hall, will feature musicians identified through KCO’s camps and competitions. The program opens with the world premiere of “Nachtlicher Monolog” (Nocturnal Monologue), a work by Lee Tae-hwan, winner of the 2026 KCO Composition Competition. The piece, written for clarinet, viola and piano, traces the unsettled thoughts and emotions, such as regret and anxiety, that surface during a sleepless night. A freshman at Sunhwa Arts High School, Lee began composing music in elementary school and has since developed an interest in both classical and contemporary genres. The evening will also feature violinist Park Ye-hoon, the grand-prize winner of the 2025 KCO Competition; violinists Yoo Ji-min, Yoo Ye-seul and Wang Ruiyi; cellist Moon Ji-won; and clarinetist Kim Ye-eun. Conducted by Kim Jae-yoon, the program pairs the musicia

Rolls of silk in deep blue, pale jade and translucent pink covered one corner of Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) on Friday, as merchants unspooled the fabric across their tables and walked visitors through the differences in weight and weave. A few steps away hung cropped tweed jackets, button-front skirts, jeans, mini bags and jewelry, all of them drawing inspiration from hanbok, or traditional Korean clothing. None of the items seemed designed for the weddings and holiday gatherings closely associated with wearing hanbok in the modern era. The 2026 Hanbok Expo opened Thursday at DDP Art Hall in central Seoul for a four-day run through Sunday. Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Craft and Design Foundation, the ninth edition has drawn 149 hanbok businesses and institutions. The timing is deliberate. "Hanbok saenghwal," meaning "hanbok lifestyle," was designated a National Intangible Heritage in July 2022, and a campaign backed by the ministry is now working toward a UNESCO's Intangible Heritage listing by 2030. A booth near the exit collects visitor sig

Backed by pro-labor activists, the ruling Democratic Party of Korea passed what is known as the “yellow envelope law” last year, substantially expanding the definition of labor disputes. Just five months after the law took effect, however, party leaders and the Lee Jae Myung administration face the possibility that the policy they championed could complicate — and potentially derail — their own flagship industrial project: the semiconductor megaproject in the Jeolla region. Speaking to lawmakers at the National Assembly on Wednesday, Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon said he was reviewing whether to establish enforcement rules to resolve ambiguities in the law, which amended the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act. His remarks came a day after the president told him to spell out the boundaries of legally permissible labor disputes through detailed regulations rather than relying solely on administrative interpretations of the law. The controversy stems from the law’s broadened definition of a labor dispute, as Lee pushes ahead with the chip cluster project. Previously,

Ahead of the 81st anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule on Saturday, pro-Japanese activities by actor Ha Young's great-grandfather have stirred controversy. As National Liberation Day approaches, here are some K-pop and entertainment stars who are descendants of Korean independence fighters. Chungha Singer Chungha's maternal grandfather, Kim Yong-geun, was an independence and pro-democracy activist. He received the Order of Merit for National Foundation in 1990 and was recognized as a person of distinguished service to the May 18 Democratization Movement in 2002. During Japan's colonial rule, Kim refused to worship at Shinto shrines, a religious practice imposed on Koreans. He also formed an assassination squad targeting Korea's Japanese governor-general, though the plot didn't succeed. During the May 18 Gwangju Uprising, Kim was imprisoned for hiding his students who were fleeing martial law troops. The pro-democracy movement erupted in the southwestern city of Gwangju on May 18, 1980, when citizens stood up against the nationwide extension of martial law b

KOSPI capped a weeklong rally Friday, briefly reclaiming the 7,000 level for the first time in three weeks as foreign investors piled into semiconductor stocks amid stronger sentiment toward the memory chip sector and easing U.S. inflation. The index nearly rose 25 percent from its July 30 low. The benchmark KOSPI closed at 6,977.94, up 2.42 percent from the previous session. The index opened 2.68 percent higher and reclaimed the 7,000 level for the first time in three weeks before giving up some of its gains as investors took profits following a five-session winning streak. Foreign investors purchased a net 3.03 trillion won ($2.13 billion) worth of shares, while institutional and retail investors sold a net 1.02 trillion won and 1.98 trillion won, respectively. SK hynix rose 3.26 percent to close at 1,645,000 won, while Samsung Electronics gained 2.43 percent to finish at 274,500 won. The gains came amid stronger sentiment across the memory chip sector after Sandisk revealed an upbeat long-term outlook at its investor day. The company said it is targeting revenue growth in the mid- to h

Standard Chartered (SC) Bank Korea has rolled out a deposit product that lets customers receive their after-tax interest in Korean Air miles, becoming the first commercial bank in Korea to offer such a product, the lender said Friday. The account is available for six or 12 months, with annual interest rates of 3.15 percent and 3.55 percent, respectively. An additional 0.1 percentage point is available to those who deposit at least 100 million won ($70,600) or hold the bank’s private banking customer status or higher. As part of a launch promotion, anyone who opens the account by Oct. 31 will receive up to 5,000 bonus miles, depending on the amount deposited. Ten first-time customers who also sign up for the bank’s investment product will be chosen to receive an additional 10,000 miles each. Three customers who deposit at least 100 million won will also be selected to receive round-trip Korean Air tickets, either Prestige class to Phuket or Economy class to Guam. The offering is part of a strategic partnership between SC Bank Korea and Korean Air to link financial services with travel

Two former prosecutors were selected Friday as candidates for special counsel to investigate ballot shortages reported during the June 3 elections. A bipartisan recommendation committee unanimously picked Lee Tae-han and Lee Hyuk, both prosecutor-turned-lawyers, from among six candidates recommended by the Korean Bar Association and the Association of Korean Law Schools. The two will be recommended to President Lee Jae Myung, who is required to appoint one of them as special counsel within three days. The appointed special counsel will have up to 20 days to prepare for the investigation, with a full-scale probe expected to begin early next month. The special counsel team will have up to 90 days to investigate allegations of mismanagement of ballot papers by the National Election Commission, with the period extendable twice by 30 days each.

Just as KB Financial Group’s race to choose its next chairman enters a decisive stage, tax authorities have launched a unscheduled investigation into its flagship unit, KB Kookmin Bank — a move that could add an unexpected complication to the succession process, according to industry experts, Friday. The National Tax Service (NTS) dispatched around 30 officials from its high-profile investigation bureau 4 to the bank’s Seoul headquarters, Thursday, to secure accounting records after reportedly detecting possible signs of tax evasion. The investigation is expected to run through the end of the year. Known in corporate circles as the NTS’ “grim reaper,” bureau 4 is an elite unit that handles major investigations into large companies and high-income individuals suspected of serious tax offenses. Its probes are relatively rare and can result in hefty tax bills, penalties or criminal charges. The bank said it had “no comment” on the investigation, while the NTS reiterated that it does not comment on individual taxpayers or ongoing audits. The inquiry is the latest in a string

Coupang's private-label arm, CPLB, is betting that shoppers will pay for better daily essentials without paying a premium, launching its first upscale private-label brand on Friday. CPLB said it officially introduced Hannundamda, a brand built around household necessities that aims to combine higher quality with reasonable prices. The brand's first product is Soonyeon premium toilet paper, made with 100 percent natural, high-weight paper designed to feel thicker and more cushioned than conventional toilet paper. CPLB said the sheets are 102 millimeters wide, compared with 95 millimeters for standard toilet paper, while the paper weight is 15.5 grams, above the typical 13 to 14 grams. The product also contains moisturizing ingredients derived from Vaseline, which CPLB said are intended to provide a softer and more moisturized feel. The company plans to expand Hannundamda beyond toilet paper, adding products in the kitchen, household care and food categories. Upcoming household products include kitchen towels made with specially processed, high-weight paper designed to improve absorbency and

Veteran K-pop group BIGBANG has been tapped in Korea's push to build a space industry, becoming the first public relations ambassadors of the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) on Friday. KASA said it appointed the group to help broaden public interest in the country's space and aviation programs, and make its vision and major projects more accessible to the public. The appointment comes as Korea prepares for the fifth launch of its Nuri space rocket and advances plans for lunar exploration, giving BIGBANG a role in bringing those efforts closer to the public and encouraging interest and participation in major space programs through a range of communication activities. Among them will be the Dream Capsule project, which will collect the public's dreams and messages of support and send them into space aboard the fifth Nuri launch, planned for the second half of this year. The project is intended to give the launch a more personal dimension, turning what might otherwise be a technical milestone into a shared national event, KASA said. BIGBANG said it was meaningful to be invited to take

The Korean won made slight gains against the U.S. dollar Friday, after better-than-expected U.S. inflation data reduced market expectations of a rate hike by the Federal Reserve. The won was quoted at 1,418.3 won per dollar at 3:30 p.m., up 1.1 won from the close of stock trading the previous day. The won opened at 1,414.9 won per dollar and rose to as high as 1,411.8 won in afternoon trading. For the sixth consecutive trading session, the won has traded in a range of some 1,140 per dollar, marking the strongest level since early October last year. The U.S. Producer Price Index gained 4.7 percent on year in July, down from a 5.5 percent rise in June. Foreigners bought a net 3.38 trillion won ($2.4 billion) worth of local stocks during the latest trading session, with the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rising 2.42 percent to close at 6,977.94.

Han Bo-hyung, a deep-learning and computer-vision specialist, and Hahn Tai-rin, a data-engineering expert, have joined Samsung Electronics to strengthen the company's artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. Samsung Electronics said the two AI specialists are expected to push AI deeper into semiconductor research and manufacturing. Han, a fellow and authority in deep learning and computer vision, will lead the development of AI models tailored to semiconductor research and development, while Hahn, a data-engineering specialist, will oversee the construction of data that can be used directly by AI, Samsung said. The hiring of the two specialists is part of Samsung's effort to expand AI across key semiconductor operations, including chip design, process technology and manufacturing, with the aim of improving development efficiency and productivity. Han holds bachelor's and master's degrees in computer engineering from Seoul National University and a doctorate in computer science from the University of Maryland, according to the university's faculty profile. He joined Pohang University of

Samsung Electronics has officially launched its Galaxy Z8 lineup and new smartwatches across Southeast Asia and Oceania, after foldable presales in the region surged 60 percent from the previous generation, the company said Friday. The company said presales of the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold8 rose 60 percent, outpacing a more than 30 percent increase in global presales for the new foldables. The Galaxy Z Fold8 emerged as the regional favorite, accounting for six of every 10 presale purchases and helping drive the early momentum, Samsung said. Samsung also said customers in their teens through 30s accounted for about 60 percent of online purchases of the Z8 series, underscoring the lineup's appeal among younger buyers. The Galaxy Z Fold8 is designed for content consumption, with a 4:3 main display and a weight of 201 grams, making it the lightest Fold-series device to date, the company said. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra targets users focused on multitasking, with a 203.1-millimeter main display and an upgraded camera system, while the Galaxy Z Flip8 emphasizes portability and self-e

President Lee Jae Myung has skipped his summer vacation this year — an unusual move considering presidents typically take time off between late July and early August to recharge and prepare for the second half of the year. “Staying at home is rest for me,” Lee said last week, reflecting his well-known workaholic tendencies. But his decision has also prompted speculation over whether he is mindful of his falling approval ratings, with multiple polls showing a sustained decline in public support. Realmeter’s latest poll placed Lee’s approval rating at a record-low 43.3 percent, marking its fourth consecutive weekly decline. His disapproval rating reached 53 percent, while his approval fell below the ruling Democratic Party of Korea’s 44.6 percent approval rating for the first time under his administration. Other surveys showed a similar trend, as Gallup Korea put Lee’s approval at 44 percent, its lowest level since his inauguration in June 2025 and below his 46 percent disapproval rating. Taken together, the surveys suggest that Lee’s support is facing a steady decline rather

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook said Friday she will put the highest priority on housing supply as she presided over a meeting to oversee the government's massive housing supply plan unveiled the previous day. The government announced Thursday that it will try to supply more than 230,000 additional homes in the Seoul metropolitan area by accelerating development on public land, lifting greenbelt restrictions in some areas and supporting private-sector projects. "What is important is the speed, how fast we can accomplish this," Han said at the start of the first meeting of related ministers and senior officials. "Swift supply is more important than anything else in order to meet the people's expectations. The housing supply situation will be the highest priority of the prime minister." Han said she will visit construction sites in person every week, check progress in the projects and report the outcomes at Cabinet meetings every month. She also said she will hold interagency meetings as frequently as necessary to coordinate and resolve pending issues.

An opposition lawmaker said Friday he has sent official letters to U.S. House members explaining that Korea's regulatory action against Coupang over a massive data breach was not discriminatory against the U.S.-listed company. Rep. Cho Kyung-tae of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) sent the letters to nine members of the U.S. House of Representatives amid growing concerns in the U.S. Congress over Korea's treatment of Coupang and its broader digital market regulations. "The letters were prepared to deliver accurate facts based on the official findings and regulatory actions of the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) in response to claims raised by some U.S. lawmakers that the Korean government has unfairly targeted Coupang," his office said in a press release. Cho explained that the regulatory action against Coupang was based on the same standards applied to domestic companies, dismissing claims that the Korean government discriminated against the U.S. company. He also pointed to a significant discrepancy between the PIPC's finding that the breach affected around

Energy and infrastructure accelerator GS Global has opened a new branch in Houston, strengthening its local sales capabilities as it targets growing opportunities in North America’s energy and infrastructure markets. The company held an opening ceremony on Tuesday (local time) in Uptown, one of Houston’s major commercial districts. Attendees included Korean Consul General in Houston Lee Kyung-eun, representatives from key customers such as Jindal USA and major Korean and international companies including POSCO, Hyundai Steel, Korea National Oil Corporation and Hanwha Ocean. The establishment of the Houston branch reflects GS Global’s strategic decision to respond proactively to rising demand for project-based steel products driven by increased investment in energy, power generation and infrastructure across the United States. Demand for high-quality steel products has expanded particularly rapidly as construction of artificial intelligence data centers and investment in power infrastructure accelerate nationwide. GS Global has been operating its U.S. business primarily through its

WASHINGTON — U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened Thursday to subject Iran to economic isolation "like the world has never seen before," adding that new measures are expected next week. "It will be a combination of economic isolation, like the world has never seen before," Bessent told conservative television network Newsmax, adding that "the continued blockade in the Strait of Hormuz ... will keep anything from going in or out of the Iranian ports." "Watch this space for more announcements coming next week," he said. Bessent described a two-pronged approach featuring financial pressure and a physical blockade of the ports. Vice President JD Vance said earlier that the top U.S. priority in the Iran war was bringing oil and gasoline prices down for Americans, with preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon now ranking second. The tougher stance contrasts with remarks by Bessent on Aug. 4, when he told CNBC that an agreement with Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached within days. Those comments sent Wall Street higher and oil prices lower.

Hanwha Group and its shipbuilding unit Hanwha Ocean are gaining market attention after U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) allowed foreign shipbuilders to build up to two U.S. Navy ships in their home shipyards through a national security memorandum. The memo, which opened the door for Navy ships to be built overseas for the first time in decades, applies to foreign shipbuilders that have made “substantial and durable investments” in U.S. shipyards. Industry officials believe Hanwha Group, which have been committing hefty investments in the U.S. shipbuilding industry, will be a likely beneficiary. However, they also note that the benefits will have to be weighed against follow-up conditions, including potential transfers of shipbuilding technology, as all vessels after the first two would have to be built in the U.S. Hanwha Group said it is currently reviewing the details of the memorandum. Hanwha Ocean also said it is difficult to comment on the matter at this point. According to the memo, the measure covers a foreign supplier that simultaneously builds a new shipya

SK hynix is facing mounting backlash over a potential Nasdaq listing of its U.S. subsidiary Solidigm, with investors warning that the move could effectively create a dual-listing structure and erode shareholder value, according to industry officials, Friday. Solidigm is reportedly exploring a pre-initial public offering (IPO) fundraising of 5 trillion won ($3.5 billion) to 10 trillion won, with Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs under consideration as potential underwriters. The company is also recruiting an executive to oversee U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings and external financial reporting. "If Solidigm goes public, this would amount to an unprecedented five-tier multiple-listing structure," said Rhee Nam-uh, chairman of the Korean Corporate Governance Forum. He noted that the ownership chain runs from SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won through SK Inc., SK Square, SK hynix and SK hynix NAND Product Solutions Corp. to Solidigm. Solidigm was established in the U.S. in 2021 after SK hynix acquired Intel’s NAND flash memory business for about $8.8 billion. Rhee argued that the

TOKYO — Record-breaking rainfall that pounded cities east of Tokyo overnight flooded roads and dozens of homes, stranded thousands of people, caused power outages and left at least four people dead and one missing. The Japan Meteorological Agency downgraded its most severe warning for heavy rain in more than a dozen municipalities in Chiba prefecture as rain subsided Friday morning but forecast more rain later in the day. Photos and television footage showed widespread damage after daylight, with homes, cars and parts of railway tracks flooded with muddy water. The Ground Self-Defense Force said it dispatched buses to pick up about 4,000 stranded people who stayed overnight at the Soga train station, a local route that also serves Tokyo Disney. The theme park did not report any damage. Thousands more people were stuck overnight at the Narita airport serving the Tokyo region, with trains out of the area stopped. Services partially resumed Friday morning with delays, while flights in and out of Narita were operating normally Friday, with many people returning home at the end of Japan's B

A total of 77.8 billion won ($55 million) in government funds has been provided to workers of financially troubled discount store chain Homeplus Co. over the past five months, the finance ministry said Friday. Some 35.9 billion won in unemployment benefits and state payments of unpaid wages was provided to Homeplus employees from March 3 through Wednesday, according to the Ministry of Finance and Economy. They also received 41.9 billion won in government-backed loans to cover living expenses over the same period. On top of that, 11.6 billion won was provided to local suppliers and partner companies through the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency and other related public corporations. The banking sector also provided 30.9 billion won worth of loans to such businesses and extended the maturities of loans worth 5.4 trillion, the ministry added. "We will keep a close eye on the operations of Homeplus and maintain supportive measures to help stabilize the livelihoods and businesses of employees and partner companies," a ministry official said. Earlier this week, Homeplus resumed operations at all 67

The moon completely covers the sun during a total solar eclipse seen from the Javalambre Astrophysical Observatory in Arcos de las Salinas, Teruel, Spain, Aug. 12. Reuters-Yonhap

The Korean Cultural Center in Sweden will open a new book cafe inside the center on Aug. 17, combining Korean literature with "fika," the Swedish daily ritual of taking a coffee or tea break, the center said. Beyond introducing Korean literature, the space will double as a reading lounge where visitors can read and relax freely, and will host a monthly "Book of the Month Pairing," introducing a Korean literary work along with a specially selected Korean tea. The center has signed a cooperation agreement with Kkotsaem Food to introduce Korean teas, including roasted black barley tea, to local audiences through the book pairing series. From the second half of 2027, the center plans to expand the cafe further by adding a showroom for the National Museum of Korea's "MU:DS" merchandise line, so that visitors can experience Korean literature, tea and cultural products together in one space. The opening ceremony will be attended by Korea's ambassador to Sweden, a former Swedish ambassador to Korea and figures from the Swedish publishing industry. The ceremony will be followed by congratulatory

Gunil has left Xdinary Heroes after acknowledging he made inappropriate remarks about fans in a leaked recording. JYP Entertainment terminated his exclusive contract and announced the band will continue as a five-member group. In a statement posted Thursday on a fan community platform, the former leader and drummer apologized for the controversy. However, he emphasized his remarks were directed at individuals he accused of harassment and invasion of privacy, rather than genuine fans. JYP Entertainment said it mutually agreed to terminate the contract after holding extensive discussions and recognizing the seriousness of the matter. Gunil said while he had wanted to remain in the band and keep the six-member group together, he ultimately accepted the company's decision. The departure follows allegations in an online post by a person claiming to be his former girlfriend. The user posted an audio recording she said supported the claims. Gunil confirmed the user was someone he met through an acquaintance and dated for approximately two weeks. He also acknowledged it was his voice on the reco

President Lee Jae Myung pledged Friday to restore the honor of Korean women sexually enslaved by Japan during World War II, saying Seoul will play a central role in Asia in promoting the values of human rights and peace. "I will work responsibly until the honor and dignity of each and every victim are fully restored," Lee said in his message, read by his chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik, to a ceremony commemorating the so-called "comfort women." Historians estimate that up to 200,000 women, mostly from Korea, were forced to work in front-line brothels for Japanese soldiers during World War II, when Korea was a Japanese colony from 1910-45. Korea commemorates Aug. 14 as the day for victims of sexual slavery by Japan, marking the date in 1991 when a victim came forward publicly for the first time to speak about the wartime atrocity. "Thanks to the sharing of the painful memory with the world, we have been able to engrave in our hearts the lesson that history should not be neglected so that the same tragedy will not be repeated," Lee said. The president said passing on the values of human rights

BTS has reached record levels of awareness and favorability among American music consumers, according to new data from Luminate, a global music data and analytics firm The group's fifth studio album posted the strongest vinyl sales of any group since Luminate began tracking album sales in 1991. Luminate's second-quarter survey of U.S. music consumers found BTS' awareness — the share of consumers who recognize the group — at 42 percent, nearing the group's all-time high of 43 percent set in the third quarter of last year. That figure is 18 percentage points above the 24 percent average awareness across all artists Luminate tracks, and about four times the 11 percent average among the 22 K-pop acts in its survey. Awareness ranged from 43 percent among 13-to-17-year-olds to 59 percent among 18-to-24-year-olds, with more than half of 18-to-34-year-olds recognizing the group. Favorability, measured among consumers who said they knew about BTS, reached 46 percent — the highest since Luminate began surveying the group in 2021, when the figure stood at 34 percent. Favorability topped 40 pe

The upcoming key combined exercise with Korea will focus on "modernizing" the bilateral alliance and "shaping" the security environment in Northeast Asia, the U.S. military said Friday, a reference that may hint at the scope of its role expanding beyond the Korean Peninsula. The U.S. Eighth Army made the reference as it announced its participation in the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise, set to kick off Monday for an 11-day run, stressing it will reinforce its partnership with Korea to strengthen deterrence and regional stability. "Eighth Army's training objectives will focus on enhancing 'Fight Tonight' readiness, modernizing the United States-Republic of Korea alliance and shaping the security environment in Northeast Asia," the Army said in a press release. It also underscored the drills being aimed at shaping the logistical and sustainment framework. "Exercises will also feature the rapid distribution and preparation of Army Prepositioned Stock 4, demonstrating the alliance's ability to rapidly project combat power and secure key terrain within the First Island Chain," the Eighth

The National Institute of Forest Science, a research body under the Korea Forest Service, held a colloquium Wednesday, to discuss digital transformation in mushroom cultivation, aiming to boost the competitiveness of Korea's mushroom industry. The event brought together researchers to share the latest findings in smart cultivation and to explore ways of applying artificial intelligence (AI) and big data to mushroom farming. The first session, which looked at developing new mushroom varieties, covered the current state of molecular methods for cultivation and field applications, along with research on using digital farming to develop new varieties tailored to market demand. Participants discussed strategies for data-based, customized development. The second session focused on smart cultivation technology aimed at standardizing quality and improving production efficiency. Topics included the current state and technical challenges of smart cultivation for forest mushrooms, intelligent environmental controls and automated processes for smart farms, and research trends in using phenomics and

Comedian Kang Yu-mi candidly opened up about her past marriage, revealing that she and her former husband had separate bedrooms. On the MBC variety show "Where Is My Home?," which aired Aug. 13, comedians Hong In-gyu and Kang Yu-mi appeared as guests and joined the cast in viewing homes for families with children. During the episode, Jang Dong-min, Hong and Kang went house hunting. Hong, who has been married for 14 years, shared his experience of moving 12 times since he first began living with his wife. He said he initially lived in a rental with no deposit and monthly rent of 500,000 won ($350) later moving to places with deposits of 1 million won and rent of 500,000 won, and eventually a place where the deposit was 3 million won and rent was 300,000 won before finally purchasing a home. When Hong mentioned that he had been pushed out of his room as his eldest child entered third grade, Jang Dong-min turned to Kang and asked, “Do you remember what it was like when you were married?” “Briefly, but I remember,” Kang replied, drawing laughter from the cast. Jang then asked whether h

The Seoul Museum of History will launch special summer programs at its Children's Museum starting Aug. 15. All programs are free for child visitors. "Summer in Hanyang" introduces how residents of Seoul — formerly known as Hanyang — cooled off without fans or air conditioning while also covering seasonal foods and pastimes of the era. Children can decorate their own paper fan using stickers after reading the exhibit panels. No reservation is required, and kits to make the fans will be distributed free to the first 1,000 children to visit, starting Aug. 15. Inquiries about the kits can be made at the museum lobby and information desk. A second program, "Santa's Summer Vacation," imagines Santa Claus taking his holiday in Korea and granting children's wishes. Visitors can write their wishes on postcards or notes and attach them to an "August Christmas wish tree" in the lobby from Aug. 15. Some wishes will later be granted by the museum in a follow-up event, with details to be announced on the museum's Instagram account. A third program lets children make hats modeled on the Children's

The Seoul Metropolitan Government and Korean bakery Koryodang delivered 8,150 loaves of "Seoul Bread" to low-income and elderly residents ahead of Liberation Day on Aug. 15, which marks the country's 1945 liberation from Japanese colonial rule. The city also gave "thank you boxes" of Seoul Bread and Seoul-branded goods to 25 low income veterans and their families across five neighborhoods. Koryodang, founded in 1945, jointly developed Seoul Bread with the city. In April it launched a reduced-sugar red bean bun and a butter-free whole wheat loaf that have together sold more than 90,000 units. Under a brand-use agreement, Koryodang directs part of its sales proceeds to social contribution programs, including Friday's donation. The bread will be stocked through the end of the year at food markets where low-income residents choose items themselves within an individual point allowance, rather than lining up for food distribution on a first-come, first served basis. The city currently runs four of the markets and is planning a fifth. At a ceremony at the Seoul Station storehouse on Friday, Kor

Musinsa is turning to Indonesia's sprawling retail network to accelerate its push into Southeast Asia, partnering with PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk (MAP), the country's largest retail group. Musinsa and MAP signed an exclusive distribution agreement in July and will use the partnership to expand the offline presence of Musinsa Standard while tailoring products and marketing to Indonesian consumers. MAP operates more than 4,000 retail stores in more than 80 Indonesian cities and has a portfolio of more than 150 global brands, according to its latest company disclosures. Musinsa said it plans to use MAP's nationwide network and local retail expertise to build a business platform suited to the Indonesian market. Indonesia, with a population of about 280 million, is the largest consumer market in Southeast Asia and has emerged as a key target for Musinsa's regional expansion. Demand for Korean fashion has continued to grow with the influence of K-pop and Korean dramas, while major cities such as Jakarta have seen strong consumption of global fashion brands, Musinsa said. That interest is already sh

A research team at Sungkyunkwan University’s College of Confucian Studies and Eastern Philosophy has published a complete English translation of “Sachil Sinpyeon,” a philosophical work by Yi Ik, a prominent Confucian philosopher of the late Joseon period who went by the pen name Seongho. The University said Wednesday that the first English edition, “Seongho Yi Ik: The New Compilation of the Four Beginnings and Seven Emotions,” was published by Oxford University Press earlier this month. Yi’s work was translated into English by a research team comprising professors Back Young-sun and Park So-jeong and researcher Ha Na. Back, a professor of Eastern philosophy, serves as director of the Sungkyun Institute for Confucian Studies and East Asian Philosophy, while Park, a professor of Korean philosophy, is the director of the Institute of Korean Philosophy and Culture. The publication is the culmination of the Academic Translation of Korean Texts Project, a three-year initiative that began in September 2022, with support from the Ministry of Education and the Academy of Korean Studie

A special counsel team said Friday it has indicted four lawmakers of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) for allegedly obstructing investigators from detaining former President Yoon Suk Yeol in the wake of his failed 2024 martial law bid. Reps. Na Kyung-won, Kim Gi-hyeon, Kwon Young-jin and Yoon Sang-hyun face charges of special obstruction of official duties for allegedly forming a human wall with Yoon's supporters outside the presidential residence on Jan. 15, 2025, when investigators made their second attempt to detain Yoon over his martial law bid "The defendants did not merely express opposition to the detention, but formed a human wall with other people at the site to block entry into the residence," special counsel Kwon Chang-young's team said. Kwon's team said it confirmed the allegations after reviewing footage of the detention attempt and testimonies from multiple officials who were involved in the operation. Investigators ultimately detained Yoon that day after failing to take him into custody earlier the same month as the Presidential Security Service refused to coop

At least 10 major overseas institutions, including the U.S. Department of State and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), use exclusively the name "Sea of Japan" for the body of water between Korea and Japan, historically called the East Sea, a nongovernmental organization in Seoul said Friday. The Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK), which promotes Korea and its history internationally online, pointed out the widespread use of the incorrect name for the East Sea after reviewing 10 foreign government agencies and international databases, which also included the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Britannica and National Geographic. VANK argues that, with more than 1.2 billion people worldwide using generative artificial intelligence (AI), incorrect place names could spread indiscriminately if names used incorrectly by highly reputable institutions are incorporated into AI training data. The U.S. state department's travel advisory page for Korea only used the name Sea of Japan without mentioning the East Sea, while NASA's satellite imag

Kazakhstan has been designated as a sending country under the employment permit system (EPS) and workers from the Central Asian nation are expected to arrive starting in 2028, officials said Friday. The government made the decision in a foreign workforce policy committee meeting presided over by Government Policy Coordination Minister Lim Ki-keun. Kazakhstan became the 18th EPS sending nation after the Philippines, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Cambodia, China, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, East Timor, Nepal, Myanmar, Laos and Tajikistan. Kazakhstan was added to the list because the country can ensure fairness and transparency in dispatch affairs as it has a government agency dealing exclusively with such issues, and no particular problems were found with the country's workforce training facilities and other infrastructure, the officials said. The EPS is designed to bring foreign workers transparently without private sector involvement through memorandums of understanding between Korea and sending countries.

The Korea Times recently fieldtested an AI-generated tour itinerary for a traveler planning to visit Korea to learn more about the country’s modern history, focusing on the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The traveler asked Gemini to create a one-day plan. The response was a tour that included Deoksu Palace, the Appenzeller Noble Memorial Museum, Seodaemun Prison, Gwanghwamun Gukbap and Coffee Hanyakbang. A Korea Times reporter visited each of the recommended destinations to see how well the itinerary worked in practice. Here is our verdict: Testing the AI-generated itinerary proved to be an illuminating experiment. The AI proved effective at planning the trip in spatial terms, threading major heritage sites together to explore the desired historical period, mapping out sites easily reachable by public transportation within the downtown area. Where the algorithm faltered was in understanding actual on-the-ground conditions and providing in-depth, nuanced information. While language gaps at sites like Seodaemun Prison reflect an on-site informational shortfall rather than a flaw in th

SINGAPORE — Shipping traffic at the Strait of Hormuz fell below the month average toward the end of the week due to volatile sentiment between the United States and Iran, with both countries making competing claims over its control. The Strait of Hormuz is "under Iran's control and management," the recently appointed head of Iran's Basij paramilitary unit said on Thursday. Meanwhile, the United States on Thursday said it could maintain a naval blockade of Iran indefinitely and would ratchet up economic pressure on Tehran as ceasefire talks have floundered. Commodity vessel transits at Hormuz picked up slightly on Thursday, but remained lower than the month's daily average of 12, based on Kpler data in August so far. A total of nine vessels transited the strait on Thursday, up from five the previous day, according to Kpler data. The nine vessels included five entries heading into the Gulf and four exits into the Gulf of Oman, mostly via the Iranian shipping route. Shipping risk persisted. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company said two of its vessels were attacked while transiting the Strait of

A district court has fined a photojournalist 5 million won ($3,500) for illegally traveling to Ukraine in 2022 to cover the country's war with Russia, legal sources said Friday. The Goyang branch of the Uijeongbu District Court found 46-year-old Jang Jin-young guilty of violating the Passport Act on Wednesday for the trip to Ukraine in March 2022, according to the sources and civic group officials. Ukraine has been on Korea's travel ban list since February 2022 following Russia's invasion of the country. The court ruled that Jang entered Ukraine without applying for an exemption from the foreign ministry, adding that press freedom does not outweigh personal safety risks in a conflict zone. Jang's lawyer vowed to appeal, arguing the ministry's exemptions do not apply to freelance journalists.

QUSRA, West Bank — For five nights, Israeli settlers surrounded three Palestinian homes on the outskirts of a town in the occupied West Bank, preventing the families from leaving safely as their food and water supplies dwindled. Qusai Abu Rida was holed up inside with his teenage son when settlers cut the water and electricity, leaving them to drink well water as dozens of Israeli settlers erected tents outside. His Palestinian American brother in Ohio, who owns the house, watched the siege unfold on security cameras and called for updates. The standoff in the northern West Bank town of Qusra is the latest in a wave of settler violence convulsing the territory, which Israel seized in the 1967 Mideast war and which would make up the main part of a future Palestinian state. On Thursday, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee referred to the settlers as “terrorists” — a word American officials usually reserve for Palestinian militants. It was an unusually sharp rebuke from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has given unprecedented support to Israeli settlement over the y

President Lee Jae Myung on Friday reiterated his support for a four-year, two-term presidential system through a constitutional revision, stressing that he is also open to shortening his term. "It has been my campaign pledge and consistent position that we should pursue a constitutional revision to introduce a four-year presidency allowing either nonconsecutive or consecutive terms, enabling voters to conduct a midpoint evaluation, while strengthening local autonomy and the people's basic rights," Lee said in a social media post. Lee noted that he is open to shortening his term when necessary for the constitutional revision. Article 128 of the Constitution stipulates that an extension of the presidential term shall not apply to the president in office at the time the amendment is proposed. "The Constitution, which is now 40 years old, is no longer suited to the current era, and a majority of the people agree on the need for a revision. If a constitutional revision is actually pursued, it would be desirable for the specific details to be determined by the National Assembly through an agre

The United Nations Command (UNC) has agreed to not proceed with its plan to establish a brigade combining its border security and armistice enforcement operations after consultations with Korea, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said Friday. Ahn made the remark following news reports that the UNC is pushing to create a new brigade responsible for guarding the Joint Security Area (JSA) inside the border village of Panmunjom and enforcing the Armistice Agreement that halted the 1950-53 Korean War. Under the existing structure, the UNC's security battalion at Camp Bonifas in Paju, north of Seoul, guards the JSA, while the secretariat of the Military Armistice Commission (MAC) at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, some 60 kilometers south of Seoul, handles border entry approvals and investigations into armistice violations, among other missions. The reported UNC plan calls for consolidating these operations into one brigade, which will be led by the MAC commander. Korea has expressed opposition to the plan, the news reports said. "(We) discussed (the issue) with each other and came to an agreement tha

Korea's box office is having one of its strongest years since the COVID-19 pandemic, but for now, it belongs to Hollywood. As of Thursday, "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" has seen 6,390,094 admissions in Korea, according to data from the Korean Box Office Information System. Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey," which opened Aug. 5, saw 2,615,953 admissions and together, the two movies are dominating local screens. The overwhelming presence of Hollywood blockbusters becomes even clearer when looking at Na Hong-jin’s "Hope," which entered the summer lineup as one of the most anticipated Korean releases of the year. The sci-fi thriller, which competed for the Palme d'Or at Cannes, has drawn 4,430,105 admissions to date, a disappointing result given the massive expectations for the film. In a summer dominated by Hollywood blockbusters, even strong local titles were left struggling for screen space. Korean distributors have read the room. Rather than compete head-on with two of the biggest global releases of the year, domestic studios have quietly reshuffled their autumn slates, pushing their most

LG Group will unveil a humanoid robot based on Nvidia’s Isaac GR00T robot foundation model in the first quarter of next year, and extend its partnership with the U.S. tech giant in artificial intelligence (AI) data center and mobility businesses. LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang signed “a strategic business collaboration" memorandum of understanding (MOU) detailing the partnership during their meeting at Nvidia's headquarters in Santa Clara, California, Thursday (local time). LG Group Vice Chairman Kwon Bong-seok, LG Electronics CEO Lyu Jae-cheol, LG Uplus CEO Hong Bum-shik, LG CNS CEO Hyun Shin-gyoon and other LG Group executives also attended the event. The MOU came just two months after top executives from both companies agreed to cooperate in the AI industry. The MOU specifies areas for cooperation and details their plans in each field. “As our collaboration gains momentum, the tasks where the two companies can work together have become clearer in the field of AI factory, physical AI and mobility,” Koo said. “We will accelerate the adoption of AI

The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) on Friday took aim at the government's recently unveiled housing plan, calling it a rehash of previous measures that fail to ease people's burdens and address housing shortages. The criticism came a day after the government announced a comprehensive package aimed at expanding housing supply, and stabilizing both the rental and sales markets, with a focus on Seoul and other high-demand areas in the capital region. "If the government continues to recycle previously announced measures and trick people by inflating the numbers, even good policies are bound to lose the trust of the market and the public," PPP floor leader Jeong Jeom-sig said during a floor meeting. "The government boasts of supplying more than 1.5 million housing units, but 1.35 million of them simply come from a Korea Land and Housing Corporation-led public housing supply plan announced last year," he added. Rep. Jeong also noted that the government plans to secure around 240,000 additional homes, including 100,000 units at newly designated public housing sites, but has so far unv

Korea's exports of information and communication technology (ICT) products jumped 140.6 percent in July from a year earlier, driven by sustained global investments into artificial intelligence (AI), government data showed Friday. Outbound shipments of ICT products reached $53.4 billion last month, up from $22.2 billion a year earlier, the Ministry of Science and ICT said in a press release. The figure was the highest for any July, the ministry said. ICT imports rose 37.3 percent on-year to $18.3 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $35.1 billion in the sector. By product, semiconductor exports surged 178.8 percent on-year to $41 billion, fueled by strong demand for AI-related chips. Chip exports rose for the past 17 consecutive months, the ministry said. Exports of computers and communications equipment spiked 353.9 percent to $4.9 billion, while mobile phone shipments increased 62.6 percent to $1.6 billion, the data showed. Outbound shipments of display panels inched up 0.5 percent to $1.77 billion, amid a number of new smartphone and TV models set to be launched in the later half. By

CHANGWON — Fire authorities deployed more than 150 water tankers Friday to supply water to South Gyeongsang Province under an extended national firefighting mobilization order to combat a severe drought in the southeastern region. A total of 159 water tankers, including 100 vehicles from outside the province, were mobilized to deliver water to drought-hit areas across South Gyeongsang, according to the local provincial firefighting headquarters. The deployment comes after fire authorities decided to extend the national mobilization order, initially scheduled to end Thursday, as the province suffers from low water storage levels. The province's average water reservoir storage rate stood at 32.2 percent Friday, well below the long-term average of 70.6 percent. Under the national mobilization order issued Tuesday, fire authorities supplied 12,445 tons of water to the province over the next two days. In response to the deepening drought situation in southern regions, the interior ministry said it would set up a dedicated task force and work with private logistics companies to transport wate

Korea's economic recovery trend is strengthening, driven by robust exports and improving domestic consumption, the finance ministry said Friday. Amid lingering uncertainty stemming from the conflict in the Middle East, burdens on people's livelihoods persist, including inflationary pressures from high oil prices and difficult employment conditions for vulnerable groups and sectors, the Ministry of Finance and Economy said in its monthly economic assessment report, known as the Green Book. "Recently, the Korean economy has seen its recovery strengthen, with exports rising sharply and domestic demand, including consumption, showing signs of improvement," it added. The ministry upgraded its assessment of the economy in its latest report, describing the recovery as strengthening, compared with the previous month's assessment that it was solidifying. In July, South Korea's monthly exports surged 62.8 percent year-on-year to $98.9 billion, marking the second-largest monthly figure after the record $102.2 billion posted in June. Retail sales rose 2.7 percent in June from a month earlier on stron

The antitrust regulator said Friday that the number of conglomerate-affiliated companies fell slightly from three months earlier, amid industrywide portfolio restructuring efforts. The country's 102 conglomerates held 3,534 affiliates as of Aug. 3, down by four from 3,538 tallied three months earlier, according to the Fair Trade Commission (FTC). Over the period, 79 companies were removed from the list due to mergers, separations and other rearrangements, while 75 were newly added. SK Group cut seven companies under its wing, with DB removing 11 firms and Hyosung dropping six. Hyosung, meanwhile, also added 11 companies, while GS Group gained nine new affiliates. The FTC said large business groups have conducted portfolio restructuring to seek new business opportunities amid a transition in the overall industrial landscape. Under Korean law, conglomerates with assets of 5 trillion won ($3.82 billion) or higher are obligated to disclose the status of their businesses, along with details of large-scale internal trade.

North Korea on Friday denounced an upcoming joint military exercise between South Korea and the United States, warning it will respond to the drills "with a new level of a deterrent." A spokesperson at North Korea's foreign ministry made the statement, as South Korea and the U.S. are set to begin the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise starting Monday until Aug. 27. North Korea said the U.S. had described the annual exercise as "quite different from the ones of the past five years," framing it as Washington's effort to master modern warfare tactics, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). "By doing so, it did not conceal its aim to complete preparations for the substantial military confrontation with" North Korea, the statement read. "It is our consistent principle of ensuring security to respond to a new level of a threat with a new level of a deterrent," it said. The statement stressed Pyongyang "remains steadfast in its will to frustrate outsiders' hostile acts with the most powerful and overwhelming force and absolutely defend the supreme interests of the state secu

Actor Kim Min-hee and her longtime partner, director Hong Sang-soo, attended the Locarno Film Festival this week, foreign media reports showed Friday, in what marked their first public appearance together following the birth of their son. Kim and Hong attended the screening for the director's latest feature, "Nowhere to Lay My Eyes," which was invited to the international competition section of the 79th edition of the annual film festival held in Switzerland, according to the reports. Kim, who gave birth to her first child with Hong last year, reportedly discussed her life as a new mom juggling an acting career during a conversation with the audience following the screening. "Nowhere to Lay My Eyes," Hong's 35th feature, follows Sang-hee (Kim Min-hee), who heads to the southern Korean island of Jeju to find her divorcee mom whom she last saw 10 years ago. Alongside her role as Sang-hee, Kim also served as the production manager. It marked the fifth time Hong was invited to the Locarno film fest to screen his work. He won the best director award for "Our Sunhi" (2013) and the top Golden Le

President Lee Jae Myung on Friday called for reforming policies for young people in a way that identifies and addresses their actual needs amid an era of jobless economic growth and fewer opportunities. The president made the remarks during a meeting with youth policy experts and presidential officials, organized to enhance policy effectiveness and discuss ways to reorganize state administration in favor of young people. Lee said that South Korea has entered a phase of low economic growth that requires more maintenance and management than expansion, resulting in fewer opportunities. "The latest growth recovery appears to be growth without employment that does not require much labor," the president said, adding that the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) may create fewer jobs than before even amid economic growth. Youth policies, meanwhile, appear to remain intangible for young people facing declining opportunities, the president said, emphasizing that a review is needed to determine what policies would be effective and what young generations want. Government policies tend to be mad

LONDON — The U.K. recorded its hottest day of the year Thursday during an excessively dry stretch that saw multiple fires break out as an intense stretch of hot weather continued to grip Europe. The Met Office said the temperature of 38.1 degrees Celsius (100.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in west London was a tenth of a degree higher than the previous record set June 28. It remained below the U.K.’s August record of 38.5 C (101.3 F), set in 2003. Britain, like France, is experiencing its fifth heat wave of the year, with the first recorded in May. The latest extreme heat means 2026 has now had a record four days with temperatures of 36 C (96.8 F) or higher. It also has matched 2022 with two days reaching 38 C. Temperatures in France , meanwhile, have gone even higher, approaching 41 C (106 F) in several areas, from Aquitaine in the southwest to the Rhone River valley in the east, according to the national weather service. At least two new grass fires broke out in different areas of the West Midlands in central England, officials said. Multiple homes were burning in Stourbridge next to a golf

Korean shares pared earlier gains late Friday morning as retail and institutional investors continued to sell large-cap technology stocks despite bargain hunting by foreign investors. After opening 2.7 percent higher, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 87.95 points, or 1.29 percent, to 6,901.29 as of 11:20 a.m. The KOSPI had briefly touched the 7,000 mark in early trading, rising 2.9 percent. Foreign investors alone scooped up nearly 1.01 trillion won (US$714 million) worth of shares, offsetting a combined 978.9 billion won in net selling by retail and institutional investors. Overnight, the U.S. stock market rose to an all-time high amid easing oil prices. The S&P 500 climbed 0.7 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1 percent, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 0.8 percent. In Seoul, blue-chip shares led the advance. Market bellwether Samsung Electronics went up 0.56 percent, while rival chipmaker SK hynix added 3.2 percent. The Korean won was trading at 1,414.1 won against the U.S. dollar as of 11:20 a.m., up 4.5 won from the previous session

The joke I’m translating today is short and simple, but it’s interesting for the way it uses humor to parody and attack Western racism and arrogance. Although the joke was included in a Korean humor collection, the two figures here are identified only as a Westerner and a man from China's Qing Dynasty. (Qing was the last Chinese dynasty and ended in 1911, five years before “Kkalkkal Useum” was published.) Since the joke features a Chinese rather than a Korean protagonist, it’s a reasonable guess that the editor took this joke from an earlier Chinese source. This choice of protagonists makes this joke stand out from most Korean humor of the era, which more often deals with family relationships. This joke opens with the Westerner making fun of the Chinese man using an established racist trope: that Europeans are cleaner and more hygienic than other races, an idea which was intended to provide a pseudoscientific justification for their racial supremacy. This was part of a broader racist ideology that justified Western efforts toward colonialism and economic exploitation in East

North Korea on Friday denounced an upcoming joint military exercise between South Korea and the United States, warning it will respond to the drills "with a new level of a deterrent." A spokesperson at North Korea's foreign ministry made the statement, as South Korea and the U.S. are set to begin the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise starting Monday until Aug. 27. North Korea said the U.S. had described the annual exercise as "quite different from the ones of the past five years," framing it as Washington's effort to master modern warfare tactics, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). "By doing so, it did not conceal its aim to complete preparations for the substantial military confrontation with" North Korea, the statement read. "It is our consistent principle of ensuring security to respond to a new level of a threat with a new level of a deterrent," it said. The statement stressed Pyongyang "remains steadfast in its will to frustrate outsiders' hostile acts with the most powerful and overwhelming force and absolutely defend the supreme interests of the state secu

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a national security memorandum permitting foreign shipbuilders to build up to two ships in their parent shipyards for delivery to the United States, as the U.S. seeks to rebuild its Navy and shipbuilding industrial base. The memorandum came as the U.S. is stepping up shipbuilding cooperation with Korea, which has committed to investing $150 billion in the U.S. shipbuilding sector as part of a total $350 billion investment pledge under last year's bilateral trade and investment deal. "As foreign shipbuilders make substantial and durable investments into America's shipyards and train an all-American workforce for the jobs they create, they will be temporarily permitted to build up to two ships in their parent shipyards that will be delivered to bridge gaps on a quick turnaround, while additional ships will be built in revitalized American shipyards," the White House said in a fact sheet. Under the memorandum, a foreign supplier subject to the memorandum is one that simultaneously builds a new shipyard in the U.S. or assumes own

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation Thursday to impose new tariffs on drones and their components, including a 15 percent levy on imports from Korea, Japan and other economies, the White House said, portraying the move as an effort to bolster national security. Under the proclamation, a 100 percent tariff will be imposed on certain drones, including larger ones and those with thermal imaging capabilities, which are sensitive for national security purposes, while a 25 percent tariff will apply to certain smaller drones that raise security concerns. Imports from Korea, Japan, the European Union, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Taiwan will face a 15 percent tariff, while a 10 percent duty will apply to those from Britain. The new tariffs are set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 3 this year, except for those on less-sensitive drone components that will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Feb. 9 next year, according to the proclamation. Trump announced the tariffs under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 — a law that allows the president to adjust impor

Artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted travel often has a goal of finding cheaper flight tickets or affordable accommodation options. Recently, however, an acquaintance of mine living in Seattle reached out, asking for advice on planning her upcoming trip to Korea. She confessed to relying heavily on generative AI. Seeking an immersive “time-travel” itinerary that would take her to important historical sites related to late 19th and early 20th century events, she asked Google Gemini to craft a one-day historical tour through Seoul that would cost around 200,000 won ($150) to complete. Before leaving an overseas visitor to navigate the capital based on the whims of an algorithm, The Korea Times set out to fieldtest the AI-recommended itinerary. Can AI craft a tour that can capture the spirit and nuance of local history, or does it merely stitch together what it finds online without understanding the real situation? While the model displayed impressive spatial efficiency and a strong grasp of overarching narratives, it faltered when confronted with the shifting tides of street-level tre

The viability of Trinity Airways and Air Premia’s long-haul businesses remains in doubt, as both budget carriers struggle to build stable profit structures to keep their expanded operations afloat, industry officials said Thursday. The two airlines had been widely seen as major beneficiaries of remedies imposed by competition authorities to address concerns stemming from Korean Air’s acquisition of Asiana Airlines. The measures required Korean Air and Asiana to make room for rival carriers on routes where regulators are concerned the merger could reduce competition. Under these measures, Trinity Airways, formerly T’way Air, took over four European routes, flying from Incheon to Paris, Rome, Barcelona and Frankfurt. Air Premia was also selected to operate an Incheon-Honolulu route under measures aimed at preserving competition following the merger. The expansion has given the low-cost carriers (LCCs) access to major international markets, but it has also exposed them to a heavier cost structure than traditional budget airlines. Long-haul operations require wide-body aircraft, higher

Before sEODo BAND had much of an audience, it had a problem familiar to every new act — it needed 30 minutes of music to play at performances. The solution came from a source most rock bands would not think to raid. The band took the highlight passages of the traditional pansori "Chunhyangga," strung five of them together and found that the half-hour set told the whole story of the 18th-century Korean love epic from beginning to end. That set is now, nine years later, the band's first full-length album, "ONE," expected for release on Friday. "It turned out to be more fully realized than we expected," the band's vocalist, sEODo, said during an interview at The Korea Times headquarters in central Seoul, Aug. 3. "Making a full-length in that shape became something the band had wanted to do for years." The album's title carries more in Korean than it can in English. "ONE," or "won," means circle in Korean. It is also the "won" of resentment and of longing, the two forces driving the lovers through the "Chunhyangga" story. The plot itself loops — a couple meets, parts and meets again. It

The S&P 500 climbed to a record high on Thursday, fueled by advances in Sandisk and other heavyweight technology stocks, as tame producer price inflation data supported expectations the Federal Reserve will not raise interest rates at its September meeting. Memory chip makers Sandisk and Micron Technology surged 16 percent and 6.7 percent, respectively. Broadcom added 1.3 percent and Meta Platforms rose 2.8 percent. Strong forecasts in recent weeks from companies including Microsoft and Amazon have reduced investors' concerns about massive spending on AI data centers. Shares of AI cloud company CoreWeave were flat on Thursday. CoreWeave surged 19 percent a day earlier after lifting its annual capital spending forecast. "The AI earnings-driven tech boom continues," said Jay Hatfield, CEO of Infrastructure Capital Advisors in New York. "It's an earnings boom, not a bubble." The S&P 500 was up 0.56 percent at 7,791.70 points, off an earlier all-time high of 7,816.70. The Nasdaq gained 0.73 percent to 26,782.15 points, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 0.01 percent at 53,766.27 p

CALI/PEREIRA, Colombia — Hopes of finding more survivors from the powerful earthquake that rocked Colombia early this week were fading on Thursday as rescue workers narrowed their searches, while families in the worst-hit areas waited for news of missing relatives. In Cali, the country's third-largest city, crews have turned their attention from a search-and-rescue effort to debris removal at most sites, a sign the disaster response was entering a grimmer phase after the crucial first 72 hours. The 7.4-magnitude quake struck shortly after 7:30 a.m. local time on Monday, toppling apartment blocks, damaging homes, schools and hospitals and sending residents into the streets across western Colombia, home to the country's coffee farms. At least 273 people were killed — many in Cali and Pereira, a city in the coffee region —and more than 3,800 injured, according to government data on Thursday morning. It also said 377 people were still reported to be missing. In Pereira, Enrique Marin said he drove more than 10 hours from Bogota after getting a call from a friend who told him Marin's

WASHINGTON — North Korean leader Kim Jong-un could seek renewed summitry with U.S. President Donald Trump, potentially after the U.S. midterm elections this fall, if Pyongyang adopts a "revisionist" approach to help cement its status as a nuclear-armed state, an expert said Thursday. Victor Cha, president of the geopolitics and foreign policy department and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), laid out a scenario for renewed Trump-Kim summitry in an analysis posted on the CSIS website. The analysis came amid lingering speculation that despite Trump's openness to talks with Kim, Pyongyang might have little interest in reengaging with Washington given that it has deepened economic, diplomatic and military cooperation with Moscow, and reinforced ties with Beijing. "The main driver relates to the extent to which Kim Jong-un is revisionist, and not status-quo oriented," Cha said. "If he is revisionist in his outlook, he would look to capitalize on any available opportunity to advance the core goal of cementing his status as a nuclear weapons state," he a

SEATTLE — President Donald Trump’s secret plane switch while leaving Turkey last month has become a major talking point in U.S. media this week. What if the same thing happened in Korea? Trump publicly boarded Air Force One after attending a NATO summit in Ankara on July 8. But before departure, he was secretly moved via an airport catering truck to a smaller C-32A military aircraft after intelligence indicated a credible threat. The presidential jet departed separately with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, other White House officials, staff and journalists aboard as part of a decoy operation. The incident has received extensive coverage since The Washington Post revealed the ruse earlier this week, with questions emerging about the decision to use the presidential jet as a decoy while carrying officials, staff and journalists. Some Democratic lawmakers have called for answers about the operation and the risks to those aboard. The debate has even spilled into speculation surrounding White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who announced this week

WASHINGTON — The Trump White House said in a new report on Thursday that countries are routing their exports through third countries to avoid U.S. tariffs, estimating that there are tax revenue losses of $19 billion to $26 billion annually. The report specifically highlights that China responded to new tariffs in 2018 by sending their goods to other nations ranging from Mexico to Malaysia for packaging and limited assembly — a practice known as transshipping. That pattern made it look like U.S. imports from China had dropped, but enabled Beijing to continue growing its manufacturing sector in ways that could challenge U.S. factories and employment. Peter Navarro, the White House trade adviser, told reporters on a conference call that China is laundering its exports through more than 40 countries, though he claimed that the issues raised in the report were really more about other nations enabling the avoidance of tariffs. “For years, the great transshipment scam has let communist China launder its exports,” Navarro said. The report comes ahead of a planned September visit by Chine

PANAMA CITY — The U.S. military has enough assets to maintain a naval blockade of Iran indefinitely, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday, adding ships could be rotated in and out of the region as needed. Hegseth's comments suggest he is advising U.S. President Donald Trump that the U.S. military can keep applying economic pressure on Iran for as long as needed to help so-far failed negotiations to end the conflict, begun in February. "Indefinitely the United States Navy can maintain a blockade like that because we'll rotate ships in and out, as we have, and we'll continue to," Hegseth told reporters. He spoke in Panama after addressing the crew aboard the USS Gridley, a guided-missile destroyer, which had previously deployed to the Middle East. Trump on Wednesday said the United States is in control of the Strait of Hormuz. "The U.S.A. has total control over the Strait of Hormuz. I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT! Our Naval Blockade is being called, by everyone, “A WALL OF STEEL,” and there is nothing Iran can do about it," he wrote on his Truth Social platform. After the start of

TEHRAN — Iran's military on Thursday rejected as "lies" remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump claiming control of the Strait of Hormuz, saying the strategic waterway was fully under Iranian control. "The false claims of the United States that ships are passing through the Strait of Hormuz normally ... are nothing more than lies and fabrications," said Ebrahim Zolfaghari, the spokesperson for Iran's central military command, Khatam-al Anbiya. "The Strait of Hormuz is, as in the past, under the complete management and control of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and no commercial ship or tanker without the permission and supervision of the powerful Iranian armed forces has had and will have the possibility of safe passage through this strait," he said in a video carried by state television. Iran has kept control of Hormuz, a vital energy conduit, since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East on February 28, requiring vessels to obtain permission and pay transit fees before using the waterway. In a Wednesday Truth Social post, Trump claimed that the U.S. "has total control over the Strait

DUBAI — Iran's state media has mocked U.S. President Donald Trump after new details emerged about his secret aircraft switch during a visit to Turkey, saying it showed just how nervous he is about the Islamic Republic's power. "Again, Trump, with his new scandal, has become the top subject in the U.S. media these days. A scandal stemming from fear of Iran’s military power, a power that caused Trump, last month, while returning from Turkey, to secretly switch his plane," said a presenter on state television, adding that the episode has become a source of "humiliation" for Trump. A threat that Air Force One could be targeted by a shoulder-fired missile prompted the Secret Service to secretly move Trump onto a smaller government jet, a person briefed on the matter said. The threat emerged on the final day of Trump's visit to Ankara for the NATO summit, the source said, as tensions run high due to the ongoing U.S. war on Iran. The Secret Service deemed the threat to be credible and imminent, prompting an extraordinary operation to conceal the U.S. president's movements. The New York Ti

BEIJING — South Korean Ambassador to China Ro Jae-hun offered condolences Thursday over the death of former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, stressing Zhu's efforts for the development of ties with Seoul. In a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, Ro expressed his deepest condolences and will remember the great achievements of the former Chinese premier. He said that Zhu advanced relations with South Korea after holding talks with then South Korean President Kim Dae-jung in 2000. Zhu died in Beijing on Wednesday, according to China's official news agency Xinhua. He was 97.

SEOUL — American billionaire and founder of TerraPower Bill Gates arrived in South Korea on Thursday to meet with political and business leaders to discuss cooperation on next-generation nuclear reactors. Gates, who also chairs the Gates Foundation, landed aboard a private jet at Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul at around 9:20 p.m., according to people close to the matter. He last visited Seoul just about a year ago. While in Seoul, Gates is expected to have a string of meetings with key figures in political and business circles for discussions on expanding partnerships in small modular reactors (SMRs) and other areas. He is expected to meet Prime Minister Han Seong-sook on Friday and top business leaders, including SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun. Founded by Gates in 2006, TerraPower has been developing safer, more efficient and cost-effective nuclear energy reactors to provide a reliable source of clean energy amid rising grid demand driven by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. South Korea's SK Group is a major shareholder in Ter

A short distance from where swimmers enjoyed a Sunday morning swim in the Han River, a man had died just a week earlier, caught in a whirlpool created by a submerged weir. “Even the day before the incident, a couple of young people were swimming dangerously close to the sluice gates at the submerged weir,” said Sohn, 63, as he emerged from the river after swimming underneath Jamsil Bridge in Seoul. Even as he spoke, dozens of people could be seen swimming in the river on the southern side of the bridge. “This is one of the few places where people can swim in open water,” Sohn said. “The number of people coming here to swim has risen sharply since triathlons began gaining popularity last year.” But as more people take up open-water swimming as a hobby, serious safety concerns are being raised. The area near Jamsil Bridge was the scene of a fatal accident on Aug. 2, when a man in his 30s was caught in a whirlpool and pulled into the sluice gate. Beneath the bridge, close to the swimming area, is a submerged weir that regulates the flow of water downstream from the upper reaches

Government issues a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbeques as they pose a "significant risk to the public".

Steven Sansom, 47, and Adam Watson, 39, are also charged with other offences relating to the Belmarsh Prison incident.

Construction workers found the stash in the walls of a cellar while drilling to lay sewage pipes.

About 2,000 evacuees from across northwestern Ontario have returned home since a surge of wildfire activity in mid-July. Still, about 829 people remain displaced as of Friday, according to officials at Ontario’s Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response. Here's the latest on evacuations in the region, as Gull Bay First Nation reflects on the repatriation of its members.

The new documentary American Doctor tells the story of how the besieged hospitals of Gaza have continued to treat the sick and wounded throughout Israel’s genocidal war on the Palestinian territory, with local medical staff risking their own lives in the process. According to Palestinian officials, Israeli attacks have killed about 1,700 healthcare workers in Gaza since October 2023. The documentary follows three U.S. doctors as they volunteer in Gaza hospitals.

Director Poh Si Teng says the film rose out of her “deep despair” over what was happening in Gaza, including deadly Israeli attacks on her former Al Jazeera colleagues. American Doctor is her attempt “to bring Palestine back to the United States,” Teng says.

We also speak with two of the subjects of the film: trauma surgeon Dr. Feroze Sidhwa and emergency physician Dr. Thaer Ahmad, who is Palestinian American.

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong continued to receive no compensation in the first half, while SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won received 1.75 billion won (US$1.23 million), regulatory filings showed Friday. According to regulatory filings released by local businesses on the day, Lee continued to receive no salary from Samsung Electronics Co., a practice he has maintained since 2017. Chey received 1.75 billion won from SK Inc., the holding company of SK Group, in the first half. Doosan Gro

One of the biggest upsets from Democratic primary elections this month was Donavan McKinney’s defeat of two-term Congressmember Shri Thanedar in the House primary to represent parts of Detroit and Wayne County in Michigan’s 13th District. McKinney, a democratic socialist state lawmaker, won on a platform to get corporate money out of politics, support Medicare for All and end military aid to Israel, among other issues. Like many other insurgent Democrats running for office, he has also proposed strict limits on artificial intelligence data centers. He took no corporate PAC money, and his campaign was supported by the Justice Democrats, Working Families Party, Democratic Socialists of America and major labor unions.

“We built the biggest and baddest coalition in the country,” says McKinney of his win. “People have come together and realized that our district deserves better.”

Courtney Gartshore, 28, used the appliance to subject three-month-old Dahlia-Rose to "significant and sustained heat" on her head and body.

Several fires swept across the West Midlands on Thursday destroying homes and forcing residents to flee.

BBC's Top Comment podcast has found a network of Instagram profiles glamourising the swim around the Morocco-Ceuta border fence.

Judges at the High Court overrule the Parole Board's decision to release Glyn Razzell.

We speak with Tennessee lawmaker Justin J. Pearson, who just won the Democratic primary to represent part of Memphis in the state’s 9th Congressional District. Pearson’s campaign focused in part on opposing large artificial intelligence data centers, particularly Elon Musk’s Colossus 1 and Colossus 2, which are in the Memphis area.

“People don’t want toxic data centers polluting the air that they breathe,” says Pearson. “It’s not a fight of right versus left; it’s a fight of those who are at the top and the rest of us.”

Pearson is a longtime environmental justice organizer and advocate who first gained national prominence three years ago, when he was expelled from Tennessee’s House of Representatives for protesting Republicans’ inaction on gun violence. He is now running in a congressional district that was recently gerrymandered to dilute Black voting power in the state following a Supreme Court ruling that weakened the Voting Rights Act. His opponent in November is Republican state Senator Brent Taylor, who is endorsed by President Donald Trump.

Swedish fashion giant H&M has disclosed a data breach that exposed some of its customers’ personal information in Korea, the company said Friday. In a notice sent to members, H&M said it had confirmed an incident involving the unauthorized access and leakage of customer information through an attack on its business systems, believed to have occurred around Aug. 5. The company said it moved quickly to strengthen its security measures and launch an investigation after detecting the attack. Based o

The Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – the fastest-growing on record and on track to become the deadliest – is killing one person every 30 minutes.

Humanitarians continue to provide life-saving assistance to people across the Occupied Palestinian Territory despite facing obstacles such as checkpoints, instability and access restrictions, the United Nations said on Friday.

Across the world, healthcare has suffered more than 10,000 attacks in the past eight years, including during the brutal conflict in Ukraine and efforts to contain the current Ebola outbreak spreading rapidly in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Authorities in Iran intercepted 3,663 kilogrammes of methamphetamines headed for Europe and the Persian Gulf in the first quarter of 2026, according to the UN’s drugs and crime fighting agency (UNODC).

Sudanese women about to give birth are losing their babies and sometimes their own lives because of a lack of specialist healthcare support, amid the ongoing war, UN humanitarians said on Friday.

As amber heat-health alerts spread across England this summer, a new study has found that the warnings are being received – but not changing behaviour.

CIA Carried Out Drone Strikes, Disappearances and Torture Near Ecuador’s Coast, Rights Groups Say Israel Is Covering Up War Crimes Evidence as It Clears Gaza’s Rubble, Israeli Settlers’ Siege of Palestinian Homes Draws Rare Rebuke from U.S. Ambassador, Lebanon Condemns Home Demolitions by Israel as a “Serious Violation of International Law”, Pentagon Sends New Aircraft Carrier to Relieve USS Abraham Lincoln Following Attempted Suicides, DHS Targeted Left-Leaning Groups in Minnesota with Mass Surveillance Program, ICE Confirms Death of Third Immigrant at Privately Run ICE Jail in New Jersey, 140 Immigrants Hold Hunger Strike at For-Profit ICE Jail in Tacoma, Washington, Activists Try to Halt Border Wall Construction as Contractors Bulldoze Landmarks, Russian and Ukrainian Attacks in Black Sea Raise Fears of Skyrocketing Global Food Prices, Japan Rejects Putin Visit to Disputed Islands as Poland Says It Thwarted Russian Assassination Plot, Indiana Declares Statewide Disaster Emergency Amid Historic Flooding, Federal Judge Tosses Trump Administration’s “Antisemitism” Lawsuit Against Harvard, Congressional Black Caucus Calls for Federal Probe into Death of Nolan Wells, Kennedy Center Board Orders Trump’s Name Restored to Performing Arts Center, Flouting Court Order

The Reform leader wins the by-election he triggered, and gains more votes than last time.

Sprinter Amy Hunt has been showing off her nails at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.

More details are emerging about a new Churchill Falls deal between N.L. and Quebec, including plans to boost energy production and how it will be split.

The milestone was acknowledged "without fanfare" ahead of the anniversary of the officer's death.

Investors say the actor and singer did not take an "active role" in the company as promised.

Activists say introducing assisted dying without reforming care puts "sick and disabled people's lives at risk".

Luigi Mangione admitted in court on Friday that he fatally shot health insurance executive Brian Thompson and pleaded guilty to two federal charges of stalking the CEO with the intent to kill him.

The investigation into a £5m gift received by Farage reopens, as he returns as the MP for Clacton.

The Church, representatives of social organizations, Indigenous peoples and communities, grassroots groups, and human rights defenders from nine regions of southern Peru gathered in Cusco to share experiences, hear about the different realities across the territories, and develop common proposals in favor of dignity, justice, peace, and the common good, as part of the Southern Macro-Regional Meeting, “Weaving Voices for Dignity.”

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One crew arrived to find a building at the site well involved on fire.

The number of hate crimes and hate-related incidents rose by 15% last year, according to gardaí.

A man is arrested after eight works by the French artist are found at a home in greater São Paulo.

The social media posts come as support for her government begins to ebb after a six-month post-election honeymoon.

Two men charged with raping a woman in the car park of Ceannt Railway Station in Galway last week have been further remanded in custody.

A filmmaker and mother of three from Co Fermanagh is to go up against Hollywood heavyweights like Spike Lee and Renée Zellweger at an "Oscar gateway" festival.

The electricity provider Pinergy has announced an increase to its residential electricity prices for the autumn with a price hike coming in September.

The vast majority of members of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party have signed a letter raising "serious concerns" about a HSE group recommendation to refuse funding for Skyclarys.

Pope Leo XIV encourages priests to respect the liturgical norms for the celebration of Mass, in a message to participants in a Vatican-organized meeting in the US state of Oregon.

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The top national football league announced Friday it has banned matches at a stadium in the southeastern city of Pohang until further notice due to safety concerns. The Korea Professional Football League (K League) said Pohang Steelers will not be allowed to play their two remaining K League 1 home matches for August at Pohang Steel Yard in Pohang, some 270 kilometers southeast of Seoul, while safety checks are carried out at the venue. Those two matches are against Bucheon 1995 on Aug. 22 and a

Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho has requested disciplinary action against two prosecutors who stormed out of a high-profile perjury trial in protest of allegedly unfair court proceedings last year, the ministry said Friday. The move follows an internal inspection into four prosecutors of the Suwon District Prosecutors Office who abruptly left a pretrial hearing after the court rejected their request to call witnesses in November 2025. Before exiting, the team filed a motion to disqualify the bench

Organisers reportedly say politically motivated voting is "persistent" and is seen as "deeply worrying".

In his Message for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees to be observed 27 September 2026 on the theme "Even Just One of These Children," Pope Leo XIV says that the cry of displaced appeals to the conscience of all.

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From August 14 to 17, 2026, the diocese of Bougainville is celebrating 125 years of Catholic missionary presence in the North Region of the country. They honor the generations of missionaries, catechists, and local faithful who sustained the Church through war, crisis, and social change.

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Activists attempted to deliver supplies to Palestinians under an almost week-long settler siege in the West Bank, with the Israeli military again deployed at the flashpoint site.

Among some of the measures are summer shifts that avoid the hottest time of the day, air-conditioned rest areas for employees and stickers that indicate one's body temperature.

The U.S. wants Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to publicly condemn a siege imposed by Jewish settlers in a Palestinian village, officials said on Friday, as settlers pressured residents by pitching a new tent before Israeli soldiers arrived and it was taken down.

The Office actress thanks well-wishers for their support after she revealed she had incurable cancer.

Emergency services were called to an Aranui property at 4.45pm after reports of a child being seriously bitten.

Released July 24, "Kiss n Tell" is a departure from the K-pop girl group's signature heavy bass and electronic dance music sound.

Kai Yamaguchi's debut feature blends dark satire with sci-fi and fantasy elements to tell a story about male obsession.

The younger generation of Koreans are bearing the brunt of a "jobless recovery" brought on by slower economic growth, President Lee Jae Myung said Friday at a meeting on youth policies. Unlike the older generation that enjoyed ample opportunities in a society ungergoing fast economic growth, the young generation now is taking heat from the slowdown in growth with the country's economy having advanced, Lee said. "It seems that the era of youth we lived in is very different from the youth of today

Baek In-chun, the only player ever to hit .400 in the South Korean professional league, is in critical condition as of Friday afternoon. The former player and manager suffered cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead in the morning and was reported as such. But his pulse returned as medical staff moved him to Dankook University Hospital in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, in preparation for his funeral. The Korea Baseball Organization had initially planned to hold a funeral for him at the hosp

Viva Republica, the operator of South Korean fintech giant Toss, reported an over 50 percent increase in revenue in the first half of the year, driven by growth across its in-app services. Consolidated revenue stood at 1.89 trillion won ($1.34 billion), up 53.2 percent from a year earlier. Consolidated operating profit rose 59.2 percent to 246.1 billion won, while net profit jumped 120.2 percent to 232.8 billion won. Revenue growth outpaced the increase in expenses, driving both top-line growth

A wildfire engulfed homes in a picturesque Croatian resort overnight, killing one and injuring 40, as the EU warned that pockets of "very extreme" wildfire conditions.

Lee Yong-soo, a 97-year-old survivor of Japan's wartime sexual slavery, attended a commemorative ceremony at the Kim Koo Museum & Library in Seoul on Friday to mark the Memorial Day for Victims of Japan's Military Sexual Slavery. Lee is one of the five surviving victims and the only survivor currently well enough to speak about her experiences. Lee first testified as a victim in 1992. For the past three decades, she has worked as a human rights activist, calling for a resolution to the sexual sl

The ruling Democratic Party of Korea submitted a resolution backed by all 161 of its lawmakers on Friday to expel main opposition People Power Party Rep. Lee Jin-sook from the National Assembly. The liberal party accused Lee of undermining the democratic values behind the Gwangju Democratic Uprising by hosting a controversial parliamentary forum Thursday. Lee won a parliamentary seat for a constituency in Daegu, a conservative stronghold, in the June elections. The Democratic Party said it has a

The result was never really in doubt. Local MP Nigel Farage was widely predicted to win the by-election he caused when he gave up his seat amid mounting questions over donations and gifts he received worth millions of pounds.

South Korean Prime Minister Han Seong-sook met Bill Gates, chairman of TerraPower, in Seoul on Friday to discuss cooperation on small modular reactors and energy solutions for the artificial intelligence era. Han said securing sufficient electricity would be critical as South Korea pushes ahead with three major projects to accelerate the country's AI transformation. The government is exploring an energy mix that includes renewable power and small modular reactors, or SMRs, she said. Han also wel

South Korea and the US are deepening their strategic nuclear partnership as Korean industrial leaders, including SK Group and HD Hyundai, expand their presence in the fast-growing small modular reactor (SMR) market. On Friday, Korean Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan met with Bill Gates, founder and chairman of TerraPower, who visited Seoul for the first time since last August. The two discussed ways to integrate Korean suppliers into the US nuclear developer’s global SMR supply chain. SK Group an

Ireland's first Traveller Heritage Strategy aims to protect oral history, music, craft skills and a distinct way of life.

Three convicted murderers were put to death by lethal injection in Oklahoma, Tennessee and Alabama, the most executions carried out in the United States on the same day in over 15 years.

Deivi Delfín and his brother moved to Colombia after a quake in Venezuela killed their mother, but were caught in another deadly disaster.

A pair of private investigators probes the murder of a colleague in Tetsuya Nakashima's challenging but rewarding film.

The provincial government will delay incoming new rules about which flags schools can fly or display, as well as a requirement to play the Canadian national anthem weekly.

Staff at Palmerston North Hospital are working extra shifts to cope with demand, but one doctor warns that is not sustainable.

Cheaper and more visually entertaining stamina-boosting dishes are popping up at local cafes as Koreans find new ways to mark malbok on Friday, the last of the three hottest days of summer. The unusual cafe items have drawn plenty of praise from customers for their taste and affordability. The Venti garnered particular attention online after launching chilled vinegar chicken noodles, or chogye guksu, on Tuesday, largely because of the dish’s unusual presentation. The dish is served in a coffee c

After the PM announced a crackdown on subscription traps, readers share how they got into and out of unwanted plans.

With the acquisition of KDB Life, Korea Investment Holdings is set to broaden its business portfolio beyond its brokerage-led operations, marking a major step in its push to strengthen its presence across the financial sector. Policy lender Korea Development Bank selected Korea Investment Holdings as the preferred bidder for KDB Life, the finance group announced through a regulatory filing Thursday. The deal involves 116.32 million common shares in KDB Life, representing a 99.75 percent stake. T

Wellington Airport says fog has caused several flight cancellations on Friday evening.

South Korea is moving to vacate Gwangju Air Base by mid-2028 as part of the Lee Jae Myung administration's plan to make way for a semiconductor industrial cluster. As part of the effort, the Defense Ministry is preparing to temporarily relocate units of the Air Force's 1st Fighter Wing stationed at Gwangju to other air bases, a move that could also require the reassignment of some forces already stationed at the receiving bases. But the relocation faces a series of military challenges, including

U.S. auto executives worry that U.S. proposals floated ahead of talks scheduled with Mexican trade officials next month could jack up costs even further.

Health insurance premiums have risen almost 75 percent in the past five years.

Chungnam National University and Kongju National University have agreed on the name of their planned merger and will operate headquarters in both Daejeon and Gongju, the two schools said Friday. The decision was approved Thursday at the third meeting of the universities’ joint integration committee, following discussions through a preparatory committee and working-level subcommittees. Under the agreement, the merged university will retain the name Chungnam National University, while its legal ad

An investigation is under way after a prisoner died following an assault at Wheatfield Prison last night.

South Korean shares ended sharply higher for the fifth straight session Friday as investors snapped up shares of major chipmakers. The Korean won rose against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose 164.60 points, or 2.42 percent, to close at 6,977.94 On Wall Street overnight, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.13 percent, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.81 percent. In Seoul, technology stocks led the advance. Market bellwether Samsung Electronics r

Reporter Joe Caulfied spoke to those taking part in what is known as St Patrick's Purgatory, a religious retreat held in Lough Derg, Co Donegal.

Curtis Geiger purchased a Calgary Stampede Showband 50/50 lottery ticket last month but only checked it this week to discover he'd won $125,000 — except he didn't. The organization running the lottery says he missed the 48-hour window to collect his prize money.

Katseye returned Friday with its third EP, “Wild,” marking the latest chapter in the group’s artistic evolution since its debut two years ago. The five-track release explores themes of embracing intuition, emotions and individuality while breaking free from expectations and societal norms, according to the group’s agency. Leading the EP is lead track “Hootie Frutti,” a high-energy dance track built around Brazilian phonk-inspired percussion, punchy drum beats and pop production. The accompanying

Four in 10 US music consumers are familiar with BTS, while 46 percent view the K-pop group favorably, according to a recent survey. The group's agency BigHit Music said Friday, quoting second-quarter data from global music data company Luminate, that 42 percent of music consumers in the US were familiar with BTS, while 46 percent viewed the group favorably. The average recognition rate for all artists surveyed stood at 24 percent, putting BTS 18 percentage points above the overall average. BTS'

Such stays reached an estimated 179.92 million in 2025, up 55.6% from level in 2019, a Japan Tourism Agency survey has found.

Christopher Nolan's latest movie "The Odyssey" surpassed 3 million admissions in South Korea on its 10th day in theaters, hinting at a strong run during the upcoming holiday period. According to the Korea Box Office Information System, the movie crossed the 3 million mark as of Friday at 7 a.m. It was released in Korea on Aug. 5. On Thursday alone, The Odyssey drew about 234,000 moviegoers, retaining the No. 1 spot at the domestic box office while accounting for 54.8 percent of daily box office

Stray Kids is on course to set new career highs in both Korea and the US, as its latest EP surpassed the first-week sales of its previous LP and industry projections pointed to its strongest US chart debut yet. According to Hanteo Chart on Friday, the group’s 10th EP, “This & That,” released Aug. 7, sold approximately 3.28 million copies during its first week of release. The figure beats the 3.04 million copies recorded by its fourth LP, “Karma,” released a year ago. The result is particularly n

The measures, ranging from weapon screening to strict visitor protocols, have been welcomed by parents.

Former Xdinary Heroes leader Gunil admitted to making insulting remarks toward fans and confirmed his contract with JYP Entertainment had been terminated. The remarks, however, had been directed at “sasaeng fans,” or obsessive fans who invade celebrities’ privacy, he explained. Gunil wrote on a fan communication platform Thursday that he had suffered from invasions of privacy by sasaeng fans earlier this year, including an intrusion into the group's residence and the placement of a tracking devi

Singer-turned-lawyer Lee So-eun will make her debut as a scriptwriter with "Battery Mommy," a sequel to the hit production "Battery Daddy," set to premiere in January 2027. The musical, produced by NHN Link, continues the storyline of its predecessor, this time centering on the role of mothers within a family. The production combines fantasy and realistic elements and is built around themes of courage and family love. Lee, who debuted as a singer in 1997 before becoming a lawyer, wrote the scrip

The city-affiliated Seoul Historiography Institute will run free guided tours of four royal palaces from September to November. The tour program will begin at Gyeongbokgung on Sept. 5 before moving to Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung in October and November, according to the official research and archival organization under the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The tours will explain the historical events associated with each palace, the culture and everyday life of the royal family an

‌Record rainfall in Japan stranded thousands of travelers at Tokyo's Narita airport on Friday, bringing floods to the surrounding area that disrupted transport, knocked out power to 20,000 homes and killed eight.

Friday marks Korea’s final boknal — one of the three traditionally hottest days of summer — before a nationwide ban on the dog meat industry takes effect in February 2027. For generations, Koreans have eaten restorative foods such as samgyetang, or ginseng chicken soup, and boshintang, a soup made with dog meat, on boknal. But ahead of the ban, the latter is rapidly disappearing from the summer ritual. Hwang, 70, has run his boshintang restaurant for more than 30 years. He told local daily Seoul

Head of the Southland Chamber of Commerce said she still felt her region was badly overlooked and its potential underestimated.

South Korea's Defense Ministry and the United Nations Command diverged Friday over the creation of a new unit tasked with security and enforcement of the 1953 armistice near the border dividing the two Koreas. Earlier in the day, the UNC said it was working on an internal reorganization to bring together units responsible for security at the Joint Security Area and enforcement of the Korean War Armistice Agreement. The proposed brigade-level organization, tentatively called the Security and Armi

K-pop girl group Rescene is teaming up with Manchester City players for a new entertainment show that will see the members teach the soccer stars K-pop dance moves and go head-to-head with them in a special soccer match. Coupang Play’s "Rescene’s Man City Attack!" features Manchester City players Ruben Dias, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Nico Gonzalez. The players will coach the members in techniques including juggling and shooting before the show culminates in a five-on-four match b

Big Bang has been appointed as the inaugural honorary ambassadors for the Korea AeroSpace Administration, becoming the first artists to represent the agency since its launch in 2024. According to YG Entertainment on Friday, the group will help promote Korea’s space ambitions and major aerospace initiatives, serving as a bridge between the agency and the public. “The Korea AeroSpace Administration appointed Big Bang to help engage the public in the country’s new journey in aerospace,” said KASA t

Fuel prices have been volatile since the outbreak of the Iran war in late February.

If a fire broke out while you were sleeping in a hotel, what would be the easiest thing to grab? Most likely, your smartphone. The idea led to the invention of a smartphone grip that transforms into an emergency breathing mask. It won the top prize at the 2026 Youth Invention Festival, jointly held by the Korea Invention Promotion Association and the Ministry of Intellectual Property from July 30 to Aug. 1, according to news reports Friday. Behind the invention was Kim Ji-on, a 12-year-old eleme

The Fiji High Court has ruled that the Commission of Inquiry report into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner, in its entirety is null and void.

Emergency warnings have been downgraded but unstable atmospheric conditions are forecast to persist across Kanto, Nagano and Yamanashi through early Saturday.

Actress Kim Min-hee made her first public appearance since giving birth to her son with director Hong Sang-soo, reflecting on returning to the set after becoming a mother. Kim and Hong appeared together Thursday at an audience Q&A for Hong’s 35th feature "Nowhere to Lay My Eyes," which has been selected for the international competition section of the 79th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland. "Nowhere to Lay My Eyes" stars Kim alongside Choi Myung-gil and Kwon Hae-hyo. The film follows Sang-hee

"Dragon Wars: D-War," the 2007 fantasy film that was widely panned upon release, is drawing renewed attention from international audiences following its recent arrival on Netflix. According to FlixPatrol, a site that tracks daily streaming performance, "Dragon Wars: D-War" ranked No. 6 among Netflix’s top movies globally as of Aug. 10. Directed by Shim Hyung-rae and starring Jason Behr and Amanda Brooks, "Dragon Wars: D-War" follows two imugi, mythical creatures from Korean folklore, as they des

RNZ the understands 33-year-old had four previous convictions for firearms offences and was sentenced to four years in prison in 2023 for aggravated robbery.

Ukraine has returned the focus of its drone strikes from oil tankers to fuel-producing plants after a brief lull in July.

The Supreme Court on Thursday confirmed the earlier dismissal of an indictment against two defendants in a drug trial, ruling it invalid due to unlawful legal process. A college student surnamed Bae (23) and a doctor surnamed Lee (36) were convicted of violating the Narcotics Controls Act in the first-instance ruling in December 2024. The two are believed to have bought illegal substances from a drug ring called "kkanbu." Many of the kkanbu's members were attending prestigious universities in th

Local Lanie Lidasan said she was surprised there had been a shooting in an area she thought was safe.

The move is a departure from the iPhone maker's strategy of relying on third-party models to power AI features in the country.

South Korea is seeing a surge in foreign tourism driven by the global popularity of K-pop and Korean culture, but tourism focused on its modern history remains underdeveloped. The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism said on Friday that there is a significant gap in foreign visitor numbers between dark tourism sites and other attractions. Dark tourism, also known as black tourism or grief tourism, involves visiting sites linked to tragic events such as wars, massacres and disasters. Notable

A green sea turtle was found dead on the coast of Yeongdeok, North Gyeongsang Province, authorities said Friday. According to the Uljin Coast Guard, an employee of a wildlife protection center discovered the carcass on the shore in front of Jangsa Beach in Namjeong-myeon at around 11:43 a.m. Thursday and reported it to police. It was identified as a female green sea turtle measuring about 120 centimeters long. Police handed the dead turtle over to the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technol

LG is accelerating its push into robotics, teaming up with Nvidia to unveil its first bipedal humanoid robot early next year. LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo traveled to the US to sign an agreement with Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang, formalizing their strategic partnership in humanoid robots, AI factories and autonomous driving, the conglomerate said Friday. The agreement was signed Thursday at Nvidia's headquarters in Santa Clara, California, about two months after Koo and Huang met in Seo

Cheong Wa Dae said Friday that President Lee Jae Myung agrees in principle with a possible constitutional revision that would introduce a four-year, two-term presidency while strengthening the powers of the National Assembly. “We believe a four-year, two-term presidential system with enhanced powers for the National Assembly would have the broadest public acceptance,” a Cheong Wa Dae official told reporters. The official said Lee shares concerns about problems stemming from South Korea’s heavily

Doosan Enerbility has secured a deal to supply critical components for US-based TerraPower’s advanced small modular reactor, partnering with the Bill Gates-backed nuclear technology firm as it expands footprint in the global next-generation reactor market. Under the agreement, Doosan Enerbility will supply the core structural components —including the containment vessel, support framing and internal reactor structures — for TerraPower’s Natrium plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming. The $4 billion nuclear

Pyongyang describes the 11-day annual exercises due to begin on Monday as rehearsals for an invasion.

Samsung Electronics has recruited two artificial intelligence and data specialists as it steps up efforts to deploy AI across its semiconductor operations, from chip design and process development to manufacturing. The company said Friday it had hired Han Bo-hyung, a leading researcher in deep learning and vision AI, as a fellow, and Hahn Tai-rin, a data engineering specialist formerly with Meta, as a vice president. Han will lead the development of AI models tailored to semiconductor research a

Some 750,000 dahlias are arranged in the design of the iconic work at an event to mark 160 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Belgium.

Following years of cancer treatment, Aisling O'Leary's mother told her daughter in her final days that everything she had done had been for her two girls.

At least 31 of 59 Palestinian students who applied for study visas after securing fully or partially funded scholarships by Irish third-level institutions have been refused

Some of the most compelling press images captured across the globe over the past year are being showcased at an exhibition at Queen Maeve Square in Sligo.

The large transport helicopter, which belonged to the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma air station, crashed into the premises of the Okinawa International University in 2004.

Polkinghorne was cleared of Pauline Hanna's 2021 murder at a trial two years.

Nigel Farage beat trash-can wearing comic candidate Count Binface on Friday, regaining a seat in Parliament he quit a month ago to trigger the widely mocked special election.

Hong Myung-bo, former head coach of the South Korean men's national soccer team, reportedly said he did not have direct communication with former Korea Football Association chief Chung Mong-gyu during his appointment in 2024. According to local news agency Yonhap News, Hong testified to police that he did not communicate with Chung during his controversial hiring process. The Seoul Metropolitan Agency is currently investigating whether Chung and the KFA leadership interfered in Hong's appointmen

A government inquiry was launched after landslides at Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa killed eight people in January this year.

South Korean schools education authorities are set to expand the pilot programs limiting smart device use even during breaks from the second semester, in a bid to reduce cyberbullying and other student issues related to electronic devices. The Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education plans to designate 300 schools as “phone-free schools” by the end of this year, according to education officials Thursday. The participating schools will prohibit smartphone use unrelated to educational activities wh

The external review came after reporting by RNZ over claims of a "toxic" and "bullying" workplace culture.

New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals has opened the Sam's Creek site in the Upper Tākaka Valley to a competitive application process.

The embassy rejects a new report by New Zealand's top spy agency, claiming it contains multiple "false allegations against China".

North Korea has warned it could respond with "a new level of deterrent" to upcoming joint US-South Korea drills.

South Korea confirmed Friday that Kazakhstan would be given a quota for E-9 visas, allowing work mostly in manual labor sectors such as farming and manufacturing, starting in 2028. The announcement was made at a pangovernmental meeting in Seoul presided over by Lim Ki-keun, Minister for the Office for Government Policy Coordination. This means Kazakhstan nationals would be eligible to apply for E-9 visas, going on to work in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture, livestock, fi

Royal Bank of Canada and Bank of Montreal are selling payment processor Moneris Solutions Corp. to San Francisco-based investment firm Francisco Partners. Some analysts are raising concerns around what the deal means for Canada's digital sovereignty amid the country's trade war with the U.S.

Montreal police are quietly growing their network of AI-powered tools to track vehicles and people across the city, raising questions about public transparency and privacy rights.

Edmonton-based Studio Reset was founded by developers with years of experience working at studios like Electronic Arts-owned Bioware. As companies with billion-dollar budgets become more risk averse chasing the next big hit, it could be the best way for developers to flex their creative muscles.

Long Lake #58 is mourning the death by drug overdose of a third young person in this northwestern Ontario community this year. After demanding action from provincial, federal and policing partners to protect their members, Long Lake #58 and neighbouring Ginoogaming First Nation are now taking matters into their own hands.

Through yoga nights, concerts and affordable dinners, Legion branches across the country are making a big play to welcome new members in their 100th year — not only to fill needs in the community and provide third spaces for a younger generation, but also to ensure they can continue surviving.

A study of fossilized feces, known as coprolites, from 540 million years ago found fecal matter likely played a significant role in an explosion of biodiversity in the early Cambrian period. Paleontologists say these fossils can tell us a lot about ancient animals and the ecosystems they inhabited.

A person was taken to Greymouth Hospital, but died shortly after.

In the new program, local governments would designate companies engaging in community development and encourage them to enter vacant store revitalization business.

Seoul is looking to Euljiro's blend of industrial heritage and lively outdoor drinking culture as a model for drawing more tourists after dark, as city officials pledge safer streets and better multilingual guidance. The city’s G3 Seoul Planning Committee visited Euljiro on Thursday evening to examine its nighttime culture, pedestrian conditions and visitor flows. The committee was launched as a public-private advisory body with an aim to develop strategies to help Seoul become one of the world’

G-Dragon’s agency Galaxy Corporation pledged a 500 million won ($353,800) donation to the artist’s Juspeace Foundation to mark his birthday on Aug. 18, the company said Friday. On the day, “Juspeace Day 50,” an initiative to support 50 young artists will be launched with an event in Seoul. The project is part of the his aspiration to create more opportunities for young artists. The foundation has been discovering artists through a series of projects and fairs, and the upcoming event will include

The charges relate to 11 people, RNZ can reveal.

US President Donald Trump has moved to allow foreign companies investing in American shipyards to build up to two ships at their home-country facilities, which could give South Korea’s Hanwha a major advantage in its US naval shipbuilding business. Trump signed a presidential memorandum Thursday aimed at rebuilding the US Navy and domestic shipbuilding industry, creating an exemption to long-standing rules against the construction of US military vessels at foreign shipyards. "As foreign shipbuil

Top spy agency says China may be the 'most active' of several states observed conducting espionage against New Zealand.

Kuniko Asai, who was born in Manchuria during World War II and who now lives in Ishikawa Prefecture, relates the experiences of people who returned to Japan from the region.

Both her mother and stepfather say they were not the last person to check on Sadie-Leigh Gardner in her cot before she was found fatally injured.

The findings and recommendations of the review are still before Ministers more than a year after the review was first announced.

Every intervention to prop up the yen also creates a fresh opportunity to sell it.

Crews began shifting from a search-and-rescue effort to debris removal at many sites, a sign ​the disaster response was entering a grimmer phase after the crucial first 72 hours.

Medical staff and supplies are also being diverted to fight the virus.

Additionally, 2027 is expected to set a new high, according to an analysis.

MetService says about 40 millimetres of rain has already fallen in Gisborne, after a heavy downpour and thunderstorms on Friday morning.

NCT127 dedicated a song from its forthcoming album to fans, the group's label SM Entertainment said Friday. All seven members got together to sing “127 Million Miles,” promising that they will always be there regardless of the distance. Doyoung and Jungwoo also had their parts recorded although they enlisted on the same day in December last year. The remaining five members will bring out the subunit’s seventh studio album, “Blingy,” a nine-track album fronted by the title track, on Aug. 25. The

President Lee Jae Myung’s approval rating has fallen to the lowest level since taking office, with negative assessments outpacing positive assessment for the first time, weighed down by real estate policies. In the Gallup Korea poll released Friday, 46 percent of the respondents negatively assessed Lee’s performance, while 44 percent gave a positive assessment. Compared to the Gallup poll conducted in the final week of July, positive assessments slid 7 percentage points while negative assessment

At least eight people have died in eastern Japan after record breaking heavy rain that left thousands stranded overnight and snarled up roads and rail services, authorities said.

At least eight people have died in eastern Japan after record breaking heavy rain that left thousands stranded overnight and snarled up roads and rail services, authorities said.

South Korean transportation payment operator Tmoney said Friday it had officially launched its tagless payment service across all 25 stations on the first section of Seoul Subway Line 9, from Gaehwa to Sinnonhyeon. The system allows passengers to enter and exit stations without tapping a transportation card or smartphone against a fare gate. Users who activate the tagless function on the Android-based Mobile Tmoney app can simply walk through designated gates, with rides automatically detected t

The rising cost of living is challenging Takaichi's triumphant rhetoric about Japan's economy, as inflation causes pain for many, while also ushering in an era of renewed dynamism.

Although extreme heat has reduced South Korea's mosquito numbers this summer, health authorities caution that it is too soon to relax precautions as temperatures moderate. “As mosquito populations may increase again after the heat wave, local governments in high-risk areas should strengthen comprehensive control measures to reduce mosquito numbers,” KDCA chief Lim Seung-kwan said in a statement on Thursday. Lim urged those in high-risk areas to avoid outdoor activities at night, wear loose-fitti

The recent death of Ahn Pan-seok, the director of hit dramas "Behind the White Tower" in 2007 and "Something in the Rain" in 2018, has sparked tributes across Korea's entertainment industry. Kim Hye-soo, who starred in Ahn's series "Jjak," which means "partner" in Korean, told reporters Thursday that the news of his death had left her "numb and heavy-hearted." "He did not let go of his role as a director until his very last breath," she added. "I highly respect him for putting his all into direc

NewJeans reached 300 million plays on Spotify with “Hurt,” surpassing the milestone for the tenth time, Ador said Friday. The track from its eponymous debut album reached the milestone Wednesday, on the heels of “How Sweet,” which did so late last month. The news comes amid growing speculation that the group is set to return. Haerin was the first to step back into the spotlight, appearing on the cover of Marie Claire Korea’s September issue. It is her first individual move since she returned to

South Korea is rapidly becoming a ethnically diverse country, with more 5 percent of the population being categorized as foreign residents, but government data showed Friday that only 4,790 foreign nationals were recieving benefits from the state-funded insurance system for the elderly. Of 1.16 million beneficiaries of the long-term care insurance as of December, 2024, just 0.4 percent were foreign nationals, according to a report by the Health Insurance Research Institute. This is despite immig

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick notes that the U.S. is "too reliant" on foreign unmanned aircraft systems and their parts.

Three police cars and three ambulances are at the scene, a retail worker across the road says.

Richard Leman's killer has been jailed for life with a non-parole period of 17 years, during a hearing in the High Court today.

The timing of the visit is unusual, as it comes weeks in advance of when Putin was widely expected to travel to Russia's Far East.

Attorneys for Mangione, who is accused of killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, are meeting federal prosecutors on Friday.

Nigel Farage has won the Clacton by-election amid contested claims he was told by police not to attend the election count due to a "credible threat" against him.

A 31-year-old male who knew the victim, according to reports, was found nearby and arrested by police.

Colombia's disaster relief chief has vowed to find the hundreds of people still missing after a massive earthquake, as rescuers dug through rubble following the end of a critical lifesaving period.

Some community members in Nelson, B.C., organized a rally after a young grizzly bear was killed.

Samoa's Leader of the Opposition, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, has been arrested and charged with defamation towards Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt

Iran said it has not decided to ⁠resume talks with the United States, and messages being exchanged via Qatar and Pakistan do not amount ‌to ⁠negotiations, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said in an interview published today.

More than 7000 people have accessed Shakti Women's Refuge safe houses over the past two years.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said that Britain must face up to the changing climate and accelerate its move to clean energy as he visited a town where a wildfire gutted homes.

Solar specs are tricky to recycle because of their lenses, so here are three things to do instead.

New Zealand's spy agency says it is increasingly coming across espionage activity in the Pacific.

But as competition intensifies, not every brand will survive.

There has been a further rise in national hospital waiting list figures to the end of July.

The State has spent over €23 million in legal costs arising from Assessments of Need challenges since 2021, new figures have revealed.

Eyewitness evidence is powerful, but also potentially dangerous within a justice system, Criminal Cases Review Commissioner says.

Industry leaders say competition is intensifying in the car market, and not every brand is expected to survive.

A series of questions of still linger about how the man got a gun and what happened when police tried to stop him.

Bird remains were found in the engine of a Ryanair Boeing 737 NG plane where a passenger was partially sucked through a broken window shortly after takeoff from Greece in July, the US National Transportation Safety Board said.

A dozen people who took part in a weeks-long international student protest in northeast Calgary have been flagged as "being possibly inadmissible" and, according to an immigration lawyer, could be forced to leave Canada.

A high-altitude NASA spy plane was just tracked flying over British Columbia's wildfires. Why? It was on a mission to study "fire clouds," self-perpetuating thunderstorms generated by the blazes themselves that can trigger fire tornadoes and lightning. CBC Meteorologist Johanna Wagstaffe breaks down the science behind these pyrocumulonimbus storms and why climate change is making them more frequent.

The NZ government has been accused of trying to squeeze out the Pacific vote, after changing enrolment rules.

A former Crown lawyer claims tens of thousands of people are likely to have been subjected to "unlawful actions".

A datacenter is an oil well, and other insights

Several historic buildings sit abandoned around Auckland, including Carlile House in Grey Lynn and the former Carrington Hospital in Mt Albert.

People are short-changing themselves by succumbing to social media hype and FOMO, experts warn

After Liberal MP Shaun Chen announced Monday his plans to resign his seat in the House of Commons in September, he was accused online of breaking House rules by voting on legislation while he was in China earlier this year.

The enormous $300 million Seascape tower has been unfinished since construction stalled in 2024 but Bayleys real estate agency says it's on track to choose a preferred buyer within the next month.

A University of Waikato education professor says it's a massive omission and it's no consolation that the topic is included in the draft Year 11-13 Geography and Science curriculums.

A lack of profitability may be stalling further investment as well, new report finds.

The Kennedy Center board has voted to restore Donald Trump's name to the building, despite a previous court ruling that barred the renaming.

The B.C. RCMP's commanding officer has been ousted following unspecified allegations dating from 2016 to 2018, according to a statement from the force. Dwayne McDonald, who served as the RCMP's deputy commissioner, was relieved of his duties.

Huge fires have started tearing through homes in the West Midlands after dramatic footage circulating online showed enormous flames coming from buildings and a golf course.

The United States on Thursday said that it could maintain a naval blockade of Iran indefinitely and would ratchet up economic pressure on Tehran as ceasefire talks have floundered, global ‌oil supply is dropping and regional tensions are rising.

No grass growth due to the prolonged dry spell is costing many dairy farmers around €500 per day, as they have to eat into their winter fodder supplies to feed their herds.

A Co Wicklow solar physicist has described partaking in an aerial mission to record images of this week's eclipse as the highlight of her career.

A driver whose car veered off track and flipped over into a flooded stream at a forestry rally in Co Kerry was submerged under water for five to six minutes, an inquest has heard.

Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB) says the province has stunted conservation efforts in the Ashnola watershed by not pausing mining claims in an area of southern B.C., despite the First Nation declaring it an Indigenous Protected Area in 2022.

The company estimates the $2.2 billion mine could produce up to a fifth of the current global supply.

Fresh scrutiny has been put on the hours during which lifeguards patrol beaches as the spell of hot weather continues.

How much attention did you pay to what happened in the world over the past seven days?

The Harvey Nichols luxury store in Dundrum Town Centre is bust and interim provisional joint liquidators have been appointed by the High Court today.

Two people have been seriously injured after a train with around 150 people on board derailed in southeast England.

The Quebec government is introducing new measures to help prevent contraband from entering its detention facilities, including a 12-month pilot project that will require inmates at the Roberval Detention Centre to wear uniforms.

The vote to add the phrase 'Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump' to the building's façade sets up a test of a recent federal judge's ruling that blocked the performing arts venue's two-year closure and determined U.S. President Donald Trump's name was added to the building illegally.

Bishop Timothy Norton of Broome Diocese expresses his deep sorrow to victims and survivors following the conviction of Australian Bishop Christopher Saunders, pledging a diocesan path marked by listening, accountability, and hope.

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A new UNESCO collection of children's books in Indigenous and endangered languages across the world features 25 books from Canada in Indigenous languages as part of a language revitalization project.

With the rise in popularity of e-scooters and e-bikes, the Newfoundland and Labrador government is seeking the public’s input on road safety regulations.

Kiniw Tenasco, a Woodland dancer, won the hearts of folks at the Saugeen First Nation powwow this past weekend and online after his mom shared a video of him. Sunshine Tenasco, who is Anishinabe from Kitigan Zibi in Que., captioned the video that her son was born with Down syndrome and cerebral palsy.

Broken engine parts shattered a window on a Ryanair plane shortly after takeoff in Greece last month, causing a man's head to be sucked through the opening before his fellow passengers pulled him to safety, U.S. investigators said Thursday.

Frank Crowder, president of USW Local 7135 said a vote took place Tuesday evening which saw "one of the highest participation rates we've ever seen."

From September 10 to 13 and September 17 to 20, the cultural event promoted by the friars of the Sacred Convent returns. In the 800th anniversary year of St. Francis' death, this edition places life at the center, explored through relationships, culture, spirituality, well-being, and new technologies.

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A farmer in his 50s has died after getting into difficulty in a river in Co Cork.

Israeli forces have moved against rogue settlers laying siege to Palestinians amid unusually strong US criticism, even as Israel inaugurated an emblematic settlement elsewhere in the West Bank.

In this issue of our environmental newsletter, we learn how Canada is doing compared to other countries in a recent environmental report card, see Nazi warships uncovered by drought and heat in Europe and learn how event organizers and tourism are adapting to smoky summers in B.C.

A National Museum employee charged in connection with the seizure of an explosive device in Co Monaghan near the border has lodged a High Court bail application.

Korea Investment Holdings, a financial holding company in Korea, said Thursday it has been named the preferred bidder for KDB Life Insurance, an affiliate of the state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB). Three companies — Korea Investment Holdings, Hanwha Life Insurance and Heungkuk Life Insurance — had formally submitted their final bids for KDB Life Insurance last week. Korea Investment Holdings, which has a brokerage and other financial units under its wing, has sought to expand its business portfolio into insurance. Since 2014, KDB has attempted to sell the insurance unit. Korea Investment Holdings and KDB were expected to discuss the specifics of the sale, according to officials at the financial holding firm.

TOKYO — Japanese Crown Prince Akishino, the younger brother of Emperor Naruhito , on Thursday said he has “mixed feelings” about the government's revision to the Imperial House Law that reinforces a rule dictating only men can become emperor. “I believe there is no difference between men and women” in serving the roles of the imperial family to respond to social needs, Akishino said at a news conference ahead of a trip to Paraguay later this month to mark the 90th anniversary of Japanese emigration to the South American country. The comments by Akishino, the next in line for the throne, come just weeks after a historic revision to the Imperial House Law by the conservative government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that insists only paternal-lineage men can become emperor. The law has been criticized as anachronistic and sexist, and the revision sparked outrage and concern that the measure could doom the already shrinking imperial family. Critics say the government’s insistence on the male-only succession imposes an inhumane system on the royals without taking into considera

Eight years after her youngest daughter went missing during a school trip, a grieving mother sets out on a road trip with her remaining three daughters to get revenge on the killer, recently released from prison. This premise drives "The Journey to Gyeong-ju," the commercial debut by director Kim Mi-jo, who previously won the Grand Prize at the Jeonju International Film Festival with "Gull" (2021), a powerful indie drama about an elderly woman seeking justice. "The Journey to Gyeong-ju" follows Ok-sil (Lee Jeong-eun) and her three daughters, Jang-ju (Kong Hyo-jin), Young-ju (Park So-dam) and Dong-ju (Lee Yeon), as they head to the southwestern city of Gyeongju to deliver their own justice to Baek Sang-hyun (Byun Yo-han), the killer who received a lenient sentence. Their deadly plan often goes wrong in funny and awkward ways, but the mother’s strong desire for revenge makes the story deeply moving. The city of Gyeongju is where the youngest daughter, who is also named Gyeong-ju, suffered the terrible tragedy on her school trip, making the family's road trip a painful return to the plac

Base Group, a medium-sized Korean conglomerate that made headlines for paying $2 million to the Trump Organization, will establish Trump International Golf Club in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, the company said Thursday. In a press release, the company described the golf course as “the first Trump-brand golf development project in Northeast Asia” adding that the city of Hanam was chosen for its accessibility from the Seoul metropolitan area. In the release, Eric Trump, U.S. President Donald Trump’s second-oldest son and executive vice president of the Trump Organization, expressed his excitement to develop Trump International Golf Club Korea with Base Group and introduce the Trump brand to the Korean market for the first time. He said Korea is an extremely dynamic and sophisticated market, and the organization sees tremendous potential in creating a world-class Trump-branded golf course. “It will be a milestone for not only Base Group but also the domestic golf industry," Base Group Chairman Kim Sung-jib said. “We are delighted to introduce Trump International Golf Club Korea togeth

NEW DELHI — Air India pilots will undergo mandatory drug screening starting Thursday, according to an internal memo seen by AFP, after a captain involved in a serious mid-air incident reportedly tested positive for marijuana. Existing rules require airlines to randomly test at least 10 percent of their flight crew for psychoactive substances each year. "We have decided to undertake a full screening of all Group pilots for any substances or medications that are not permitted under prevailing regulations," the memo said. "Testing is mandatory and will start today." On August 4, at least 24 passengers were injured when an Airbus A320 lost about 300 feet (91 meters) of altitude shortly after departing from Thailand's Phuket for New Delhi. Local media reports said the main pilot had smoked marijuana and had tested positive in a second confirmatory test. Air India said the results have not been shared with them. Indian investigators have not commented on the reports but said they were closely examining evidence linked to the flight. The inquiry is being supported by Airbus and France's civil av

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has listed South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and the European Union among dozens of economies facing transshipment risks involving China-linked products, a White House report showed Thursday, as it seeks to tackle schemes to evade U.S. tariffs and other trade remedies. The White House Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy released the report, titled "The Great Transshipment Scam," identifying some 40 countries associated with "elevated" transshipment risks, noting that Chinese exporters route goods through third countries, using methods such as relabeling, repackaging and false country-of-origin claims. The report outlined its push to develop a "detective border" utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) that would support U.S. Customs and Border Protection by integrating shipment data, routing histories and other information to help identify high-risk shipments and facilitate duty collection and other measures. It classified South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, the EU, India, Canada, Mexico and Israel as "diversified scale leaders," highlighting their diver

New U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel has drawn attention by visiting Youngnak Church shortly after arriving in Seoul to assume her post. Behind her visit lies a deep family connection, intertwined with the historical roots of the venue as a sanctuary for North Korean refugees rebuilding their lives in the South. According to church officials and local reports, Steel visited the Protestant church in Jung District, central Seoul, right after arriving at Incheon International Airport on July 30. She returned to attend a Sunday service on Aug. 2, where church leaders introduced her to those attending the service. When asked by a local reporter whether she plans to attend services regularly, Steel gave a silent nod. A church official confirmed on Wednesday that Steel visited the venue accompanied by her aunt, who remains an active member of the church. "We understand that she visited with her aunt, who still attends our church," a church official told The Korea Times on condition of anonymity, citing privacy concerns. "While we cannot confirm whether she'll continue to attend, any

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Thursday called for an "immediate" readiness posture during a visit to a front-line Army unit, following an arms protocol lapse discovered at a corps-level unit. Ahn gave the instruction while inspecting the operational readiness of firearms at a watch post of the 5th Infantry Division, responsible for defense on the central front along the inter-Korean border. "Your immediate readiness posture is the most powerful force that protects the Republic of Korea," Ahn was quoted as saying by the ministry, referring to South Korea by its official name. Ahn instructed the forces to maintain full readiness in line with principles and respond "firmly and reflexively" if a situation arises, according to the ministry. His visit came after the Army's 1st Corps, a key front-line unit, was found to have allowed its soldiers to serve their guard duties with unloaded weapons to minimize accidental discharges. The corps commander has been relieved of duty over the lax practice. Ahn also visited a border security unit under the 5th division and called on the troops to mainta

Asiana Airlines said Thursday its net loss widened in the second quarter from a year earlier, hit by rising fuel costs and a weaker Korean currency. The second-quarter net loss stood at 328.6 billion won ($231 million), compared with a loss of 233.2 billion won for the same quarter last year, the company said in a statement. Asiana Airlines also posted an operating loss of 295.1 billion won in the second quarter. Sales fell 7.7 percent year-on-year to 1.54 trillion won. This week, shareholders of Asiana Airlines approved the airline's merger with larger rival Korean Air, wrapping up nearly six years of the latter's acquisition process.

The ideal of technology perfection meets the unruly realities of bodies, identities of human relationships in the Buk-Seoul Museum of Art’s new exhibition, “2026 Title Match Inhwan Oh vs. Seo Young Chang: Human Error.” The 13th edition of the museum’s annual title match exhibition, on view from Thursday through Oct. 25, brings together two Seoul-based contemporary artists whose practices differ in medium and generation but converge on a shared question: What remains distinctively human when technology is increasingly expected to be frictionless, efficient and even creative? The exhibition’s title borrows a term commonly used to identify mistakes caused by human limitations. Rather than treating human error — mistakes arising from physical or mental imperfection — as a defect to overcome, the exhibition reframes it as a condition of human existence and a source of creativity, curator Yoo Eun-soon said, spotlighting the two artists’ distinct efforts to disrupt and move beyond technological systems rather than simply conform to them. Oh, 61, presents “We’re Not One; Neit

Splayit, the five-member K-rock band assembled through Mnet's global band-making survival show "Steal Heart Club," released its debut album "SPLAY : CHAPTER 01" Thursday, entering a local rock scene that has spent the past few years absorbing new arrivals at a steady clip. The band consists of vocalist Yoonchan, drummer Eunbin, keyboardist and sub-vocalist Kyunguk, guitarist Aydn and bassist Eunchan. The name combines "splay" and "play it," a nod to the members' stated aim of spreading out their individual charms through music. Hours before the debut album's drop at 6 p.m., the band played its first official stage at Ilchi Art Hall in Seoul's Gangnam District, where the members performed the album and spoke about their debut. "When I first heard we were debuting, I thought the five of us would make our journey so much fun," Yoonchan said. "I could see a clear concept and real synergy, so I was excited. I'm grateful to the fans and the staff who got us to this moment." Aydn said the name fit before it was even chosen. "It suited the kind of music we make and the ambitious direction we're h

Seoul Botanic Park in the western part of the capital is hosting a special two-month summer aquatic plant exhibition through September, the park announced Thursday, offering visitors a unique look at rare, endangered native water lilies alongside giant exotic species. The exhibition spans multiple key zones across the park, including the outdoor Thematic Garden, the climate-controlled Exhibition Glasshouse, the expansive Lake Garden and the courtyard fronting the historic Magok Cultural Center. At the outdoor garden, colorful temperate water lilies and fragrant lotus blossoms are arranged alongside flower-adorned wooden boats, creating a serene, picturesque landscape reminiscent of French Impressionist painter Claude Monet’s iconic water garden in Giverny. Meanwhile, inside the tropical Exhibition Glasshouse, exotic international varieties display vivid hues of deep purple, electric blue and crimson, blooming high above the water's surface on raised stalks. A primary highlight of the showcase is the rare prickly water lily, a species designated as a Class II Endangered Wild Species in

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will be hosting BioBlitz Seoul 2026 at Mount Acha in eastern Seoul's Gwangjin District from Sept. 12-13, the city said Thursday, inviting citizens and experts to spend 24 hours discovering, observing and documenting local wildlife species. Located on the eastern edge of the capital along the border with Guri, Gyeonggi Province, Mount Acha serves as a critical ecological link connecting the urban core to the broader green belts of eastern Seoul, making its preservation vital for maintaining the city's biodiversity and wildlife corridors. Unlike last year's single-day schedule, this year's event returns to an intensive two-day, 24-hour format to deepen ecological exploration with specialized activities, including night insect tracking and early-morning bird watching. Featuring forests, streams, wetlands, and grasslands, the mountain offers a rich habitat for urban wildlife. Launched in 2015, the program operates out of the Achasan Ecological Park base camp and features three core components: an offline exploration division, expert dialogue sessions and pu

President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday stressed the need for Korea to adopt a selective enlistment system to transform the country’s armed forces into a “smart, elite and powerful military” centered on advanced equipment and technology. The president reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to the revised system, which was one of his election campaign pledges. The proposed system would let individuals choose between serving as active-duty conscripts for 18-21 months or as technology-intensive noncommissioned officers for four or five years — a longer commitment than rank-and-file conscription, offset by incentives such as higher salaries meant to attract volunteers. The proposal, which aims to sustain the broader conscription model over the long term by expanding service options, comes as Korea continues to grapple with a dwindling population of military-age men. “Amid the persistently low birthrate, maintaining the current inefficient military structure centered on manpower and infantry is neither feasible nor desirable,” Lee said during a meeting with senior secretaries at Che

The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) on Thursday filed a constitutional complaint against a recent legal revision abolishing prosecutors' authority to conduct direct investigations, calling it a measure that dismantles the country's criminal justice system. The move came amid concerns that scrapping the prosecution's investigative authority under the revision to the Criminal Procedure Act could conflict with their constitutionally recognized authority to request warrants. "The abolishment of supplementary investigative authority fundamentally undermines the foundation of the Criminal Procedure Act and could result in dismantling the entire criminal procedure system," Rep. Kim Tae-kyu, head of the PPP's legal advisory committee, said as he submitted the complaint to the Constitutional Court. "We believe it is absolutely necessary to raise the issue of its unconstitutionality and seek a ruling from the Constitutional Court," he added. The PPP argued that the revision violates a set of constitutional principles, including the prosecution's authority to request warrants and citizens'

Chaeyoung of K-pop girl group TWICE announced Thursday she will leave JYP Entertainment to pursue solo projects while confirming that she will continue group activities even after leaving the agency. The 27-year-old singer said in a social media post that she wanted to inform fans first about her decision. "I plan to build my own music activities in my 'Lil Fantasy' world," Chaeyoung said, referring to the title of her debut solo album released last year. She thanked JYP staff and her fellow TWICE members for their support over the past 14 years. Chaeyoung did not disclose details about her new agency, saying discussions were ongoing. She stressed, however, that her activities as a TWICE member would remain unchanged. "I believe the reason I've received so much love is because of the time I've spent as TWICE, my roots," she said. Her departure follows that of bandmate Jeongyeon, who recently signed with Varo Entertainment, the agency of her older sister, actress Gong Seung-yeon. TWICE, one of K-pop's most successful girl groups, debuted in 2015 under JYP. The nine-member band has released m

A senior Pentagon official on Thursday said the United States' new nuclear strategy currently under review is not aimed at highlighting the possible use of theater-range nuclear weapons but at deterring possible use of nuclear weapons by others by setting up a clear threshold. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby made the remarks amid reports that the Pentagon is drafting a new nuclear strategy with a focus on the use of shorter-range tactical weapons in case of regional conflicts. "Obviously, the goal here, I stress, is to maintain deterrence and stability rather than to exacerbate it. One thing I would like to specifically clarify is that we are not seeking to accentuate or increase the focus on theater-range nuclear weapons," Colby said during a virtual press briefing with reporters Thursday. "Our view is that the more important elements about nuclear weapons, God forbid they were ever used, would be crossing of the nuclear threshold itself, as well as the effect it might have," he added. Colby explained the review is also aimed at making sure that "the potential emplo

SEOUL/SEONGNAM, Gyeonggi Province — People started showing up in front of the main entrance of the Homeplus in southwestern Seoul's Gangseo District before its 10 a.m. opening Thursday. Some 30 minutes before, the crowd of mostly older adults began lining up in front of the local outlet. For the past 31 days, the store has remained closed as the company temporarily suspended operations due to a lack of operating funds during the rehabilitation process. The store is back in business after a Seoul court gave the cash-strapped retailer another chance, with the new deadline for court approval of its rehabilitation plan set for Sept. 4. One woman who lives in the vicinity said she had learned about the store’s reopening, noting that before the temporary closure of 67 outlets on July 13, shelves at the Homeplus Gangseo were nearly empty. “There were no eggs, no milk. But I still came here today because prices are often on sale and affordable,” she said. Fifteen minutes before opening, visitors were allowed inside the building. But when over 100 customers formed a queue in front of the

KOSPI surged 3.56 percent Thursday, extending its winning streak to four sessions as sharp gains in semiconductor heavyweights kept the index in positive territory. The benchmark KOSPI closed at 6,813.34, up 3.56 percent from the previous session. The index opened 2.96 percent higher and extended its gains throughout the session. Foreign and institutional investors bought a net 2.1 trillion won ($1.47 billion) and 680.9 billion won worth of shares, respectively. Retail investors, however, sold a net 2.73 trillion won worth of shares amid profit-taking. An overnight rally in U.S. semiconductor stocks spilled over into the Korean chip sector, boosting investor sentiment. SK hynix rose 5.92 percent to close at 1,593,000 won, while Samsung Electronics gained 4.89 percent to finish at 268,000 won. Samsung Electro-Mechanics also rallied after Morgan Stanley replaced Samsung Electronics with the company as its top pick and raised its target price to 2.62 million won from 2.56 million won. Shares jumped 12.58 percent to close at 1,503,000 won. Foreign investors' net selling pressure has eased con

North Korea’s recent criticisms against South Korea’s nuclear submarine plans and Japan’s consideration of non-nuclear policy revisions, coupled with its latest missile tests, are likely aimed at boosting ties with China and Russia and bolstering its nuclear narrative, experts said. They believe Pyongyang's recent actions were timed with the expected visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Seoul, as early as next week. In a commentary released by Pyongyang's state-run news outlet Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Wednesday, Jang Kum-chol, first vice minister of North Korea's foreign ministry, criticized Seoul’s nuclear-powered submarine development plan with the United States, saying, "South Korea’s push to acquire nuclear-powered submarines will inevitably trigger a nuclear domino effect across the Asia-Pacific region." The criticism came three months after Seoul unveiled in May the Jang Bogo N Program, an initiative to develop around three 8,000-ton nuclear-powered submarines. A piece published by the KCNA on Wednesday attributed to international affairs commentator R

TOKYO — Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup, a Japan-claimed island at the end of the Kuril chain near the island of Hokkaido, Russian media said on Thursday, a day after major naval drills and a missile firing by ally North Korea. Moscow and Tokyo never signed a formal World War Two peace treaty as the main hurdle was the unresolved territorial dispute over the islands, which Japan calls the Northern Territories. On the trip, which state news agency TASS described as Putin's first in person to the island chain, he visited the Yasny fish-processing plant on Iturup, after overseeing the navy drills in Russia's far east. Japan's foreign minister protested against Putin's visit on X. "The northern territories, including Etorofu, are Japan's inherent territory both historically and based on international law," said Toshimitsu Motegi. "Japan strongly protests this visit." Vesti TV channel images showed Putin in a dark suit, standing in a room looking at two large tuna and halibut on a table, as two officials spoke about fishing and the migratory behaviour of fish. He also stopped

Korea’s cryptocurrency regulatory framework is reaching a crossroads, with rules tightening on one front while efforts are underway to delay taxation on investment gains. Financial authorities plan to expand the “travel rule” for crypto transactions to cover all transfers, requiring exchanges to collect and provide transaction information, while also tightening registration and screening requirements for virtual asset service providers. Meanwhile, a bill has been proposed to postpone the planned taxation of crypto investment gains by three years, reigniting debate over when such taxes should take effect. According to the Financial Services Commission, the country’s financial regulator, an amendment approved Tuesday by the Cabinet will extend the travel rule to all crypto transfers, including those below 1 million won ($705). Under current rules, exchanges are required to share transaction information only for transfers worth at least 1 million won. The change removes the threshold to prevent users from splitting transactions into smaller amounts to evade the rule. The revised rule

Korea's top Catholic leader on Thursday expressed condolences to victims of a deadly earthquake in Colombia and said he would pray alongside the faithful of the Korean church for all those affected by the disaster. Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul said in a statement that he was extending "heartfelt condolences" to Colombians who have lost family and neighbors and were facing threats to their homes and livelihoods. Chung said he would pray alongside all the faithful in the Seoul Archdiocese for the dead and their bereaved families, the injured, and all those affected by the disaster in Colombia. The archdiocese later announced that two of its charity groups would provide a combined $100,000 in emergency relief funds through Caritas Internationalis, with additional fundraising planned until mid-September. A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia earlier this week, leaving more than 200 people dead.

The police investigation into the so-called “Injection Aunt” case, involving allegations of illegal medical treatment provided to comedian Park Na-rae and others, is expanding to other celebrities reportedly summoned by authorities and questioned over their alleged connections to the case. Controversy has intensified after broadcaster Jun Hyun-moo, SHINee members Key and Onew, and YouTuber HAETNIM the short mouth were reportedly called in by police. Police said Wednesday that the Seoul Gangnam Police Station questioned Jun, Key, Onew, and HAETNIM one after another between June and July as part of an investigation into allegations that they received medical procedures from an unlicensed practitioner. The individuals are alleged to have received medical treatment from a woman identified as A, who is known by the nickname “Injection Aunt.” A is reportedly not licensed to practice medicine in Korea and allegedly performed medical procedures at locations including officetels and inside vehicles. Police are reportedly focusing on whether those questioned knew in advance that A was not a

Having a cold beer by the water at Cheonggye Stream may soon come with an unexpected price tag. Foreign tourists as well as local visitors could face fines for drinking or smoking along Seoul’s Cheonggye Stream, as the city moves to crack down on unruly behavior following a series of incidents that drew public criticism. Drinking, smoking, entering the water, cooking, sleeping outdoors, urinating and bringing pets to the stream area are already prohibited. But there has been no legal basis for imposing fines, leaving safety officers from the Seoul Facilities Corp. with little option beyond warning violators. A team of 40 safety officers currently patrols the full length of the stream in shifts. The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to formally designate the entire 8.12-kilometer stretch from Cheonggye Plaza to where the stream meets Jungnang Stream as a no-smoking and no-drinking zone under the National Health Promotion Act and revise related ordinances so district officials can directly enforce the rules and begin imposing fines by the end of the year. Fines for drinking and smoking

More than 980 households in Busan lost power Sunday after a crow came into contact with electrical equipment, authorities said. The outage left residents without air conditioning for about an hour amid a record-breaking heat wave. This incident came only a day after another outage affected 986 households in the same city, which authorities also believe was caused by crows coming into contact with power facilities. On July 8, a similar incident also occurred in Seoul’s Mapo District, when a crow touched a high-voltage line on a utility pole, cutting power to 286 households. In some cases, the consequences are far more serious than a temporary loss of convenience. On June 30, a ready-mix concrete truck driver was severely injured after being electrocuted in Taean, South Chungcheong Province, when a crow’s contact with a utility pole caused a 22,900-volt power line to snap and fall onto his vehicle. These cases are part of a broader rise in crow-related problems as they become increasingly visible in urban areas, where they can build nests near power lines and forage in residential nei

Police said Thursday they have busted a Thailand-based voice phishing ring that allegedly swindled 6.7 billion won ($4.73 million) from 68 victims in Korea last year. Eleven members of the phishing ring, including its 29-year-old Korean leader, have been apprehended and referred to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office, with nine of them put under arrest, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. The police also took measures to freeze 157 million won in criminal proceeds. The suspects, all in their 20s and 30s, are accused of impersonating Financial Supervisory Service and prosecution officials to demand and obtain nude photos from victims between May and December last year, producing sexual exploitation materials using the photos, and extorting about 6.7 billion won by demanding deposits purportedly for victim compensation. The phishing ring was formed last year with 24 members, including 20 Koreans and four Chinese nationals, according to police officials. They set up a call enter in Bangkok and carried out the scam by dividing their members into three roles. Randomly s

Naver has invested in Panthalassa, a U.S. startup developing floating artificial intelligence (AI) data centers powered by ocean waves, as the tech giant moves to secure infrastructure to meet the rapidly growing demand for AI computing. The company on Thursday announced the investment without disclosing details such as the amount or the size of the stake it acquired. It said the investment is aimed at expanding its capabilities in next-generation AI data center technologies, including renewable energy-powered facilities. Founded in 2016, Panthalassa is a renewable energy startup developing floating data centers that use wave energy to generate electricity without relying on separate power plants or fuel, potentially helping meet the growing power demands of AI as demand for computing capacity surges. “Naver is rapidly securing differentiated data center infrastructure through global partnerships as we expand our business into AI data centers,” Naver CEO Choi Soo-yeon said. “We will proactively invest in next-generation technologies such as wave-powered renewable energy AI data cen

Korea has completed the development of the country's first small satellite constellation set to be topped on the Nuri rocket in October, and held a pre-shipment review on Thursday, the space agency said. The group of spacecraft is part of Korea's project to operate 10 lightweight satellites for high-precision observation of the Korean Peninsula and its surrounding waters, the Korea Aerospace Agency (KASA) said. An electro-optical camera with a spatial resolution from 1m to 4m will be topped on the satellites, the agency said. The five satellites are Korea's first mass-produced earth observation satellite using commercial off-the-shelf parts. The country had previously launched a prototype in April 2024. KASA said the satellites highlight Korea's continuously advancing satellite production capacity, and vowed to strengthen the country's competitiveness in the space industrial sector.

Homeplus resumed normal operations at 67 stores on Thursday following a temporary shutdown brought on by the risk of liquidation, with its performance over the next three weeks likely to be critical to its survival, according to industry officials. The Seoul Bankruptcy Court has scheduled a creditors’ meeting for Sept. 2 to review and vote on the retailer’s revised rehabilitation plan, two days before the Sept. 4 deadline for the court to approve the plan. Homeplus submitted its second revised rehabilitation plan to the court, Wednesday, with the upcoming creditors’ meeting expected to be a decisive turning point for the company. Failure to secure approval for the plan could lead to the termination of the court-supervised rehabilitation process. The court would then determine whether Homeplus has a viable path forward before considering bankruptcy proceedings. The reopening of the 67 stores comes about a month after they were temporarily closed as the company struggled to pay suppliers and landlords amid a shortage of operating funds. The court initially moved to terminate Homeplus

Veteran television director Ahn Pan-seok, renowned for his acclaimed melodramas, died on Wednesday while undergoing treatment after suffering a brain hemorrhage. He was 64. The sudden death came just two weeks after reports said he was recovering, prompting an outpouring of grief from colleagues across the Korean entertainment industry. His final work, ENA's upcoming drama “Love Doctor,” is scheduled to premiere in October and will be remembered as his last directorial project. The production team of “Love Doctor” also confirmed his death in an official statement, saying it was “heartbroken to share the sad news.” Funeral proceedings will be held privately, with details kept from the press. News of Ahn's brain hemorrhage was first reported on July 31. At the time, Studio Genie told Xportsnews that the director was “currently recovering” and that filming for “Love Doctor” had already been completed, including editing, so there would be no impact on the drama's broadcast schedule. Ahn had reportedly been diagnosed with lung cancer last year and had been receiving treatm

Foreign ministers of Korea and Fiji held talks in Seoul on Thursday, seeking ways to strengthen bilateral ties and discussing energy supply chains and other areas of mutual interest, Seoul's foreign ministry said. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met his Fijian counterpart, Sakiasi Ditoka, who is currently visiting Korea. Ditoka's visit comes as the two countries mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The last visit by a Fijian foreign minister to Seoul was in September 2015. Ditoka expressed hope to deepen cooperation with Seoul on energy supply chains, noting that countries across the Asia-Pacific region have been hit particularly hard by the volatile security situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Cho agreed that securing stable, resilient energy supply chains has become more important than ever. The two sides agreed to deepen collaboration and continue close consultation on that front, the ministry said. Cho also said Korea has sought to expand cooperation with Fiji in healthcare and energy, areas that Fiji has found especially valuable. Ditoka thanked Korea for its support and aske

Nearly half of Korean idol groups vanish within three years of debut, and only 3.55 percent ever sell 300,000 copies of a one album, an analysis of K-pop acts over the past three decades showed. The findings confirmed that while the K-pop industry has gone global, its rewards have narrowed to only a handful of names. The study was published late last month in the Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association by Kim Jeong-seop, a professor at the Graduate School of Cultural Industry & Arts at Sungshin Women's University. It covers all 1,182 groups registered with the Korea Popmusic Industry Association that debuted between 1996, the year boy band H.O.T. set the template for modern idol production, and the end of 2025. Soloists and coed acts were excluded, leaving 588 girl groups and 594 boy groups, with an average of 39.4 debuts a year. Ninety-seven groups, or 8.21 percent, have sold more than 100,000 copies of an album, the threshold at which a working fandom is generally considered to have formed. A total of 42 cleared 300,000, the figure the industry uses as the break-even point o

Seoul is hosting a compelling new art exhibition that examines the lingering memories and subtle traces left behind by residents in a rapidly evolving metropolitan landscape. “Traces of Seoul,” a solo exhibition by artist Chang Eun-woo, runs from Aug. 13 through Nov. 2 at the Sky Plaza Gallery, located on the eighth floor of Seoul City Hall. Overlooking the bustling expanse of Seoul Plaza, the gallery space has presented an annual artist selection program since 2014, offering local residents and international visitors free access to contemporary visual arts embedded within the heart of local government. Selected as one of just three winning proposals out of 130 competitive submissions for the 2026 Sky Plaza Gallery schedule, Chang’s showcase shines a gentle light on Seoul’s narrow alleyways, neighborhood streets and everyday urban scenes. These spaces, often overlooked due to their quiet familiarity, represent a side of the city that is gradually disappearing under modern redevelopment. To capture this transience, Chang uses a distinctive artistic technique of cutting and layeri

The Korea Foundation (KF) has inaugurated a milestone academic network connecting six prominent universities across five Latin American nations, aiming to expand the reach of Korean studies and foster cross-continental scholarly exchange throughout the region. The official launch ceremony for the KF Global e-School UCEN-Latin America Consortium for Korean Studies took place Wednesday at the Universidad Central de Chile (UCEN) campus in Santiago. High-profile attendees included KF President Song Gui-do, UCEN President Santiago Gonzalez Larrain and Korean Ambassador to Chile Kim Hak-jae. To mark the inauguration, Kim Won-ho, professor emeritus at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, delivered a keynote lecture exploring actionable insights from South Korea’s rapid economic and democratic development for Latin American nations. Spanning member institutions in Chile, Peru, Argentina, Ecuador and Colombia, the consortium leverages an innovative digital educational model. Participating universities will integrate specialized online Korean studies courses provided by fellow consortium membe

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook on Thursday visited the site of a 2024 plane crash and sought to comfort bereaved families of the 179 victims amid delays in recovering the remains and determining what exactly led to the crash and who is responsible. "I am truly sorry and heavy hearted to see you all here," Han said during a meeting with bereaved family members at Muan International Airport, about 290 kilometers south of Seoul, where the Jeju Air plane belly-landed, crashed into a concrete mount and erupted into flames on Dec. 29, 2024. "It is hard to imagine what you have gone through," she said. "As a government representative, I feel responsibility." Han said she is aware that what the bereaved families want the most is to determine the exact cause, adding that the reason the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board moved from the land ministry to under the prime minister's office is to ensure its independence and fairness. Han also offered a flower at the mourning altar set up at the airport. Efforts to recover the victims' remains and belongings are still ongoing. The government

Rain is forecast across Korea over the upcoming three-day weekend, the national weather agency said Thursday, likely bringing relief to southern regions suffering from a severe drought. Sudden showers are forecast for inland parts of the country Saturday before nationwide rain over the next two days due to a low pressure system advancing from Shanghai, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). The upcoming long weekend runs through Monday — an alternative holiday for Liberation Day, which falls on Saturday this year. The forecast comes as southern parts of the country, especially the southeastern province of South Gyeongsang, have seen water storage levels drop due to low precipitation in recent months. Between July 12 and Aug. 11, southern parts of the country received 58.5 millimeters of rain, roughly one-fourth of the long-term average of 241.9 mm over the cited period. Precipitation in South Gyeongsang and the southeastern cities of Busan and Ulsan totaled just 16.6 mm over the period, marking the lowest level for the timeframe since 1973, when the country establis

Mirae Asset Securities took the lead in the brokerage industry's earnings race in the first half of the year, with net profit exceeding that of Korea Investment & Securities by more than 1 trillion won ($706.5 million), according to industry officials, Thursday. If the lead holds through year-end, Mirae Asset Securities will reclaim the industry's top spot in annual net profit for the first time in four years, they said. Mirae Asset Securities posted consolidated net profit of 2.91 trillion won in the first half of this year, up 338 percent from a year earlier, while Korea Investment & Securities recorded 1.73 trillion won, up 68.9 percent. In 2025, Korea Investment & Securities reported a net profit of 2.01 trillion won, 420 billion won more than Mirae Asset Securities' 1.59 trillion won, making it the first brokerage in Korea to surpass 2 trillion won in annual net profit. The picture, however, changed dramatically in the first half of this year. Mirae Asset Securities' first-half net profit alone exceeded its full-year profit from last year and even surpassed the net profits of four m

Starbucks Korea operator SCK Company has swung to an operating loss in the second quarter, following a controversial promotional event that drew nationwide criticism for allegedly insulting victims of the bloody crackdowns on major pro-democracy uprisings in the 1980s, prompting some consumers to launch boycotts. During an earnings call Thursday, Emart, which operates SCK Company, said the coffee chain posted an operating loss of 18.4 billion won ($13 million) in the second quarter, swinging from 40.3 billion won of operating profit a year earlier. During the same period, net sales declined 6.1 percent to 747.3 billion won. The company attributed the loss to the absence of its Summer Frequency promotional event in June, but did not cite worsening consumer sentiment toward the brand or boycott attempts as factors. Starbucks Korea came under fire after it launched a promotion campaign for its tank-style tumblers, designating May 18 as “Tank Day.” The date marks the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju uprising, when pro-democracy demonstrators were brutally suppressed by military forces us

The government’s plan to relocate hundreds of public institutions outside the Seoul metropolitan area is gaining ground with President Lee Jae Myung throwing his support behind it, intensifying competition among municipalities seeking to host major organizations. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is drawing up a road map for the second round of relocations, reviewing roughly 350 institutions and their affiliates currently based in the capital region. The plan comes after the first round of relocations was completed in 2019. It could be outlined this month or by September at the latest, according to Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yoon-duk. He added that the road map would then be reported to the president. The relocation drive gained further momentum from Lee’s repeated calls to group institutions in related sectors within the same regions. “Balanced regional development is a matter of national survival, so we cannot approach it by simply scattering institutions around,” Lee said in March. At a nationally televised news conference marking his fi

LS Electric said Thursday that its Power Testing & Technology Institute (PT&T) has been accredited by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) as a Witnessed Manufacturer's Testing Laboratory, a status that lets the company conduct its own certification testing for the North American market rather than shipping products to outside labs. Following the accreditation, LS Electric can now run standardized tests on its power equipment directly at PT&T, with CSA representatives witnessing the process, and obtain CSA certification based on those in-house results. CSA is a third-party testing and certification body that manufacturers must go through to enter the Canadian and broader North American market. It is designated by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, putting it on par with global certification bodies in its authority to certify products and issue certification marks. Demand for power equipment in North America has surged amid the buildout of artificial intelligence data centers, the integration of renewable energy and t

In a bid to satisfy Chinese consumers’ growing appetite for Korean goods, JD.com, China’s largest e-commerce platform, opened a direct sourcing office in Seoul, signaling a potential turnaround for Korean exports after years of post-pandemic stagnation. The announcement, delivered jointly by Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), comes as trade between the two Asian neighbors recalibrates around digital platforms and changing consumer habits. To celebrate the launch of JD.com’s new purchasing unit, government officials hosted a delegation of 12 senior executives from the Chinese e-commerce titan — led by Vincent Yang, vice chairman and head of cross-border business — for a high-level briefing and business matchmaking session at KOTRA headquarters in Seoul. The initiative arrives at a crucial inflection point. Exports across Korea's five primary consumer goods categories — cosmetics, food, fashion, household items and pharmaceuticals — had suffered a sustained downward slide following the pandemic. Howeve

Samsung SDS said its AI-powered collaboration platform, Brity Works, is rapidly being adopted as an official tool across Korean government ministries, with nine central government bodies having confirmed their intention to use the platform as of this month. Following the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the Ministry of Planning and Budget in April, seven more ministries — including the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the Financial Services Commission and the Overseas Koreans Agency — have also confirmed their intention to use the platform, bringing the total to nine. The ministries are expected to roll out the service in stages through August, the company said. The moves follow an announcement by Korea's Ministry of the Interior and Safety that it plans to expand OnAI, a generative AI-based intelligent work management platform, to more than 40 central government agencies by the end of this year. Samsung SDS is providing Brity Works as the official collaboration tool supporting that in

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) has ruled that the common practice of charging women separately for towels and soap at public bathhouses while providing them free of charge to men constitutes gender discrimination. NHRCK’s Discrimination Remedy Committee determined that a bathhouse that was providing towels and soap free of charge to men while imposing an additional fee on women amounted to discrimination. It ordered the bathhouse to take corrective measures and recommended that the head of the local government provide administrative guidance, the commission said Thursday. The case began in September last year, when a female bathhouse customer filed a complaint with the NHRCK, arguing that it was unfair for only women to be charged for towels and soap. The bathhouse said towels were frequently lost in the women’s section and that it had therefore begun charging nonmember female customers an additional fee. It also claimed that other bathhouses operated in the same manner. The NHRCK, however, said that even if the recovery rate for towels in the women’s sectio

The 2026 World Print & Communication Congress, sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, will run from Tuesday through Friday at the KINTEX exhibition center in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, and in nearby Paju. Hosted in Korea for the first time since 2016, this year's congress unites representatives from 33 nations and nearly 500 global industry leaders under the banner "A Global Printing Festival Connecting the World Through Hallyu." Vice Culture Minister Kim Young-soo will deliver welcoming remarks, Tuesday, for the general assembly’s official opening ceremony at KINTEX. Founded in 1989 in Brussels, the World Print & Communication Forum serves as a premier international platform driving innovation across the global publishing and print sectors. Korea joined as a full member in 2003. National influence within the forum has expanded steadily, culminating in 2024 with the election of Kim Byung-soon, president of the Korean Printers Association, as forum president. Korea subsequently secured hosting rights for this year's congress during the 2025 assembly in Zurich. The fo

MEDINACELI, Spain — Millions of people crowded cloudless cities and towns in Spain on Wednesday in search of the best views of a total solar eclipse, when the alignment of the sun, moon and Earth briefly plunged parts of the planet into darkness. The crowds brought lawn chairs and umbrellas as they eagerly awaited the celestial spectacle, which began early in the evening. As the sky darkened, gradually at first and then quickly, people broke into applause and cheered. It was the country's first total solar eclipse in more than a century. “It’s simply impossible to imagine,” Rosa Celiberti, a language teacher who watched from Medinaceli, a Roman-era hilltop town in northeast Spain, said with tears in her eyes. “No matter how many photos or videos you’ve seen, nothing comes even close to what it actually feels like." Across a wide band of northern and central Spain and Portugal, millions of people enjoyed some of mainland Europe's best views of the eclipse. It also passed over slivers of Greenland and Iceland. Totality — when the moon completely covers the sun’s light — w

The national finals of the 18th President's Cup Amateur Esports Championship will take place this Saturday and Sunday at the Gyeongju Indoor Gymnasium in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Thursday. Organized by the culture ministry alongside the Korea e-Sports Association, North Gyeongsang Province, the City of Gyeongju and the Gyeongju Cultural Foundation, the annual tournament has run continuously since 2009. The initiative aims to build a sustainable foundation for amateur talent while promoting balanced regional growth across Korea's esports ecosystem. Admission is free for all in-person spectators. For those watching remotely, the entire event will be livestreamed online via Naver's Chzzk, SOOP (formerly AfreecaTV) and YouTube. This year's competition brings together roughly 300 players and officials representing all 16 of Korea's provincial-level administrative regions. Competitors will face off across five distinct titles: League of Legends, the Korean-developed battle royale hit Eternal Return, football simulation game EA Spor

Brazilian choreographer and performer Maruan Sipert has been roaming Seoul for days, observing street cleaners, traffic, weathered walls and construction sites. For the Lisbon-based artist, these are not simply scenes from his first trip to Korea. They are choreography. The dancer brings these encounters back to the Brazilian Embassy where he is currently working to shape a new performance and installation for the 16th Gwangju Biennale, scheduled to open on Sept. 5. While Brazilian artists have been invited to the exhibit before, this year marks a milestone: Brazil will have its own national pavilion for the first time. “My interest is the discourse of the cities,” he said as to the source of his artistic inspiration. Seoul’s scale, relentless pace and workplace pressures have become central to his reading of the city, he said, where people seem perpetually in motion and urban life can feel both rhythmic and constraining. Sipert is one of nine Brazilian artists taking part in the pavilion. The Brazilian Embassy in Seoul has offered them space to prepare their works, opening the studi

Nearly two decades after its theatrical release, director Shim Hyung-rae’s 2007 science-fiction fantasy film "D-War" has surged on Netflix to spark renewed international interest. The film reached No. 2 on the streaming platform's movie charts in major European markets. According to data released by streaming rankings tracker FlixPatrol, "D-War" ranked No. 6 on its global Netflix movie chart on Aug. 8 and 9, before slipping to No. 9 on Tuesday. The film climbed to No. 2 in France, Germany and Italy. Shim directed and co-wrote the 2007 film, which blends the fantasy genre with traditional Korean elements. The movie features an "imugi," a mythical serpent from Korean folklore, and includes a regional version of the folk song "Arirang." During its original domestic run, "D-War" sold about 8.4 million tickets in Korean theaters. However, the film received mixed reviews upon release, with audiences and critics divided over its narrative execution and computer-generated effects. The unexpected chart revival began after the film was added to Netflix on Aug. 6. Foreign media have attributed th

President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating fell to the lowest level since his inauguration, a poll showed Thursday. In a National Barometer Survey (NBS) conducted from Monday to Wednesday, Lee's approval rating stood at 49 percent, down 4 percentage points from the previous poll conducted two weeks earlier. It marks the first time his approval rating fell below 50 percent in the biweekly survey. The result came after another local pollster, Realmeter, said Lee's approval rating fell to the lowest point since his inauguration in June 2025 in its weekly survey released earlier this week. Realmeter had attributed the decline to several factors, including the government's proposed property tax revision and controversy surrounding a recently passed revision to the Criminal Procedure Act that strips prosecutors of their authority to conduct direct investigations. The new tax adjustments seek to impose a heavier tax burden on owners of high-end homes and homeowners who do not reside in their properties, as part of efforts to stabilize the housing market. Critics, however, have raised concerns that

The government unveiled a plan Thursday to add more than 230,000 homes across Seoul and surrounding Gyeonggi Province, as well as accelerating construction of already planned housing units, as part of President Lee Jae Myung's struggling efforts to tame rising home prices and rents. The government will designate new public housing districts and construct approximately 27,000 units in three locations. Western Seoul's Gangseo District will be the site of about 1,000 new units, while Namyangju and Gwangju in Gyeonggi Province will receive roughly 21,700 and 4,500 homes, respectively. The ministry plans to begin construction at the three sites within three to four years, and announce the remaining sites as soon as possible. The government also said it will move up the construction of 89,000 homes already scheduled to be built at sites including the Taereung military golf course in Nowon District, Seoul, and Seoul Racecourse Park in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. It will also cut the time needed to begin construction on public housing sites to 37 months from the current 68 months by streamlinin

NEW YORK — If you bought something from an overseas vendor last year, it might be time to check your bank account. Shippers including FedEx and UPS that acted as customs brokers for imported packages and received tariff refunds from the U.S. government have started to pass on those refunds to the customers that originally paid the tariffs. The refunds to consumers are the last step in a monthslong process that kicked off in February when the Supreme Court struck down sweeping tariffs implemented by President Donald Trump in March 2025 under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act on goods from almost every country. The court ordered the government to return the tariffs it collected. So far, about $100 billion in tariffs have been refunded to companies who paid them under a system set up by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. That doesn't mean Americans will get anywhere close to what they paid in tariffs, since most were paid indirectly. In 2025, the Trump tariffs amounted to an average tax increase of $1,000 per U.S. household, according to the Tax Foundation, a Washingto

A contract middle school teacher received disciplinary measures after filming a student making noise during class for five seconds, an action that education authorities concluded constituted emotional child abuse. The Office of Education in North Gyeongsang Province said Wednesday that a child abuse complaint was filed early last month against a contract teacher at a middle school in Yeongju. A subsequent investigation by education authorities found that the teacher, who had been working at the school since May and identified only as A, used a smartphone to film the classroom two to three times when students repeatedly refused to follow instructions and made noise during class. The teacher reportedly told the students that the videos, each lasting around five seconds, would be sent to their parents. However, the videos were not sent to the parents and were later deleted. After receiving the complaint, the education office convened a personnel advisory committee, during which A is said to have defended the action as an attempt to calm the class after the students continued to disobey ins

GAUR, Nepal — The young mother’s breath had grown ragged. Inside her mud home in rural Nepal, she hunched over in agony, pain pummeling her pregnant belly, her swollen legs scarcely able to support her. Kabita Mukhiya was in the midst of an emergency, but didn’t know it. For weeks, she’d suffered at home, because there was nobody around to tell her to rush to a hospital. The aid workers who once regularly visited her village to help pregnant women had stopped coming, after foreign aid cuts by the United States shuttered a program aimed at saving mothers’ and babies’ lives. Kabita was uneducated and impoverished, and she did not know what was happening to her body. In desperation, she turned at last to her aunt for help, who hauled her off to the hospital, where both women wept as the doctors said things neither could understand. Which is why Kabita — confused and confined to her hospital bed — turned to something she could understand: prayer. “Please save the baby,” she begged God through her tears. “Please save me.” Then, through the chaos, came the words that Kab

Ahead of Korea's 81st National Liberation Day, a long-lost calligraphic work written in prison by one of the nation's most revered independence activists has finally returned home from Japan. Unveiled to the public for the first time Thursday at Deoksu Palace’s Jungmyeongjeon Hall in Seoul, the eight-character scroll by Ahn Jung-geun offers a piercing, tragic reflection on the ultimate futility of global legal protocols when confronted by raw imperial aggression. The calligraphy reads “Man guk gong beop bul yeo dae po” — a stark declaration translating to: “International law is no match for military might.” At its core, the phrase delivers a bitter, cynical truth about global power politics: Diplomatic treaties and international laws mean nothing when faced with superior firepower. Ahn penned this stinging critique in March 1910 inside Lushun Prison in northeastern China, just days before his execution at age 30 by Japanese colonial authorities. Five months earlier, on Oct. 26, 1909, Ahn had assassinated Ito Hirobumi — Japan’s first prime minister and resident-general of

A participant plays in a mud pool during the Boryeong Mud Festival near a beach in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province, July 25. AP-Yonhap

Jeonbuk National University is launching its largest-ever international cooperation network, bringing together presidents of leading universities worldwide, global companies and international educational organizations. The university said Monday that it will establish a Global Advisory Committee comprising presidents of its overseas partner universities and launch major projects in collaboration with global companies and international organizations. The initiative represents an expanded cooperation model that goes beyond academic exchanges between universities by incorporating the expertise of global industries and international organizations. The Global Advisory Committee will include presidents of partner universities representing North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Among those institutions are Purdue University in the United States, Universite Sorbonne Nouvelle in France, China University of Geosciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia and Mohammed V University in Rabat in Morocco. In addition, Thales Group, a French defense and technology company, and the Agence universitaire

A Kookmin University research team has developed SharedKD, a technology that efficiently compresses 3D object detection models for autonomous driving, in collaboration with Hyundai Motor. The university said Tuesday that the findings were presented at the 2026 Design Automation Conference, a prestigious international conference in the field of design automation, held in Long Beach, California, from July 26-29. Kim Jang-ho, a professor at the university’s College of Computer Science, led the research team. Two master’s students at the Graduate School of AI and SW, Cho Hyun-joon and An Sang-ho, also participated in the study and contributed to the development of the technology. The university noted that the SharedKD technology differs from conventional knowledge distillation methods that use separate teacher and student models. Instead, SharedKD uses the entire network of a single 3D object detection model as the teacher model and a subnetwork generated through pruning as the student model. During training, SharedKD dynamically selects important structures based on gradients, enabling i

Seoul will mark the 81st anniversary of liberation this Saturday with a public bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak, the historic downtown pavilion, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said Thursday. The holiday commemorates Korea's 1945 liberation from 35 years of Japanese colonial occupation. Centered on the theme "The sound of liberation awakens the future," the event kicks off at 11:30 a.m. in Jongno District. It features the traditional 33-bell tolling, a nod to the centuries-old custom where 33 rings at dawn signaled the lifting of the capital's nightly curfew and the opening of its eight gates. Eleven figures will take turns tolling the bell across three rounds. Joining Mayor Oh Se-hoon and the speaker of the Seoul Metropolitan Council are nine descendants of independence activists recommended by the Heritage of Korean Independence, the official public association representing Korean independence activists and their surviving descendants. Among them are the daughter of a patriot imprisoned for anti-Japanese resistance and the child of an activist who organized a covert resistance gro

In a major blow to illegal digital distribution networks, Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in tandem with the Korean National Police Agency, Interpol and industry giant Naver Webtoon, succeeded in dismantling three major piracy websites operating out of North Africa. The joint operation resulted in the arrest of a primary site operator and the complete closure of the illegal portals. The shuttered network — comprising dedicated webtoon and web novel piracy platforms alongside a third hub that aggregated material from both — had been active since July 2024. Authorities revealed the ring illegally copied and distributed 83,688 copyrighted works, including 30,926 webtoons and 5,202 web novels. Among the compromised intellectual property were massive hit titles such as "The Trauma Code." Korean cultural exports accounted for approximately 57 percent of the pirated material. The ministry estimates these three platforms alone inflicted over 20 billion won ($14.2 million) in annual financial damage on the creative industry. Significantly, investigators highlighted that th

Foreign investors remained net sellers of Korean securities for the sixth consecutive month in July, central bank data showed Thursday, amid a broader market readjustment. Offshore investors sold a net $21.65 billion worth of local stocks and bonds last month, following net sales of 30.72 billion in June, according to data from the Bank of Korea (BOK). They have remained net sellers since February. Foreign investors sold a net $20.7 billion worth of stocks and a net $960 million worth of bonds in July. The BOK said the sell-off narrowed from a month earlier as the stock market correction discouraged foreigners from rebalancing their portfolios amid resurgent Middle East tensions and lingering concerns over excessive investment in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell more than 20 percent in July alone due mainly to heavy losses in tech shares. The BOK said reduced foreign portfolio rebalancing also helped the Korean won strengthen against the U.S. dollar during the cited period amid the greenback's recent weakness globally. The won w

Korea's auto exports rose 7 percent in July from a year earlier to a new record high, driven by strong demand for environment-friendly models, data showed Thursday. The combined value of automobile shipments came to $6.24 billion last month, according to data from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, setting a new record for any July. The ministry said exports of eco-friendly automobiles maintained solid growth, surging 25.5 percent from a year earlier to $2.59 billion. Outbound shipments to North America and the European Union climbed 18 percent and 23.5 percent, respectively, to $3.25 billion and $880 million. Domestically, 139,000 vehicles were sold last month, up 0.5 percent from a year earlier. The number of locally produced cars rose 11.3 percent to 352,000, the ministry said. Six out of 10 vehicles sold in the domestic market were all-electric, gasoline hybrid or other eco-friendly models. "By closely communicating with the industry, the government plans to cope with uncertainties in the automobile industry during this critical period of transition toward future mobility s

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) will expand housing finance support for young people, newlyweds and first-time homebuyers while maintaining its overall household-debt controls, as part of the government's efforts to stabilize the housing market, the regulator said Thursday. FSC Chairman Lee Eog-weon announced a package of measures aimed at ensuring tighter lending rules do not unnecessarily restrict financing for genuine homebuyers or new housing construction. The commission will maintain existing loan-to-value and debt-service ratio rules, while allowing banks to continue providing loans linked to new housing supply and home purchases by young and first-time buyers without being excessively constrained by household lending quotas. A key part of the package is a three-pronged housing finance program for younger borrowers. The FSC plans to introduce a mortgage loan providing longer-term financing for young people preparing to purchase homes, alongside a new guarantee product for "jeonse" deposit refunds. The regulator will also expand the use of borrowers' expected future income w

A research team jointly led by Korea University’s Hacking and Countermeasure Research Lab (HCRL) and Kookmin University’s Mobility Cybersecurity Lab has received the Best Artifact Award at USENIX VehicleSec 2026, the universities said Wednesday. The two-day international symposium, regarded as a leading academic forum for vehicle cybersecurity, was held in Baltimore, Maryland, earlier this week. The recognition comes as automakers increasingly adopt advanced and connected technologies, raising concerns over vehicle hacking and increasing demand for artificial intelligence (AI)-powered systems capable of detecting cyberattacks targeting in-vehicle networks. The team was recognized for developing the AutoHack Dataset, a vehicle cybersecurity dataset collected from cars during actual road driving. The dataset is designed to help AI-based security systems distinguish between normal vehicle activity and malicious attacks. The findings were detailed in a paper titled “AutoHack: A Physically Verified Multi-Bus CAN Dataset for Intrusion Detection System Evaluation.” The paper received all

President Lee Jae Myung has held a series of golf meetings with senior lawmakers from the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), sources said Thursday, in an apparent effort to foster dialogue with the opposition party. Lee played a round of golf in June with six-term PPP Rep. Joo Ho-young, who represents a constituency in the southeastern city of Daegu and served as deputy speaker during the first half of the current Assembly, and four-term Rep. Park Duk-hyum, the current deputy speaker, according to multiple ruling and opposition party officials. All speakers and deputy speakers from both the first and second halves of the Assembly were said to have been invited. Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik reportedly attended the round, while former Speaker Woo Won-shik was among those who did not join as they do not play golf, an official said. The lawmakers are said to have discussed regional issues, including the need to push ahead with the integration of Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province. During a press conference marking his first year in office in June, Lee said any further administrative

Lee Jung-hyun, a graduate student at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) TERA Lab, received the Best Student Paper — Honorable Mention at the 2026 Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility, Signal & Power Integrity, the semiconductor research group said Thursday. During the symposium held from Aug. 3-7 in Dallas, Texas, Lee received the award for his paper, “Physics-Aware Tensor Learning for Data-Efficient Multi-Port Power Distribution Network Analysis.” The paper proposed a new tensor-based method for efficiently storing and analyzing massive amounts of power distribution network (PDN) data generated in advanced semiconductor packages such as high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and chiplet systems. Using a mathematical technique called Tucker decomposition to extract representative patterns from the data, the research team achieved a compression ratio of about 695 to 1 in a test involving a 256-port PDN, while maintaining the targeted reconstruction accuracy. “I became interested in tensors while st

Firefighting water tankers and military vehicles from across the nation were mobilized Thursday to supply water to South Gyeongsang Province as a deepening drought grips the nation's southeast. Fire authorities deployed 200 water tankers and some 400 personnel nationwide to deliver water to the province under a national firefighting mobilization order issued Tuesday, according to the South Gyeongsang firefighting headquarters. An additional 14 vehicles from the Army, Air Force, Navy and the forestry service joined the effort to supply water to farms and households across the drought-hit area. As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, fire authorities had delivered nearly 4,770 tons of water to the province. The situation has escalated as all 18 municipalities in South Gyeongsang officially entered drought stages Thursday. Hamyang County, which had been the sole unaffected area, was placed under a drought watch. The average water storage rate of the province's 18 municipalities currently stands at 32.8 percent, far below the long-term average of 70.8 percent. It marks the second time a nationwide firefightin

For this episode of Korean Next Door, we spent a day with Park Young-seo, a manager at a "PC bang," or internet cafe, in Seoul's Jongno District. When she graduated from high school and decided it was time to find a job, the PC bang was the first thing that came to mind — she had loved games since she was a kid, so the logic was airtight. At 22, she became a manager at the Red Force PC bang in Jongno, a joint venture between Nongshim RedForce, Nongshim's esports club and BNM Company. Follow her through a shift and a few things become clear. The first is the food. This PC bang offers roughly 100 items counting drinks, and the manager is the one cooking all of it and carrying it out to the floor. The second is the hardware. These are close to the best consumer rigs money can buy, and here they rent for less than $2 an hour. There's a history behind that math. When Korea's economy collapsed in the late 1990s, the government bet its recovery on infrastructure and poured money into a nationwide broadband network. The country came out the other side of that crisis wired for some of the fast

Korea's tax agency has launched a special probe into KB Kookmin Bank, a major lender, financial sources said Thursday. According to insiders, the National Tax Service (NTS) has sent around 30 investigators to the bank's headquarters in western Seoul to secure accounting records needed for a tax audit. The sources added the investigators are from Investigation Bureau 4 of the NTS' Seoul Regional Tax Office, which is in charge of probing tax evasion by businesses. The bureau is widely referred to as the "Grim Reaper" by the business community. The probe is expected to run through the end of this year. The reason for the investigation was not immediately known. The bureau also launched special probes against Hana Financial Group and Meritz Securities Co. in May. Market watchers then said the series of special probes apparently came after President Lee Jae Myung pointed out the lack of financial companies' commitment to the public interest. "We cannot confirm information related to tax investigations into individual cases," an official from the tax agency said.

Many consumers see BYD primarily as a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker that has recently emerged as one of the world’s top EV sellers. In Korea, BYD surpassed 10,000 units in cumulative sales less than two years after entering the market in January 2025. BYD’s rise, however, is rooted in its long-standing battery expertise, with the company building electrification capabilities for nearly two decades before becoming widely known as a major EV maker. BYD began in 1994 as a small battery manufacturer in Shenzhen, China. It later expanded into solar power and energy storage systems, developing into a broader clean technology company. The company entered the automotive industry in 2003 after acquiring Chinese automaker Qinchuan Automobile. In 2008, BYD unveiled the F3DM, the world’s first mass-produced plug-in hybrid EV. The model drew significant attention because of its approach of making the electric motor the primary source of propulsion while using the engine when greater efficiency was required. The system, dubbed Dual Mode (DM), was distinctive enough, and some media outlets

Samsung Electronics has completed a new manufacturing facility for its heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit FlaktGroup in India, which will serve as a new production hub for customers in India and broader Asia-Pacific markets. According to Samsung, Thursday, the company held a completion ceremony for the new manufacturing facility in Pune, Maharashtra, a day earlier. Samsung Electronics Head of Digital Appliances Business Kim Cheol-gi, FlaktGroup CEO David Dorney and more than 100 other officials attended the ceremony. The new facility occupies a 13,826-square-meter site in Pune and was completed in just six months. Once fully operational, it will be capable of producing up to 6,500 HVAC units annually. The facility will produce a range of HVAC equipment, including FlaktGroup’s flagship air handling units (AHUs), fan wall units (FWUs) and computer room air handlers (CRAHs). AHUs use coolants to cool air and maintain comfortable indoor air quality in data centers and large commercial buildings. FWUs, which are wall-mounted air circulation systems, and CRAHs, which provi

The Bank of Korea (BOK) said Thursday that it holds more than $250 million worth of a gold exchange-traded fund (ETF) traded on the U.S. stock market, marking its first investment in gold in 13 years. In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the BOK said it held 679,765 shares of SPDR Gold Trust, one of the most widely traded gold ETFs in the United States, worth $250.4 million as of the end of the second quarter. Gold ETFs provide investors with exposure to gold by tracking changes in the price of the precious metal, allowing them to benefit from gold price movements without owning the physical asset. The BOK did not elaborate on the exact timing of the ETF purchase, but the holding was not included in its filing at the end of the first quarter. SPDR Gold Trust was trading at around $400, rebounding from the $360 level last month. It is the first time in 13 years that the Korean central bank has invested in gold since purchasing 20 tons in 2013. Gold ETFs are classified as foreign securities and are included in the country's foreign reserves. Separately, the BOK

Korea will confer state medals and awards on 283 late independence fighters to honor their roles in the resistance movement against Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula, the veterans ministry said Thursday. The ministry plans to confer the Order of Merit for National Foundation on 65 people, the National Foundation Medal on 29 and the Presidential Commendation for National Foundation on 189 people on the occasion of the Aug. 15 Liberation Day. Among them were three miners who led an independence protest with some 100 miners in March 1919 by marching toward a Japanese police post, before they were shot to death. Choe Jun-nye, wife of renowned independence fighter Kim Koo, will be recognized for her role in supporting her husband while he was imprisoned for four years and for leading a female enlightenment movement by serving as a teacher at a girls' school. The ministry will also award Kim Duk-rin, a Korea-born Chinese actor better known as Jin Yan, for starring in many movies that encouraged anti-Japanese sentiments in the 1930s. The ministry said it seeks to shed light

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hyundai Rotem said Thursday they have agreed to jointly develop and integrate long-range air-to-air missiles for the KF-21 fighter jet and explore opportunities to export aircraft and weapons packages to global markets. The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on airborne weapons cooperation at KAI's headquarters in the southeastern city of Sacheon on Wednesday. Under the agreement, the companies will cooperate on the development and systems integration of aircraft platforms, including the KF-21, and airborne weapons, including long-range air-to-air missiles. They will also explore package-type export models combining aircraft with onboard weapons and cooperate in identifying business opportunities at home and abroad, as well as in global marketing. The MOU signing comes as Hyundai Rotem is stepping up efforts to expand beyond ground weapon systems into the aerospace sector, including the development of propulsion systems, long-range air-to-air guided weapons and hypersonic flight vehicles. Korea formally completed the development o

Korea will come up with detailed measures to create jobs for young people soon in response to recent challenges in the labor market, the finance minister said Thursday. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol made the remark during a meeting with economy-related ministers in Seoul, noting that employment among young people, as well as in the manufacturing sector, continues to remain sluggish despite overall gains. On the previous day, the data ministry said Korea added 108,000 jobs in July from a year earlier, but the employment rate for those aged 15 to 29 fell 1.6 percentage points to 44.2 percent, declining on-year for the 27th consecutive month. The unemployment rate for the age group rose 1.3 percentage points to 6.8 percent, marking the largest on-year increase in more than five years. "The prolonged Middle East war, the unprecedented heat wave, along with a drought in some regions, are weighing on employment and consumer prices," Koo said. "The government plans to promptly prepare and announce measures to revitalize employment among young people, along with tailored policies for sectors fac

Korean stocks extended gains Thursday morning, led by a rally in big-cap semiconductor shares. After opening 2.96 percent higher, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 275.96 points, or 4.19 percent, to 6,855 as of 11:20 a.m. Overnight, U.S. stocks tied to the artificial intelligence technology sector rose. The S&P 500 gained 0.26 percent, closing just shy of a record high, while the Nasdaq composite advanced 0.54 percent. In contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged down 0.04 percent. In Seoul, blue-chip shares led the advance. Market bellwether Samsung Electronics rose a sharp 5.48 percent, while its chipmaking rival SK hynix also jumped 7.55 percent. SK Square, the parent of SK hynix, shot up 8.98 percent, and Samsung Electro-Mechanics, an electronics component affiliate of Samsung Electronics, surged 12.73 percent. The Korean won was trading at 1,415.1 won against the U.S. dollar as of 11:20 a.m., up 3.4 won from the end of stock trading the previous day.

Incheon International Airport handled the highest number of international passengers in the first half of this year globally, surpassing long-standing international hubs in Dubai and London, the airport operator said Thursday. This also marks the first time it has topped the ranking since opening in 2001. The airport welcomed 38.39 million international passengers in the January-June period, up 6.3 percent from a year earlier, according to Incheon International Airport Corp. (IIAC). The figure put Incheon ahead of London Heathrow Airport, which serviced 37.79 million passengers, and Singapore Changi Airport’s 34.53 million. The ranking is based on international passenger traffic compiled by Airports Council International. Incheon’s rise to the top underscores the airport’s growing role as a global aviation hub and highlights the impact of Korea’s long-term policy of developing Incheon as a Northeast Asian gateway. The airport ranked 10th globally shortly after its opening, climbed to fifth in 2018 and reached third in 2024 before claiming the global top spot this year. Its performa

Korea vowed to ease a set of regulations, including administrative procedures, to support the country's three megaprojects centered on semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI) facilities, the finance ministry said Thursday. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol unveiled the plan during a meeting with economy-related ministers, with the government expecting the measures to generate a total of 4.2 trillion won ($2.96 billion) in investment. "The government came up with the measures to promptly address investment-related challenges on the ground, focusing on projects that are ready to proceed but have been held up by regulatory hurdles," the finance ministry said. The ministry added that such deregulation is needed to smoothly implement the three megaprojects aimed at transforming the country's economy through investments in semiconductors, physical AI and AI data centers. For example, under the current system, companies are required to revise their existing building permits when adding new structures to an ongoing construction project. The government decided to revise relevant regulations t

WASHINGTON — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the youngest person to hold the role, will leave the Trump administration at the end of the month to spend more time with her young family. Leavitt, 28, called it a “bittersweet decision" in a social media post Wednesday shortly after President Donald Trump announced she would be stepping down. She recently returned to the White House podium after the birth of her second child, a daughter named Viviana, in May. She also has a 2-year-old son. “The truth is since returning to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary — and that is why I have ultimately made the bittersweet decision to depart the White House and embark on a new chapter in my life,” Leavitt wrote. Trump did not outline plans for who might replace her in the high-profile role. He said in a social media post of his own that her decision to leave is one “I totally unders

North Korea stayed silent Thursday on the ballistic missile it launched the previous day, marking the second straight time Pyongyang has departed from its usual practice of announcing such launches the following morning. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and the Rodong Sinmun, the most widely read newspaper in the country, had made no mention of the launch as of 7 a.m. But this was not without precedent, as Pyongyang has previously kept quiet about launches it considers minor or lacking propaganda value. South Korea's military detected the missile launch from North Korea's eastern coastal city of Wonsan at around 6 a.m. Wednesday. The missile flew more than 700 kilometers, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said, adding a detailed analysis of its specifications was under way. It was North Korea's second launch from the Wonsan area in a week, including one last Thursday that Pyongyang has also remained silent about. The two launches came ahead of the Ulchi Freedom Shield, the annual South Korea-U.S. joint military exercise that Pyongyang has long denounced as preparation for an invasion. The Nort

The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) continues struggling to win over voters in their 20s and 30s, as a series of controversies over housing, investment and criminal justice reform feeds a broader feeling that the party is not addressing the concerns of young adults. While the liberal party used to enjoy larger support from young people compared with the conservative People Power Party, its members, especially lawmakers, are now perceived as presenting policies that make life harder for the younger generations. The latest case of frustration erupting among young people was in response to a suggestion from DPK Rep. Hwang Hee, who last week proposed converting retired buses for use as temporary housing for young people to help provide relief from high housing prices. “If they had seriously thought about what people in their 20s are actually worried about, I don’t think they could have come up with something like this,” said Kim, a 28-year-old office worker in Seoul. “Lawmakers should first ask themselves whether they would be willing to live there.” Hwang later apologized f

The European Union's (EU) battery passport regulation is set to reshape the competitive landscape in Europe’s battery market, potentially giving Korean manufacturers an edge over Chinese rivals with weaker supply-chain transparency, experts and industry officials said Monday. Starting from Feb. 18, 2027, a new EU law will require batteries on the European market to carry detailed digital information covering their identity, technical characteristics, performance, durability, sustainability and recycling-related data. The policy is designed to improve transparency across the battery’s entire life cycle, from production and use to reuse and recycling. The upcoming rule comes at a critical time, when Korean battery firms are rapidly losing shares in the global electric vehicle (EV) battery market due to the rapid rise of Chinese manufacturers. According to recent data by SNE Research, battery usage for EVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles outside China reached 269 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in the first half of this year, up 26.3 percent from a year earlier. However, the c

The most sought-after free ticket in Seoul this month is for a show where nobody performs. On Aug. 19, which marks the 20th debut anniversary of K-pop icon BIGBANG, fans are expected to pack the Mulbit Stage at Yeouido Hangang Park, western Seoul, for drones, fireworks and a DJ set built entirely from songs the group will not be singing. The album will make an appearance, but the band will not. It is an unusually literal illustration of something the industry has been moving toward for years. Somewhere between the collapse of physical albums, CDs and the arrival of the algorithm, the act of hearing a record before everyone else stopped being a courtesy extended to critics and became a product with a venue and a guest list. The trend traces back to 2022, when BTS member J-Hope played his solo work "Jack in the Box" for an invited crowd — celebrities Zico, BIBI, HyunA and Yoon Mi-rae — ahead of its release. The event worked because it was closed, and the people who could describe it became the story. Pop culture critics followed, and their notes on production choices reached fans befor

PEREIRA, Colombia — Rescuers in Colombia were making last-ditch efforts to locate earthquake survivors early Thursday, as the critical 72-hour window for rescue operations neared its end. The magnitude 7.4 quake, the strongest to hit Colombia this century, has killed 265 people, injured more than 3,500 and left almost 500 missing, according to local authorities. In cities such as Cali and Pereira, emergency crews worked through a third night with their bare hands, cranes and sniffer dogs, stopping not to rest but to listen for signs of life. Thursday morning will mark 72 hours since the quake, a period when survivors are considered most likely to be found alive beneath collapsed buildings. Cali resident Martha Perez said she felt "helpless" as two relatives were thought to still be trapped under rubble. "We will hold on to (hope) until the very end," Perez told AFP on Wednesday night. "As you can see, all of us here — the entire city of Cali — are hoping to find more survivors," volunteer rescuer Fernando Loaiza said. Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder said Wednesday that rescue efforts were "

NEW YORK — For those trapped in rubble after an earthquake, survival depends on many factors, including weather and access to water and air. If their injuries aren't too severe, victims can survive for a week or more, assuming the weather isn't too hot or cold, experts say. Two days after a powerful deadly earthquake struck western Colombia, rescue teams are racing against the clock to search for survivors. Most rescues happen in the 24 hours after a disaster. The chances of survival drop with each day after that, experts say. Most victims are badly injured or buried by falling stones or other debris. After the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, a teenager and his 80-year-old grandmother were found alive after nine days trapped in their flattened home. And the year before, a 16-year-old Haitian girl was rescued from earthquake rubble in Port-au-Prince after 15 days. Water and air are crucial as time passes Trapped victims are more likely to survive if they are in a debris-free pocket that prevents major injury while they await rescue, like under a sturdy desk, said geophysicist Victor

DUBAI — Iran and the United States remain at loggerheads over efforts to agree a permanent end to the war in the Gulf, according to a senior Iranian source, who said there had been no progress in talks to revive the interim deal agreed in June and define a time frame to implement it. The comments were a further blow to hopes for a resolution to the crisis, following new attacks on shipping in the region on Tuesday. The deal agreed in June declared an "immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts", but quickly unravelled, with U.S. President Donald Trump saying it was "over" on July 7 and Iran's foreign ministry declaring it "suspended" a week later. The U.S. accuses Iran of failing to honour an agreement under the deal to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route. Tehran says Washington has reneged on its commitments, including lifting a blockade of Iranian ports and releasing frozen Iranian assets. "One of the issues that is being discussed via mediators is the U.S. returning to the interim agreement and defining a timeframe for implementing the comm

Federal Reserve policymakers are likely to feel little fresh urgency to raise interest rates in September after data on Wednesday showed inflation cooled on a year-over-year basis for a second straight month, but they may take little comfort that monetary policy is tight enough to continue the easing trend. The Consumer Price Index rose 3.4 percent in the 12 months through July, down from 3.5 percent in June, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported, in line with economists' expectations. Excluding the volatile food and energy components, the so-called core CPI increased 2.5 percent in the 12 months through July after climbing 2.6 percent in the prior month. Underneath the hood, there were some indications of broadening inflation. A sharp drop in hotel prices — unlikely to be sustained — drove much of the month-over-month easing in core inflation, and there were more categories of core goods that saw prices increasing than in June, said Omair Sharif, the founder of Inflation Insights. Technology prices, driven by demand for artificial intelligence, jumped. Gasoline prices fell, pushi

SEATTLE — The U.S. has approved its first new sunscreen filter in more than two decades. But for American fans of Korean skin care, the bigger question is: Is one new filter enough? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June approved bemotrizinol, a broad-spectrum ultraviolet filter that has been used for years in sunscreens sold in Korea, Europe and other markets. It is the first new active ingredient added to the U.S. over-the-counter sunscreen monograph since the late 1990s. Also known as BEMT and marketed as Tinosorb S by German chemicals maker BASF, bemotrizinol protects against both UVA and UVB rays and is highly photostable, meaning it maintains its effectiveness when exposed to sunlight. Its approval marks a significant change for a U.S. sunscreen industry that has long had fewer UV filter options than manufacturers overseas. The FDA itself acknowledged last year that it had “historically moved too slowly” on sunscreen innovation, leaving Americans with fewer options than consumers abroad. That gap is also one reason Korean sunscreens have drawn such a devoted foll

LILLE, France — France's Champagne region has begun its earliest-ever grape harvest after successive scorching heatwaves accelerated ripening, industry officials said Wednesday. The publication of the official harvest dates, before which harvesting is prohibited without special permission, marks the earliest on record, said David Chatillon, co-chairman for the Comite Champagne industry association. The harvest opening dates range from August 8 to August 22, depending on location and grape variety, with record-breaking heat this year "of course" speeding up the ripening process, Chatillon said. Since the 1980s, harvest dates in France have been creeping earlier, an indicator of a warming climate. In Champagne, the grape pick now starts roughly two weeks sooner than it did twenty years ago. Chatillon said the "quality looks good" for Champagne's grapes, despite the sales quota being reduced for the fourth consecutive year due to global economic uncertainty and recurring climate-related risks. This year has also seen the agriculture ministry exceptionally allow Champagne producers to purcha

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the United States is in control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz and will "keep it." "The U.S.A. has total control over the Strait of Hormuz. I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. "Our Naval Blockade is being called, by everyone, 'A WALL OF STEEL,' and there is nothing Iran can do about it." Trump has repeatedly claimed the United States controls the strait, which is vital for the flow of energy and other commodity shipping through the Middle East. However, Iran says it effectively controls much of the waterway and intends to impose a toll system in response to the US war launched by Trump on February 28. Late Tuesday, Trump told reporters: "We have total control over the Hormuz Strait right now. They don't have control. We have total control. We own it." US and Israeli forces have heavily bombed Iran's military and killed a swath of the country's leadership so far in the nearly six month war, launched initially with goals including forcing Tehran to abandon its nuclear power program and regime change. I

Korea ranked first in housing among 38 OECD countries but placed near the bottom in social connections and life satisfaction. The country ranked 19th overall, placing in the middle tier, as weak social ties and poor labor conditions dragged down quality of life despite generally strong material conditions. The findings were published Monday in an independent well-being assessment titled "Trends and Implications of the OECD Better Life Index" by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs. The calculation, based on the updated Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Better Life Index, compares quality of life across 11 dimensions, including housing, health, education, environment and social connections. The results varied widely across categories. While Korea ranked first in housing and second in knowledge and skills, it landed in the bottom tier in other areas, ranking 35th in subjective well-being, 36th in job quality and 37th in social connections. The housing domain was evaluated based on overcrowding and housing affordability. Korea scored 8.97 points to r

Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com. Actor Cho Yeo-jeong, 45, has revealed one of her secrets to maintaining her youthful appearance. Recently, Cho appeared on a television variety show and said she was ready to indulge her appetite after strictly controlling her diet. When asked about the secret to her youthful looks, Cho answered without hesitation, “It’s about having no choice but to resist.” Cho said she eats jjajangmyeon, a Chinese-Korean dish of noodles in black bean sauce, and instant ramen only twice a year. But can avoiding these foods really help people maintain a youthful appearance? What happens when you cut back on jjajangmyeon? Reducing noodle consumption may help with weight management and maintaining a healthy physique. Although both dishes are convenient ways to enjoy a quick meal, they are relatively high in calories and sodium, which can make it harder to maintain a healthy diet. An unhealthy diet can contribute to weight gain and reduced skin elasticity, potentially accelerating the aging process. According to data from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety,

Harvey Nichols was founded in 1831, but had appointed an administrator in June.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was unaware until yesterday of the Progressive Conservative Party spending money to allegedly surveil former Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie in Jamaica in 2023.

Ofwat has given provisional approval for 13 water companies to charge customers more to pay for investments.

Some of RTÉ Radio 1's most-listened-to programmes have seen decreases in the latest JNLR figures, while 2FM's Breakfast with Carl, Roz & Aisling has become the number one show in the country among 18-34-year-olds.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates arrived in South Korea on Thursday for his first visit to the country in a year, with talks on cooperation in small modular reactors reportedly expected to top his agenda. Gates, who also founded next-generation nuclear energy company TerraPower, last visited Korea in August 2025. During his stay, Gates is expected to meet senior government officials, lawmakers and business leaders to discuss expanding cooperation on small modular reactors, or SMRs.

The Irish Penal Reform Trust has said that people need to have confidence in the criminal justice system, despite offenders being released from prison early.

Canadian director Matt Johnson says focusing on Anthony Bourdain's life and legacy would come with too much baggage, so he and lead actor Dominic Sessa tried to interrogate the more difficult, complicated feelings in a young man's life.

We speak with Timnit Gebru, a leader in the field of AI ethics, about how artificial intelligence is entrenching societal biases and inequality. Gebru is the founder and executive director of the Distributed Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, a group of academics, activists and engineers who produce research rooted in the belief that technology should benefit everyone. She also co-founded Black in AI, a nonprofit that works to increase the inclusion and visibility of Black people in the field of AI. Gebru previously served as co-lead of the Ethical AI research team at Google but was fired in 2020 for writing a paper that warned about the financial and environmental costs of large language models, as well as their propensity to promote racism. The internet, which is what AI uses to train itself, “represents hegemonic views,” says Gebru. “We even know articles like Wikipedia are heavily biased. It’s overwhelmingly Western and male.”

Katseye, a girl group formed between Hybe and Geffen Records, voiced support for members Sophia and Manon during an appearance on NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" that aired Thursday, a day before the release of its third EP, "Wild." Host Jimmy Fallon noted that the group looked different from its previous appearance in February, acknowledging that Sophia and Manon were taking breaks and praising the members for supporting them. "We have nothing but so much love and support for Sop

Phillip Ormerod was taken to hospital in critical condition and later died, police have confirmed.

Militaries across the world are in an “AI arms race,” says Heidy Khlaaf, a chief AI scientist at the AI Now Institute, which just released a joint report with Airwars titled “Anatomy of an AI Kill Chain.”

“What it is is a series of different types of AI algorithms that are chained together, each with their own pitfalls, each with their own flaws,” she says. “And these systems build off of each other and feed into one another to, unfortunately, end up resulting in civilian casualties.”

This can lead to faulty targeting because “humans are prone to just accepting recommendations of AI algorithms without corroborating that evidence,” adds Khlaaf.

Critics - including Labour MP Jess Phillips - have accused the Met of overlooking the first murder carried out by Levy.

A 17-year-old Irish boy has died while on holiday on the Greek island of Kimolos.

Our Deputy Editorial Director, Massimiliano Menichetti, reflects on the value of human life, contrasting a mother’s rescue beneath the rubble in Colombia with changing abortion laws and the question of what constitutes a genuine choice.

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BTS' "Fake Love" has become the group's sixth music video to surpass 1.4 billion views on YouTube, its agency Big Hit Music said Thursday. The music video for "Fake Love," the lead track from the septet's third studio album, "Love Yourself: Tear," joins "Dynamite," "Boy With Luv (feat. Halsey)," "DNA," "MIC Drop (Steve Aoki Remix)" and "Idol" among BTS videos with more than 1.4 billion views. Released in May 2018, "Fake Love" portrays the unraveling of a relationship after realizing that a love

The Washington Post reported Monday that due to an alleged Iranian threat to assassinate President Trump, he secretly swapped planes before departing the July NATO summit in Turkey — leaving senior administration officials, staff and members of the press corps on board.

“The Israelis passed a tip, a concern, that the plane and potentially the president was under threat,” says Dan Lamothe, one of the Washington Post reporters who broke the story. But it turns out the ”CIA had low confidence” in the Israeli tip, according to a more recent Post story Lamothe co-authored on Thursday. “I think that kind of leaves the Secret Service in a tough spot of assessing: What do you do in this zero-fail mission to keep the president safe?”

Voters will choose between 34 candidates - the most to stand in any British parliamentary election.

Tomorrow X Together's Yeonjun held his first solo concert in the US at the Troubadour in Los Angeles on Wednesday, taking the stage at the storied venue that has hosted artists including Elton John, Harry Styles and BTS. The concert, held as part of Billboard's "One Night Only" live special, marked another milestone in Yeonjun's expanding solo activities in the US. Yeonjun opened with the main track from his second EP, "No Labels: Part 02," followed by "Ice Cream" and "Vanilla." He performed the

New satellite assessments show the destruction of buildings in Gaza has climbed by nearly 10 per cent since October’s faltering ceasefire between Hamas and Israeli forces aim to end the two-year war, which reduced cities to rubble and displaced more than one million people, UN agencies said on Thursday.

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are tracking a growing share of people exposed to Ebola, but the epidemic in the country's restive east continues to outpace their ability to find and isolate the sick, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.

Civilian casualties in Ukraine reached their highest monthly level in July, with more people killed and injured than at any time since March 2022, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in the country, HRMMU, said in an update on Thursday.

UN human rights chief Volker Türk on Thursday condemned an amendment adopted by Türkiye’s parliament that would allow judges to give life sentences to child offenders convicted of serious crimes.

As tensions triggered by the US-Iran war continue to ripple across the Middle East, the Security Council held an open debate Thursday on Yemen, where escalating deadly military clashes are worsening an already fragile humanitarian situation amid fears that recent Houthi missile strikes on Saudi Arabia and commercial vessels could threaten the 2022 truce between Houthi militia and the internationally-recognised Government. UN News app users can follow our live coverage here.

Five years since the Taliban seized power in Kabul, life for some Afghans has improved while many others suffer growing hardship.

In one of the cities hardest hit by the earthquake that struck Colombia, hundreds of people are still waiting for news of missing relatives, friends and neighbours.

In the occupied West Bank, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, appealed on Thursday to Israeli authorities to help Palestinian families trapped in their homes by settlers for days, amid an intensifying campaign to seize their land.

Declassified Pentagon Report Found U.S. Killed 153 Civilians in Yemen Last Year, Sailors on U.S. Aircraft Carrier Attempt to Jump Overboard as Lengthy Deployment Grinds On, CIA Had “Low Confidence” in Israeli Claim That Iran Sought to Shoot Down Air Force One, Firefighters Accuse Israeli Forces of Deliberately Starting Wildfires in Southern Lebanon, “A Policy of Attrition by Design”: MSF Condemns Israeli Blockade of Crucial Supplies, Israeli Settlers Besiege Palestinian Homes in Occupied West Bank Village of Qusra, Hegseth Says Colombia Will Conduct Joint Military Operations with U.S., Urges Partners to Reject ICC, NYT: Fishermen in Ecuador Report Attacks by English-Speaking Assailants, Trump Admin Announces End of Federal Funding for Arctic Report Card, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito Earned Up to $2.9M from Fossil Fuel Interests, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt to Step Down, Lawsuit Seeks to Halt Truth Social’s Plan to Charge $100K for Early Access to Trump’s Posts, DOJ Arrests Southern Poverty Law Center’s Former Chief Financial Officer, Daughter of Pastor Jailed by ICE Says Father Suffered “Stroke-Like Symptoms”, ICE Agent Filmed Pushing an Elderly Activist Pleads Guilty to Misdemeanor Battery Charge, ICE Agent Points Gun at Driver in Virginia

Symptoms after looking at the sun without eclipse glasses can include blurred vision

More than 2.4 million visits in each of last three months, as unions warn of inhumane conditions.

JYP Entertainment has terminated its exclusive contract with Xdinary Heroes member Gunil, resulting in his departure from the rock band less than a day after a woman claiming to be his former girlfriend posted allegations that he privately berated fans and bad-mouthed his bandmates. The K-pop agency announced the decision Thursday, saying it had "deeply recognized the gravity" of a recent matter involving the 27-year-old drummer and band leader following "thorough discussions" with him. "As a re

A far-right, white nationalist from Austria who has been permanently banned from the United Kingdom for promoting extremist narratives said this week he hopes Canada won't deny him entry ahead of a conference he's set to speak at in Hamilton this month.

The crown prince became the first imperial family member to speak at a news conference since its enactment.

World Middleweight Champion Aaron McKenna and his brother Stevie have been honoured at a homecoming reception in Monaghan town following their wins in Dublin last Saturday night.

World Middleweight Champion Aaron McKenna and his brother Stevie will be honoured at a homecoming reception in Monaghan town following their wins in Dublin last Saturday night.

The Black Sea location has been selected after Bulgarian singer Dara won this year's contest.

An Irish woman working in construction has been crowned Miss Galaxy International.

The UK government says it is "disrupting and deterring shadow fleet vessels" in accordance with the law.

Foul play is not suspected after two toddlers drowned in a First Nation in the Island Lake region of eastern Manitoba on Wednesday, RCMP say.

The store sells smartphones and offers repair services.

The three new members are historians Umberto Longo, director of the Italian Historical Institute for the Middle Ages in Rome (Italy); Francesco Cesareo, president emeritus of Assumption University in Worcester (USA); and Anna Barańska, associate professor at the Faculty of Humanities of the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (Poland).

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The sixth edition of the Zanzibar Cup kitesurfing race and regatta is set to take place in Tanzanian archipelago on 23 August 2026. Organized by Italian doctor Stefano Conte and the Tanzanian government, the kiteboarding even aims to promote the best in sportsmanship while strengthening fraternity and fellowship among peoples of diverse nations.

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The leader of Russia's only registered anti-war party said he will stay in the country and keep pushing for change, despite increased pressure from the authorities ‌that has led to the party's exclusion from upcoming parliamentary elections.

New figures from the Central Statistics Office show that annual consumer price inflation rose by 3.4% between July 2025 and July 2026.

Farming groups are calling for urgent supports from the Government over the impact of high temperatures on farmers' livelihoods.

Britain recorded its hottest day of the year as 135 million people across Europe endured an ongoing heatwave.

There were about 3.3 times more applications in the first three days of July compared with the same period last year, a Foreign Ministry official said.

Hot weather and the men's football World Cup boosted the economy but the Iran war may weigh on growth

Residents have been evacuated after a large fire involving six homes in Caerphilly county.

The Buddhist season of Waso can offer Christians and Buddhists in conflict-torn Myanmar a shared path toward dialogue, compassion, and reconciliation, according to the Jesuits’ regional superior in the country.

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The U.K. recorded its hottest day of the year Thursday, with the temperature reaching 38.1 C in west London. Britain, like France, is experiencing its fifth heat wave of the year.

A total of 49.1% of respondents to the survey conducted this month expressed backing for the plan, while 31.6% opposed it.

The number of civilians killed in Ukraine in July jumped to its highest level since the first months of the Russian invasion, the United Nations said, as Moscow intensified its long-range missile strikes.

Your full guide to A-level results day, including what to do if you are not happy with your grades.

Around 90% of Ukraine's exports of wheat, corn and sunflower — of which it is among the world's largest producers — go through the Black Sea.

How developed is the Tehran regime’s assassination operation abroad?

Naoki Shimizu reflects on 25 years of Summer Sonic, from Green Day and broken AC to 300,000 fans.

The Civil Aviation Authority said a passenger had entered the secure departure area through an exit door before boarding.

Kyungpook National University said Thursday it would launch a new employment-linked contract major with Samsung Electronics to train specialists in mobile engineering and advanced artificial intelligence technologies. The university will reorganize its existing undergraduate Mobile Engineering program into a combined bachelor's-master's track called Mobile AI Engineering and begin recruiting students for the 2027 academic year. The program will admit a total of 20 students. Housed under KNU's Sc

President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday called for a swift overhaul of South Korea’s conscription system that would retain universal service while widening the path into longer-term professional military roles. Lee said the military should introduce a “selective voluntary enlistment system” as part of a broader effort to transform the armed forces into a technologically advanced, highly capable force during his weekly meeting with senior aides and secretaries at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul. He underscore

A contract middle school teacher in North Gyeongsang Province has been reported to police for alleged emotional abuse after filming students for several seconds to quiet a noisy classroom, prompting a teachers' union to call the response excessive. According to the North Gyeongsang Provincial Office of Education and Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday, a complaint was filed last month accusing the teacher of child abuse at a middle school in Yeongju. The teacher, identified only as A, reportedly use

Police say the man had stolen an air rifle from Gun City in Penrose, and then led them through traffic from Pakuranga to Sylvia Park.

Liberation came in 1945. Sovereignty — and with it, the authority to speak and act abroad in Korea’s own name — did not. Three years later, a Korean government delegation went to Paris to ask the United Nations to recognize the Republic of Korea. The fledgling state had a flag and a government, but neither a seat nor a vote at the UN. It would take another 43 years for South Korea to become a full UN member in 1991. Eighty years after liberation, a South Korean president presided over a 2025 mee

Three websites offering illegally copied webtoons, web novels and other Korean content have been shut down, and their operator has been arrested, the South Korea's Culture Ministry said Thursday. The sites had distributed more than 83,000 items of pirated content, about 57 percent of which was Korean, according to the ministry. The operator, a North African national, was arrested in mid-July following an international investigation involving the ministry, the Korean National Police Agency and In

Half of Afghan women now leave their homes only once or twice a month as Taliban-imposed restrictions curtail their freedom of movement, according to data released by UN Women.

BTS member V's disclosure that he has been receiving treatment for hearing difficulties has prompted fans to revisit old video clips, with some interpreting previous behavior as possible signs of the condition. One widely shared clip was taken during the first of BTS' two shows at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Aug. 5. In the video, V and Jimin are seated onstage talking, with V appearing to turn his head to present his farther ear toward Jimin. "Now I understand this interact

Apprentices split their time between training and working - and are paid by their employer.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the visit as incompatible with Japan's position on the islands, which are an inherent part of Japanese territory.

From listing potential outcomes to picking up the phone, these are some top tips for getting through clearing.

With rising tuition fees and living costs, do higher graduate earnings cover the cost of a degree?

Some residents hesitate to go to evacuation centers or struggle to obtain information on relief supplies due to language barriers and cultural differences.

Nexon has posted record first-half earnings on the back of continued growth of its flagship MapleStory franchise and the strong performance of ARC Raiders in Western markets. According to Nexon on Thursday, its first-half sales reached 2.56 trillion won ($1.8 billion), up 17 percent from a year earlier. Operating profit rose 13 percent to 838 billion won while net profit more than doubled to 814 billion won. In the second quarter alone, Nexon logged 1.14 trillion won in sales, 294.3 billion won

Frieze House Seoul, Frieze's recently opened permanent gallery space in Jung-gu, serves as the art fair's year-round base in the city beyond its annual event. Ahead of the fifth edition of Frieze Seoul that kicks off on Sept. 2, it will host exhibitions presented by New York’s Paula Cooper Gallery and Japanese gallery Yumekoubou. The space recently concluded a relay exhibition series organized with Korean galleries. Patrick Lee, director of Frieze Seoul, wants the house to reflect Frieze's origi

The U.S. ambassador to Israel on Thursday condemned a siege by Israeli settlers of a Palestinian American family's home in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, calling it a "horrific act of terror."

The cast of KBS2's hit historical romance "Love in the Moonlight" is reuniting for a special travel variety program to celebrate the series' 10th anniversary. Titled "Love in the Moonlight Again," the two-episode special has already completed filming and will feature five lead cast members ─ Park Bo-gum, Kim You-jung, Jin Young, Chae Soo-bin and Kwak Dong-yeon ─ on a one-night, two-day getaway. According to the production team, the five actors traveled to Hongcheon, Gangwon Province, on Aug. 4.

Twice member Chaeyoung announced Thursday that she will continue her solo music career independently following her departure from JYP Entertainment, while reaffirming that she will remain active as a member of the girl group. In a handwritten letter posted on Instagram, Chaeyoung said she wanted to personally share the news with fans before announcing that she would continue her musical journey through "Lil Fantasy." Lil Fantasy is Chaeyoung’s debut solo LP released in September 2025, as well as

China was the only country detected to have been conducting espionage "at scale," according to a report from New Zealand's security agency.

Lionel Messi said he was unsure how much longer he could continue his playing career following the death of his father. The BBC reported Tuesday that Messi posted an emotional tribute to his father on Instagram and expressed uncertainty about his future in soccer. Messi's father, Jorge Messi, recently died at age 68 after a long illness. According to the BBC, his funeral was held privately at a cemetery outside Rosario, Argentina. "I don't know what I'm supposed to do without my father. I don't

South Korea advanced to the quarterfinals of the FIVB U-17 Women’s Volleyball World Championship with a 3-0 sweep of the Philippines on Thursday in Los Andes, Chile. South Korea, coached by Lee Seung-yeo, remained unbeaten after winning all five of its group-stage matches. It will face Turkey, which swept Japan 3-0 in the round of 16, in the quarterfinals Saturday in Santiago. Outside hitter Son Seo-yeon, nicknamed "Little Kim Yeon-koung," led South Korea with 19 points, including three blocks a

Lee Jung-hoo of the San Francisco Giants went hitless for the second straight game. Lee started in right field and batted leadoff against the Houston Astros at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Wednesday, going 0-for-5. His season batting average fell from .297 to .293 (124-for-423). Lee hit his ninth home run of the season Monday against Houston, setting a career high since joining the majors. After going 0-for-4 Tuesday, he was unable to break out of his slump a day later. Lee grounded out to th

Thirteen seats are needed for a majority to form a government.

NCT will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its multi-unit project through a special collaboration with Seoul Fashion Week, showcasing the group’s music and fashion with a series of events in September. SM Entertainment announced Thursday that the collaboration will take place during the 2027 Spring/Summer Seoul Fashion Week at Lotte World Tower in southern Seoul. It will feature an exhibition of the group’s stage outfits, a runway show and a charity flea market. Running from Sept. 4 to 6, the co

Big Bang released a new set of teaser images for its upcoming digital single on Thursday as the group continues to build anticipation for its long-awaited comeback. YG Entertainment released the group visual photo for “Biiig” through its official social media channels, six days ahead of the single’s release on Aug. 19, the anniversary of Big Bang’s debut. Unlike the bold red, blue and yellow color palette featured in earlier teasers, the latest images adopted a monochrome aesthetic. The members

The threat of a coordinated intervention is keeping the currency from breaking through.

Two Palestinian families in the village of Qusra say they have been trapped in their homes, with water and power cut off, since Sunday.

Korean eyewear brand Blue Elephant opens its first US store in Beverly Hills, California, on Thursday, marking the Korean label's entry into the American retail market. The 650-square-meter flagship, named Blue Elephant Beverly Hills, sits on North Beverly Drive in the Golden Triangle, the shopping district with a dense concentration of fashion and beauty labels and restaurants. The opening follows the brand's expansion into Japan. Blue Elephant said it plans to use the Beverly Hills store as a

Louis Vuitton has unveiled two custom cars built with Singer, the California-based atelier known for reimagining classic Porsche 911s. It is the first co-branding project in the history of either house. The collaboration draws on Louis Vuitton's "Art of Travel" philosophy and began with a detachable Tambour dashboard clock made at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton in Switzerland, before expanding to the instrument panel, the cockpit and the vehicles themselves. The first car, the Porsche 911 Re

Police investigating allegations of illegal, unlicensed medical practices targeting celebrities have questioned several major entertainers, including K-pop group Shinee members Onew and Key. The Gangnam Police Station in Seoul questioned TV personality Jun Hyun-moo, Shinee members Key and Onew, and popular YouTuber Lickerish Hatnim (Kim Mi-kyung) through July. The questioning was part of a widening investigation into allegations that the entertainers received medical treatments from an unlicense

As more people shift to low-priced private-label products and competition intensifies in the beverage market, some makers managed to cultivate new demand by changing bottle design.

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea ruled that a public bathhouse charging only female customers for towels and soap violated equal rights protections, recommending corrective measures to the owner and the local government. According to the NHRCK on Thursday, a woman visited a public bathhouse in North Gyeongsang Province in September where towels and soap were provided free of charge to male customers, while female customers had to pay 500 won ($0.35) per towel and 700 won for a dispo

Homeplus reopened 67 stores nationwide Thursday, drawing crowds of shoppers eager to take advantage of reopening discounts as the retailer seeks to recover from a severe liquidity crisis. The reopening marked a striking change from earlier this month, when the store was operating with largely empty shelves amid the company’s financial troubles. Some food sections had been left sparsely stocked, with household goods filling otherwise empty displays. Homeplus entered court-led rehabilitation earli

The protests are becoming one of the biggest political challenges for Narendra Modi, adding to pressure since his party lost its outright majority in the 2024 election.

A website that helps Koreans trace their family origins and learn about historical figures and genealogies has experienced a boost in traffic after actor Ahn Ha-young came under public scrutiny over her ancestor’s alleged pro-Japanese activities during Japan’s 1910-45 colonial rule of Korea. As interest in the website, whose Korean name translates as “In search of roots,” surged over the past few days, its server was overloaded for several hours Wednesday evening and continued to crash for sever

Most men who are treated for prostate cancer are unprepared for the impact of treatment on their sexual function, according to new research funded by the Irish Cancer Society.

A man in his 60s was arrested early Thursday after allegedly attempting to enter the US Embassy in central Seoul, police said. The Jongno Police Station said the man, whose identity was withheld, allegedly kicked the embassy's main gate near Gwanghwamun at around midnight while trying to gain entry. Police responding to a report arrested him at the scene on suspicion of attempted trespassing. The man is not believed to be a member of or affiliated with an anti-US group, according to police. His

Safety checks were completed quickly following the 7.1 magnitude earthquake on July 28, which registered up to 7, the highest level on Japan's seismic intensity scale.

The victim of a shark attack on board a vessel off the coast of Co Waterford has said he is "very lucky" to have got back to shore after having lost a lot of blood.

A Toronto police officer is injured after being shot during a robbery investigation early Thursday morning.

Facebook and Instagram owner Meta said it had taken down more than 750,000 accounts it suspected were held by Australians aged under 16 since a world-first ban on teen accounts, and promised more action in the face of possible regulatory intervention.

As commercial deep-sea mining is increasingly being considered in parts of the Pacific, the Bishops of the Pacific region call for prudence, insisting that "when there exists a genuine possibility of serious or irreversible harm, the absence of complete scientific certainty should never become an excuse for proceeding without due care."

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Mounting debts are the latest blow for an initiative that has struggled with governance, supply chain problems, mass food-poisoning and financial cutbacks.

Companies may be enjoying a summer sales boost, but behind the scenes they are preparing for a future where consumers want fewer reasons to feel guilty about treating themselves.

South Korean stocks ended sharply higher for the fourth straight session on Thursday as investors scooped up major chipmakers. The Korean won gained ground against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose 210.97 points, or 3.21 percent, to close at 6,790.01, following 0.65 percent, 0.73 percent and 3.68 percent gains in the previous three sessions. After opening 2.96 percent higher, the KOSPI further added gains as foreigners and institutions scooped up major chip heav

Counting is under way in the Clacton by-election pitting Reform UK leader Nigel Farage against satirical candidate Count Binface in a vote dismissed by some residents as a "farce".

A calligraphic work by Korean independence activist Ahn Jung-geun, written after Japanese authorities rejected his plea for a trial under international law, has been returned to Korea from Japan, the Korea Heritage Service said Thursday. The eight-character hanja inscription, "Manguk Gongbeop Buryeo Daepo," or "International Law Is No Match for Cannons," was unveiled at Deoksugung in Seoul ahead of National Liberation Day on Saturday. The work was recovered through a joint effort by the Korea He

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's governing coalition is now supported by less than 30% of voters under the age of 35.

Yanolja is taking its artificial intelligence hotel concierge global after testing the service at around 1,000 properties in India. Its hospitality technology affiliate, Yanolja Cloud Solution, said Thursday that it will officially launch Pulse AI, a multi-agent platform designed to automate hotel operations throughout a guest’s stay. The platform deploys eight specialized AI agents covering guest communications, reservations, check-in and checkout, room service, housekeeping, payments and upsel

Samsung Life Insurance and Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance earned a combined 3.27 trillion won ($2.3 billion) in the first half, with both posting double-digit profit growth despite sharply different earnings drivers. Samsung Life reported 1.89 trillion won in net profit attributable to controlling shareholders, up 35.8 percent from a year earlier, according to disclosures released Thursday. Consolidated net profit rose 33.8 percent to 1.97 trillion won. Samsung Fire’s net profit attributable to

Forest and Bird is challenging the development over its impact on rivers.

Excerpts of interviews with Polkinghorne filmed in 2022 were included in a series which aired three years later.

Seoul could soon join a growing number of major cities seeking tighter controls on new data centers as concerns mount over their heavy water and electricity use. The heads of all 25 Seoul districts unanimously agreed Wednesday to ask the Seoul Metropolitan Government for tougher restrictions on new data center construction, Yeongdeungpo-gu District Office said Thursday. The proposal calls for district-level architectural reviews and restrictions on data centers in residential areas. District aut

The ttukbaegi earthenware pot came to the table still boiling, and the broth inside was so white it looked closer to porridge than soup. That was dinner on a recent weekday at 3dae Samgyejangin in Seocho-gu, Seoul, one of the restaurants where Seoulites will be queuing on Friday. Aug. 14 is malbok, the last of the three hottest days of summer that Koreans call boknal. The three days are determined by the traditional 60-day cycle rather than the lunar calendar. Chobok, the first, landed on July 1

South Korea has put 36 listed companies on notice under tougher rules designed to accelerate the removal of penny stocks and financially weak firms. The Korea Exchange designated the stocks as administrative issues Wednesday after their share prices or market capitalizations fell below minimum listing requirements. Nine trade on the Kospi and 27 on the Kosdaq. Of the total, 30 were newly designated, while six companies already under administrative issue status received additional grounds for pos

The fallout from Starbucks Korea’s controversial May 18 “Tank Day” campaign helped push Emart to a consolidated operating loss of 43 billion won ($30.4 million) in the second quarter, despite double-digit profit growth at several of the retail conglomerate’s core businesses. Starbucks Korea posted sales of 747.3 billion won and an operating loss of 18.4 billion won in the April-June period, Emart said Thursday. Emart holds a 67.5 percent stake in SCK Company, the operator of Starbucks Korea. The

North Korea and Russia are considering a plan to increase Pyongyang's troop deployment to 50,000 by the end of November, according to a report by Kyodo News on Wednesday citing Ukraine's Defence Intelligence. North Korean forces will likely take on a larger role in Russia's western border regions to free up Russian troops for the front lines in Ukraine. If implemented, the plan would mark a significant expansion of North Korea's military involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine. Observers spe

The government of the Northwest Territories says its new Indigenous hiring policy is going well. And despite past concerns, it seems most of its new, Indigenous hires have been people who were born in the territory.

With a plan to differentiate itself through its wide range of toppings and offerings, the company is aiming for 20 stores in Japan by the end of 2030.

Documents unsealed by CBC News and a consortium of other media outlets reveal a chronology of the day law enforcement responded to the deadly shooting in northern B.C.

How the political narrative on immigration in Canada changed dramatically over less than a decade.

HD Hyundai Chair Chung Ki-sun urged executives to look beyond short-term results and focus on building sustainable growth over the next two decades as uncertainty mounts across global markets. Chung delivered the message Thursday at an executive strategy meeting at the group’s Global R&D Center in Pangyo, Gyeonggi Province. The meeting brought together HD Hyundai Vice Chairmen Cho Young-cheul, Cho Seok and Lee Sang-kyun, along with the CEOs of 11 affiliates spanning shipbuilding, marine, energy

President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating fell to the lowest level since his inauguration, a poll showed Thursday. In a National Barometer Survey conducted from Monday to Wednesday, Lee's approval rating stood at 49 percent, down 4 percentage points from the previous poll conducted two weeks earlier. It marks the first time his approval rating fell below 50 percent in the biweekly survey. Disapproval of his performance rose 6 percentage points to 43 percent. On the government's real estate polic

Coupang will provide 100 million won ($70,700) in scholarships to 60 descendants of Korean independence activists, the e-commerce company said Thursday. The initiative, announced ahead of the 81st anniversary of Korea’s Liberation Day, is intended to honor independence activists and help their descendants continue their education. Under an agreement with the Korean Liberation Association, Coupang will fund scholarships for 20 university students and 40 high school students. University students w

A South Korean aerospace company said Thursday it has successfully tested a device in space that could help prevent small satellites from becoming space debris. Kairospace said its Dorb de-orbiting system accelerated the orbital descent of its KSAT3U CubeSat after being deployed in space. The company said the satellite's orbital descent rate more than doubled following the deployment. "Space debris is an important challenge that the global space industry must address together," Kairospace CEO Sh

Korea Herald correspondent JAKARTA — South Korea and ASEAN nations should seek deeper cooperation in energy, digital transformation and supply chains to open new opportunities and to expand partnership, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn says. Speaking to a group of Korean reporters at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on Aug. 8, the Cambodian diplomat said South Korea and ASEAN member states should use current geopolitical and economic uncertainty to strengthen cooperation in areas where both

Police say retailers have no excuse for not being aware that the pipes can be used to take illicit drugs.

SK hynix will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 27 for its $3.87 billion advanced chip packaging plant in Indiana, as the South Korean memory maker steps up its US expansion in artificial intelligence chip production. The ceremony will take place in West Lafayette, Indiana, where SK hynix is building an advanced packaging facility and research center for high-bandwidth memory, according to industry sources Thursday. The company has begun sending invitations to major customers and business p

Samsung Electronics said Thursday it has opened a new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning production line in India, expanding its manufacturing capacity as it targets growing demand from AI data centers. The new facility in Pune, Maharashtra state, will be able to produce up to 6,500 HVAC units annually once fully operational, the company said. It will operate alongside FlaktGroup’s existing production site in Noida and serve customers in India as well as the broader Asia-Pacific region. S

A group of Irish and international scientists successfully completed an aerial mission to gather information about the Sun during yesterday's solar eclipse.

Prices of imported products rose due chiefly to the yen's weakening, leading to a rise in demand for domestic products and subsequently pushing their prices higher.

A battery plant jointly operated by LG Energy Solution and General Motors in Ohio will resume production next week after a seven-month shutdown, as GM reshapes its North American battery strategy amid shifting electric vehicle demand. Battery cell production at the Ultium Cells joint-venture plant in Warren, Ohio, will restart next Monday, an LG Energy Solution official said, confirming a Reuters report. The majority of workers who had been temporarily laid off will return, bringing the plant’s

Imperial College London experts say standard party balloons can take years to break down.

South Korea’s media regulator has delayed a final decision on sanctions against Google and Apple over in-app payment practices it says violated Korean law, nearly three years after the penalties were first proposed. The Korea Media and Communications Commission said Wednesday it heard arguments from both companies at a plenary meeting but deferred a decision pending further deliberation. The regulator found that Google and Apple effectively restricted developers to designated payment methods whi

Concerns about the future of Ireland's main street echoes sentiments expressed by Britain's new Prime Minister Andy Burnham. But what, if anything, can be done to save it?

Nigel Farage is on course to win back his seat in the Clacton by-election but he admits he took a major gamble in giving it up in the first place.

Balsam fir trees in New Brunswick are the latest victim of last summer’s record-breaking drought, according to a forestry researcher.

A Saint John man convicted of two counts of first-degree murder in the 2025 stabbing deaths of his sons, aged 10 and 17, has been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years.

A Korean YouTuber has touched off controversy after filming at a mixed-gender outdoor hot spring in Japan despite the facility's no-filming policy. The female YouTuber posted a video earlier this year showing her visit to an outdoor onsen, or hot spring, in Hokkaido, Japan, that is open to both men and women. The video recently resurfaced on social media and was subsequently picked up by multiple news outlets. She acknowledged that filming was prohibited at the facility but said several other vi

Paris Saint-Germain won the UEFA Super Cup for a second straight year by beating Aston Villa 2-1 on Wednesday thanks to Desire Doue's second-half goal in the annual curtain-raiser to the European soccer season. Doue's 61st-minute strike after running onto Ousmane Dembele's pass was initially ruled out for offside, only for the goal to be awarded following a video review. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's powerfully struck opener in the 20th was canceled out by a volley from Brian Madjo, a 17-year-old stri

In an exclusive interview with the BBC’s Steve Rosenberg, Dmitry Muratov says the Kremlin leader can only "destroy Ukraine, not conquer it", with the war now in its fifth year.

More than 30 nations, including Ireland, Britain and Canada, have condemned Iran's use of capital punishment, saying in a joint statement the Islamic republic was executing protesters to "silence dissent".

The iwi has unveiled a plan to reorganise the South Island's council boundaries, replacing 24 councils with five.

The National Forensic Service recently concluded that a 75-year-old woman who died after undergoing dental implant surgery last year likely died from an excessive dose of local anesthetic, local broadcaster MBN reported. According to MBN, the NFS found that the woman, surnamed Kim, appeared to have died from a reaction to articaine, an amide-type local anesthetic commonly used in dental procedures. Clinic records showed that Kim received 1,088 milligrams of the anesthetic while undergoing proced

HiteJinro has awarded a combined 400 million dong ($15,400) in scholarships to 20 Vietnamese university students as it deepens its presence in the key Southeast Asian market. The Korean liquor maker said Thursday that students from Hanoi University and Hanoi University of Foreign Studies each received 20 million dong. Launched in 2017, the scholarship program has awarded 2.4 billion dong to 130 students over seven rounds. At the award ceremony, HiteJinro CEO Jang In-seop mentioned a former schol

Seoul's 120 Dasan Call Center will provide round-the-clock information on hospitals and pharmacies, public transportation and events at Han River parks during the Liberation Day holiday, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said Thursday. The service will operate throughout the three-day holiday from Saturday through Monday, with Monday designated as a substitute holiday. The city analyzed inquiries received during last year's Liberation Day holiday and identified medical services, transportation a

Seventeen-month-old Sadie-Leigh Gardner died on 29 March 2019 in Starship Children's Hospital from blunt force head injuries.

As the U.S. heads toward the midterm elections, a gruelling primary season has further entrenched a rift within the Democratic Party. Centrists argue moderate and pragmatic policies are key to flipping seats, while progressives say more inspiring candidates are needed to galvanize young people, the working class and diverse voters.

From skull fractures to ICU admissions, pediatric specialists across Canada say severe e-scooter trauma in kids is becoming routine — and current rules are failing to protect them.

A 64-year-old Quebec man has become the first patient in North America to receive a regenerated liver thanks to a breakthrough technology that could make dozens of additional livers available for transplant in its first year alone.

Days and daycares are getting hotter. And a growing number of parents, educators, and health and legal advocates are lobbying for maximum indoor temperature at daycares, likely 26 C, akin to standards adopted for long-term care facilities in Ontario.

Cathy Link of St. Catharines said she was shocked to receive a phone call from Ontario Premier Doug Ford on Wednesday informing her the province had ended lease negotiations with Niagara's regional government for a proposed new emergency shelter in her neighourhood.

The explosion, likely to have been caused by liquefied petroleum gas, killed seven employees.

Colombia's earthquake rescue efforts have entered what officials called the "final phase", as rescuers searched for signs of life beneath collapsed buildings before the critical first 72 hours came to an end.

Many are changing their approaches to training to motivate new recruits and ensure there are enough workers to maintain critical infrastructure in the future.

The prime minister told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that it is important to ensure free and safe navigation without additional cost in the key waterway.

A tiny Japanese island sits astride deep-sea rare earth deposits — ones that could "meet centuries' worth of industrial demand," a U.S.-Japan statement said.

Two media organizations have argued that the First Amendment guarantees equal access to a president's public pronouncements and doesn't permit early access to be sold.

The ⁠incident took place less than a month after another ferry caught fire off Madura island, killing five people.

Crews are approaching 72 hours since Monday's magnitude 7.4 quake, a period when survivors are considered most likely to be found alive beneath collapsed buildings.

Masterton Intermediate School said it was aware of discussion about principal Russell Thompson's leave and wanted to get ahead of any possible media coverage.

Non-public information is being increasingly sought by foreign states, including policy insights, intellectual property and data sets, warns the SIS.

A number of Pacific Islands countries have joined the United States in effectively accusing China of skirting the rules after Beijing's recent nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific.

The much smaller Whāngarei Hospital is already struggling with extremely high patient numbers this winter

The nine women are also seeking declarations of slavery and servitude following a court ruling that legal errors were made in two employment investigations.

The Arlington project in Mount Cook has been in limbo for years partly because of a budget blow-out under the previous government.

In the comments, Kelce called Swift his "wife" for first time and said it was a "childhood dream" to wed at Madison Square Garden.

NHS Blood and Transplant's medical director says waiting lists for organ operations are unfair but leaders are not solving the issue.

The rules governing things like paints, chalk, crayons and coloured pencils could soon be changed, and campaigners are worried.

The man who is accused of sending the threat via a social media message faces up to seven years in jail if convicted.

SkyCity said it was reviewing its operating model amid "sustained pressure on customers' discretionary spending".

The Pacific Games Council chief executive said all facilities should be ready by the end of the first quarter of 2027.

Tairāwhiti Civil Defence is warning residents to brace for torrential rain later today.

The Forum Fisheries Agency is shifting its focus to value retention and economic development for its members.

The person was the vehicle's sole occupant and died at the scene, police say.

Lawyers for the widow of an Irish UN employee who died in a 2019 Boeing 737 MAX crash have said the award of $29 million in damages to the family is an "important measure of accountability and justice".

Ruapehu's civil defence controller says the restoration of tap water in the central North Island town of Ohakune has gone smoothly.

The coroner had ordered Blonde Razor Productions to hand over four hours of raw footage from an interview with Dr Philip Polkinghorne.

Munitions for the war are made in Kingsport, Tennessee, where some of the president's most loyal supporters are wrestling with higher prices.

Top-ranked list-only candidate Nancy Lu will be hoping election night results go her way, while Indian-origin contenders look like needing to win electorate races to secure a path to the Beehive.

The Tonga United Church, which owns a historic abandoned building in central Auckland, have been in talks about the possibility of demolishing it.

Māori and Pacific people have a lower stigma towards people with mental illness than Europeans and Asians, according to a University of Otago study.

Drought is also being reported in parts of the Pacific.

The musician shares the personal stories behind her third album, and the time she teased a legend.

Some see them as sinister or hunt them for ritual use but these birds play a vital role in nature's cycle.

Rakesh Naidoo's manager has apologised for not informing the commissioner Naidoo might stand for Labour until a week after their initial conversation.

Non-public information is being increasingly sought by foreign states, including policy insights, intellectual property and data sets, warns the SIS.

Buyers have more time and choice, while vendors are not budging on price, leading to a stand-off of who is going to blink first.

The once-grand, two storey Carlile House has fallen into ruin and the church that owns it do not have the money to restore it to its former glory.

New anti-money laundering rules are set to be introduced as part of a wide-reaching nationwide crackdown.

Leavitt became the youngest press secretary in the country's history when she took the job in January 2025 at age 27.

Residents in the Wellington's Kelburn say a planned cellphone tower to be built in front of a church will be 'visual vandalism'.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is sounding the alarm over a planned housing development next door, saying it could threaten the park's future.

With National's spokespeople absent, other parties vow to improve the community's mental health if voted into power in November.

New Zealander Tom Hudson tells The National about the moment he finally completed his two-year canoeing journey across Canada, from the Rocky Mountains to Montreal.

As Japan swelters through extreme summer heat, BBC Tokyo correspondent Kurumi Mori tries out a new way to cool down.

Top-ranked list-only candidate Nancy Lu will be hoping election night results go her way, while Indian-origin contenders look like needing to win electorate races to secure a path to the Beehive.

Health NZ told RNZ that in an effort to cope with an influx at the city's hospital, the GP-run urgent care clinic would be extending its hours.

Langford Street's residents say the chequered past of a two-bedroom Kāinga Ora property hasn't been disclosed.

Thousands of people gathered across the country to witness a rare partial solar eclipse, which covered more than 90% of the Sun. Here are some of the best images of the day.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who earned a reputation for acid putdowns of journalists, is to step down, President Donald Trump said, adding she would remain a senior advisor.

The Haynes family from Biggar, Sask., says they tried without success to get their three-year-old son admitted to hospital in North Battleford, Swift Current and Saskatoon. They're frustrated that a 235-kilometre ambulance ride to Prince Albert left them with a $1,300 bill.

After more than a decade of work, the federal agency said westslope cutthroat trout are beginning to spawn naturally and repopulate Hidden Lake, close to Lake Louise.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage triggered a byelection when he quit as Member of Parliament amid an investigation into his finances. Avneet Dhillon explains what led to the probe, and why his main challenger in the race is Count Binface — a candidate dressed as a giant trash can.

(Photo credits: The Canadian Press, Reuters, Adobe Stock and Getty Images)

NATO's top military commander has said that if the US military was prevented from using Shannon Airport, it "probably would" damage the relationship between the United States and Ireland.

Quebec's coroner's office confirmed it is investigating the death, but it could not comment on the cause or circumstances.

Emissions from carbon black manufacturer Birla Carbon were "a primary source" of the soot falling on Hamilton neighbourhoods in early July, Ontario's Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has said. Black dust falling on Hamilton homes is a perennial issue, especially near the eastern industrial sector.

US President Donald Trump confirmed he secretly switched planes because of a threat to his life, after the Washington Post reported he was smuggled out of Air Force One to a different aircraft on a catering truck.

A man recovering in hospital after being bitten by a shark on a vessel off the coast of Co Waterford has said that he is okay and hopes to recover "quickly".

Quebec and Newfoundland Labrador are close to a new deal on Churchill Falls, sources with knowledge of the matter have confirmed to CBC News.

Marineland has begun moving a third batch of whales to aquariums outside of Canada, with six hitting the road Wednesday.

The four people accused in a London, Ont., explosives and firearms-manufacturing investigation now face 19 new charges, according to court documents filed Tuesday. The three men and one woman were students or recent graduates of Western University.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham chairs an emergency Cobra committee meeting.

Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation leaders and legal council presented to band members in their northern Alberta community on what they know about the proposed Wonder Valley AI data centre campus that is being backed by celebrity investor Kevin O'Leary in their traditional territory.

The organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest have said they have changed the rules for next year so that the winning broadcaster will "automatically be ineligible to host" if their state is involved in an "armed conflict".

Biologos' Jim Stump on beauty and danger in the Arctic

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her role at the end of the ‌month, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, leaving the president without one of his most trusted advisers ahead of November's midterm elections.

A Washington judge has ordered the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to pay jazz musician Chuck Redd more than $250,000 US in legal fees. The ruling comes just months after that same judge tossed the centre’s lawsuit accusing Redd of breach of contract.

Oakville has enacted a one-year moratorium on new data centres, becoming the first Ontario municipality to take the step as local lawmakers grapple with the concerns surrounding the new wave of facilities powering artificial intelligence.

Israeli troops have clashed with Jewish settlers while trying to disperse them from a West Bank outpost they set up directly in front of Palestinian homes, and later withdrew from the area after failing to clear the settlers, witnesses said.

Former Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse and his wife are embroiled in a legal dispute with the Ontario government over its refusal to reimburse the couple nearly $700,000 in foreign buyer tax they paid on their Mississauga home.

From what to wear to getting a restful night's sleep, you share your tips for beating the heat.

Ever heard of the name Clara Peeters? If not, chances are you’re not alone. But art historian and curator Cynthia Osiecki absolutely knew her — and her groundbreaking work. So, when she stumbled across an unattributed still-life painting in the storage area of the National Museum of Norway in Oslo in 2022, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was certain who painted it.

A Los Angeles County grand jury has indicted Nick Reiner on murder charges in the killings of his parents, actor and director Rob Reiner and photographer and producer Michele Singer Reiner, and adds the allegation that he was lying in wait before attacking them.

Millions of spectators witnessed a total solar eclipse Wednesday in parts of the Arctic, Greenland, Spain and Portugal. In other areas, skywatchers not in the path of totality — when the moon completely blocks the sun's light — got a partial eclipse.

Pope Leo makes an initial emergency donation to the dioceses in Colombia affected by Monday's 7.4-magnitude earthquake.

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English actress and The Office star Lucy Davis revealed Tuesday that she’s been receiving treatment for Stage 4 breast cancer for the past year and a half, and that the “incurable” disease has since spread to her bones. But Davis, 53, says she's at peace and wants to continue working as an actress and animal rights advocate.

The skies above Iceland fell into total darkness as a full solar eclipse occurred over the country's western coast.

Tributes are being paid to a former Donegal All-Ireland winning footballer and his wife who died following a road crash in Co Cavan earlier this week.

The Pope will return to the town of Castel Gandolfo, where he will celebrate Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the St. Thomas of Villanova Parish and pray the Angelus, as he did last year.

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New EU restrictions on toxic substances known as "forever chemicals" in food packaging have kicked in along with broader rules on cutting packaging waste in the bloc.

Paul-Angelo Warren is recovering in hospital after nearly drowning in a B.C. river, but his family says his lungs are badly damaged.

The new SIGNIS World executive says it welcomes the challenge that Dr Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication, placed before them: To prioritise human relationships, build alliances and networks.

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The covert movements that saw U.S. President Donald Trump depart a plane carrying reporters and some White House staff in Turkey last month have few, if any, precedents in modern history, and have left lingering questions.

In a video message to the Leadership Conference of Women Religious in the United States, Pope Leo highlights the beauty of different communities, charisms, and histories that work together to “make the mission and mystery of the Church visible in our world.”

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Pope Leo XIV encourages participants in the National Youth Gathering taking place from August 11–16 in Ostrava, Czech Republic, to 'turn with confidence to Jesus, who has overcome the world.'

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A woman in her 50s and a child were taken to hospital after being attacked by a dog in Co Clare last weekend, in what was described as an "extremely vicious" attack.

WASHINGTON — U.S. consumer prices increased slightly in July, potentially weakening the argument for an interest rate increase from the Federal Reserve next month. The Consumer Price Index edged up 0.1 percent last month after dropping 0.4 percent in June, which was the first decline in six years, the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Wednesday. In the 12 months through July, the CPI advanced 3.4 percent after rising 3.5 percent in June. Excluding the volatile food and energy components, the CPI gained 0.2 percent last month after being unchanged in June. The so-called core CPI increased 2.5 percent in the 12 months through July after climbing 2.6 percent in June. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the CPI rebounding 0.1 percent and core inflation rising 0.2 percent over the month. The U.S. central bank tracks the Personal Consumption Expenditures price indexes for its 2 percent inflation target. The CPI report followed news last week of surprise job losses last month. Prior to the CPI report, financial markets saw a roughly 46 percent chance of a rate hike a

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday threatened retaliation for Western seizures of its commercial vessels , describing them as “piracy.” Speaking on a visit to a Russian warship that was taking part in a naval exercise in the Pacific, Putin described the Western moves to detain vessels linked to Russia as a breach of international maritime law. “It’s nothing but piracy and robbery,” Putin said. “If this is done, we will be forced to respond in kind.” He added that the Russian response wouldn't necessarily come in the waters where the Russian ships were seized, noting that Moscow could retaliate “in any area where we see it as necessary and appropriate,” including in the Pacific. The Pacific Fleet chief, Adm. Viktor Liina, reported to Putin that the navy was ready to start inspections of the commercial ships serving the “unfriendly nations.” He noted that many of the ships operated by British, French and other European carriers fly the flags of other nations, effectively making them a “shadow fleet.” “We have enough assets for inspection and

Korea's media watchdog concluded Wednesday that U.S.-based Google and Apple violated related laws by abusing their dominance in their respective app marketplaces. The level of sanctions will be decided at a later date, the Korea Media Communications Commission (KMCC) said at a regular meeting held in the afternoon. The two U.S. tech companies are accused of bypassing the revision to the telecommunications business act passed in 2021, which aims to prevent large app market operators from forcing app developers to use only their in-app payment systems. Following the revision, Google and Apple had allowed customers to purchase apps through a third-party payment gateway but imposed a transaction fee of around 26 percent on non in-app purchases — a move that drew criticism for effectively nullifying the law. In October 2023, South Korea's media watchdog had warned it would impose the highest fine possible on the two tech giants but has yet to carry out such a punishment.

BEIJING — Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji has died, according to state media. The impatient, sharp-tongued reformer helped ignite China’s explosive economic boom by forcing wrenching change on state industry in the 1990s and leading the country into the World Trade Organization. The official Xinhua news agency reported that Zhu died of illness in Beijing at around 11 a.m. on Wednesday. He was 97 years old. Once sent into rural exile to do manual labor for praising reforms in other communist countries, Zhu pushed through a dizzying array of changes as premier, China’s top economic post, from 1998 to 2003. Zhu clashed with Communist Party conservatives and state industry bosses as he pushed state-owned companies to become efficient and profitable. That cost millions of layoffs, but helped propel China to overtake Japan as the second-largest economy behind the United States in 2010. Building on former leader Deng Xiaoping’s 1979 reforms, Zhu is credited with supplying the resourcefulness and tenacity to push through history-making changes such as China’s WTO membership, which he

A special counsel team indicted former President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday on charges of instructing officials to justify his failed martial law bid to the United States and other major partner nations. Special counsel Kwon Chang-young's team said it charged Yoon with abuse of power in its first indictment against the jailed former president. With the new indictment, Yoon is standing a total of eight trials in connection with his imposition of martial law in December 2024, his wife's alleged corruption and other offenses. Prior to Wednesday, the number was down to seven after the Supreme Court last month finalized a seven-year prison term for his obstruction of investigators' attempt to detain him following his martial law bid. The latest indictment concerns allegations that Yoon instructed the presidential National Security Office and the foreign ministry immediately after declaring martial law to send messages justifying the emergency order to key nations, including the U.S., Britain, Japan and members of the European Union. Shin Won-sik, the then national security adviser, allegedly e

HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun plans to meet with Bill Gates, founder and chairman of U.S. nuclear energy firm TerraPower, in Seoul later this week to discuss ways to deepen cooperation in small modular reactors (SMRs), industry sources said Wednesday. It would mark their first meeting in seven months since they met on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The meeting comes as HD Hyundai, Korea's leading shipbuilding group, and TerraPower, which specializes in advanced nuclear energy technology, have been expanding cooperation in the SMR sector. HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, the group's shipbuilding holding company, invested $30 million in TerraPower in 2022. HD Hyundai has since been participating in the construction of reactor equipment for TerraPower's 345-megawatt Natrium sodium-cooled fast reactor project in Wyoming, the United States. In March 2025, Chung and Gates signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on the commercialization of the Natrium reactor and met again five months later to discuss ways to further expand their nuclea

In Yongsan District, a sprawling area known as a multicultural hub, language barriers, cultural isolation and socioeconomic strain have long simmered beneath the surface of family life. Local authorities took a significant step earlier this week toward addressing how those pressures can spill over into child welfare, establishing a cross-sector safety net designed specifically for immigrant and multicultural households. Yongsan District Office announced a landmark memorandum of understanding aimed at preventing child abuse in multicultural families through early intervention, public support and language education. Dubbed “Opening Words, Connecting Hearts,” the multi-agency pact brings together municipal officials, law enforcement, educational institutions and child protection specialists to tackle the root causes of domestic friction before a crisis hits. The program arrives as Korea grapples with rapid demographic shifts. Over the past decade, international marriages and foreign-born residents have reshaped the nation’s urban centers. Yet municipal research in Yongsan District

Some Korean celebrities have captivated public attention not just for their entertainment careers, but for their privileged backgrounds. From legal ties to immense wealth, the family histories of several stars have recently drawn interest. Actor Choi Yeon-cheong recently drew attention when her prominent background, which includes figures in law, politics and the media, became public knowledge. She discussed her family during an Aug. 8 appearance on the JTBC program "Knowing Bros." Host Kim Shin-young introduced Choi, saying her father is a former judge and her husband is a sitting judge. Kim said the family includes legal professionals, media CEOs and members of the National Assembly. Choi confirmed, "That's right." Choi previously appeared alongside Lee Sang-min on Wavve survival show "Bloody Game X." After her impressive family background was revealed, fellow host Seo Jang-hoon teased Lee, saying, "Sang-min really likes people from families like that. If he'd known earlier, you might have gotten a little further." Actor Yoo Yeon-seok comes from a family of academics. His father is a fo

SK hynix will hold a formal groundbreaking ceremony for its new semiconductor packaging plant in the U.S. state of Indiana on Aug. 27, industry sources said Wednesday. The Korean chipmaker has announced plans to invest $3.87 billion into its first U.S. advanced packaging and research and development (R&D) facility in West Lafayette, Indiana, to produce high bandwidth memory (HBM) chips for artificial intelligence (AI) applications. SK hynix Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kwak Noh-jung as well as a number of CEOs and officials from major technology companies are expected to attend the ceremony, according to the sources. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won may attend the event, with speculation that Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang could also join the ceremony. SK hynix and Nvidia have been partners in global AI data center projects, as well as in the supply of memory chips and graphics processing units (GPUs). Chey and Huang have also held meetings frequently in Korea and the United States since last year.

North Korea denounced South Korea's efforts to build a nuclear-powered submarine, calling it a step toward "nuclear armament," Pyongyang's state media said. In a commentary carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Jang Kum-chol, first vice minister of North Korea's foreign ministry, said that Seoul's goal was to "free itself from the constraints of restrictions on spent nuclear fuel reprocessing and uranium enrichment and secure the right to produce nuclear material, ultimately paving the way to nuclear armament." He warned Seoul's nuclear cooperation with Washington on nuclear submarine development will further destabilize the Korean Peninsula and pose a grave challenge to North Korea's security and maritime sovereignty. "Having a capability to respond with unsurvivable, irrecoverable retaliatory strikes would be the most responsible choice for deterring war."

The Seoul Museum of History will open a special showcase Friday revisiting the 1966 public launch of the city's inaugural urban master plan, museum officials said Wednesday. The exhibition, running from Friday through Nov. 8, marks the 60th anniversary of the 1966 Seoul Urban Master Plan, Korea's first comprehensive long-term development blueprint for the entire city. It revisits an earlier public exhibition held in August and September 1966 at what is now Seoul Plaza, where roughly 800,000 residents viewed drawings and models laying out the city's future development. In 1966, Seoul's population had more than doubled in just over a decade, growing to about 3.79 million from 1.56 million in 1955, while a major municipal expansion extended its administrative area from 268 square kilometers to over 600 square kilometers. While the city’s administrative boundaries have hovered at around 600 to 605 square kilometers ever since, its population has grown to nearly 9.4 million today. Jobs and public facilities remained concentrated in the city center even as the population surged, prompting of

BTS member V has revealed that he has been experiencing hearing problems for more than two years and is currently receiving medical treatment. V and fellow BTS member Jungkook held a livestream on fan platform Weverse on Wednesday, where V opened up about the issue for the first time to fans. "I've never told ARMY about this before, but I think it's been about two and a half years. My hearing has gotten worse," V said, referring to BTS' fandom by its official name. The 30-year-old singer said his hearing in one ear is significantly weaker than in the other. "If one ear is at about 100, I can only hear about 30 with the other," he said. During the conversation, Jungkook stressed the importance of consistently taking care of one's health. V agreed and said he is currently taking medication. V also said the problem became worse while he was serving in the military but that he initially did not take it as seriously as he should have. "It got a little worse in the military, and since I was surrounded by people who exercised a lot, everyone said, 'It's a matter of mental strength,'" V said. "Afte

PEREIRA, Colombia — Colombian rescuers pulled a 32-year-old woman alive from the rubble of a collapsed building Tuesday, sparking cheers and applause as exhausted crews raced to find more survivors from the country's strongest earthquake in a century. Daniela Largo was carried from the wreckage wrapped in a blue blanket as rescuers embraced and relatives shouted out with joy. Soldiers, firefighters and volunteers continued to scour collapsed buildings across western Colombia after Monday's 7.4-magnitude quake. Authorities revised the death toll down to 216 after local officials in Cali corrected earlier figures. "We were losing hope and then we received a call," said her mother Sandra Milena Perez in Pereira. Perez said a local resident heard cries for help beneath the rubble and joined neighbors in removing debris before professional rescuers arrived. "Thanks to him, today we're happy," she said. "At home her 12-year-old son is waiting for her." In Pereira and in Cali, emergency crews used cranes, dogs and heavy machinery to search ruined buildings while volunteers formed human chains to

From left, Kim Yong-kwan, president of management strategy at Samsung Electronics' Device Solutions division, Gwangju Mayor Min Hyung-bae, Climate Minister Kim Sung-whan, KEPCO CEO Kim Dong-cheol and Yeom Seong-jin, president of SK hynix's communications division, pose after signing a power supply deal for the planned chip clusters in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, and Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City at KEPCO's office in Seoul, Wednesday. KEPCO will supply 3 gigawatts of electricity to the new semiconductor industrial complex in the southwestern region from 2029, with plans to expand the cumulative supply to more than 6 gigawatts through additional facilities. The agreement follows up on the government’s initiative involving three megaprojects announced on June 29 and is intended to establish power-supply networks in line with the operating schedules of factories in the regions. Courtesy of Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment

The National Theater Company of Korea will launch a new outdoor lunchtime series at Myeongdong Theater this month, inviting office workers, residents and tourists to performing arts shows in the middle of Seoul’s bustling shopping district. Titled “Myeongdong Theater at Noon,” the program will take place every Wednesday from Aug. 19 through Oct. 28 at the theater’s outdoor plaza, presenting a total of 10 free performances. The initiative is designed to make art more accessible to people by staging short performances during an hour when most people are free, rather than requiring them to enter a traditional theater venue. No reservations are required to attend. The lineup features veteran artists and groups experienced in outdoor festivals and street theater. It includes traditional mask dancing by the Bongsan Mask Dance Preservation Society, as well as percussion and sangmo — Korea’s traditional ribbon-hat dances — performances by Yeonhui Jeomchuri and Yeonhui Group The Gwangdae. Project Tong, known for movement-based physical theater, will also participate. Theater Asura w

The Korean military hosted an exchange event Wednesday with troops representing the member states of the United Nations Command (UNC) in Korea, ahead of their participation in an upcoming combined exercise between Korea and the United States, military officials said. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) invited 66 soldiers from 11 of the 18 UNC member states to the "friendship-building" event at the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan, as the troops are set to take part in the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise starting next Monday. The UNC, which administers and enforces the Armistice Agreement that ended the 1950-53 Korean War, has sent its soldiers to the UFS drills as reinforcement troops providing a supporting role. The event was organized to express gratitude for the dedication and efforts of the UNC member-state troops participating in the UFS and to further strengthen ties based on the trust they have built together, the JCS said in a statement. As part of the event, the troops also visited the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom to observe the security environment on the Korean Pe

Major telecom operators are seeing early results from their push into artificial intelligence (AI), with AI data centers (AIDC), cloud and AI transformation businesses posting growth in the second quarter even as traditional telecom operations remained largely stagnant. SK Telecom reported the sharpest growth in its AI infrastructure business. Its second-quarter revenue rose 0.5 percent year-on-year to 4.3591 trillion won ($3.08 billion), while operating profit jumped 67.3 percent to 566 billion won. The profit increase was partly due to the absence of one-off costs from last year’s hacking incident. Despite the company’s marginal growth in overall revenue, its AIDC business surged 92.5 percent year-on-year to 136.2 billion won this quarter. It attributed the growth to expanded data center operations and rising demand for high-performance computing infrastructure as generative AI adoption accelerates. The company established a new company, SK Hyper, late last month to oversee AIDC business development and plans to invest 750 billion won through 2030. It aims to build out 5 gigawatts

Three candidates vying for the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) leadership made their final pitches in a televised debate Wednesday, reiterating their commitment to working for the success of the Lee Jae Myung administration just days before the party picks a new leader. The DPK is set to hold a national convention Monday to elect its new chair, who will play a key role in overseeing the nomination of candidates for the parliamentary elections in April 2028. The race has largely been a competition between former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, considered a key political ally of Lee, and former DPK leader Jung Chung-rae, who has faced criticism from some party members for focusing on appealing to his own hard-line supporters than on fully backing the president. Kim vowed to unite the DPK and lead the party to secure a win in the next general elections. "I will firmly lead the party for both the success of the administration and victory in the general elections," Kim said in his opening remarks. He vowed to support the government's "three megaprojects" initiative that aims to transform t

The government on Wednesday announced key projects to nurture advanced technologies in seven sectors, including renewable energy and space science, as part of broader efforts to seek new growth engines. The projects are part of the "strategic emerging engines for disruptive innovation," or SEED, initiative announced during a policy briefing at Cheong Wa Dae by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. The SEED initiative aims to secure new growth engines for Korea by focusing on three areas: renewable energy, frontier technologies and an advanced supply chain ecosystem, the government said. In the renewable energy area, the government plans to commercialize water-cooled small modular reactors (SMRs) by 2035, while beginning construction of non-water-cooled SMRs around 2030. In particular, for advanced modular reactors, the government plans to establish a special purpose company (SPC) in cooperation with the private sector to oversee the project from the development stage. Korea also seeks to build a locally developed nuclear fusion reactor by 2035

The benchmark KOSPI surged 3.68 percent Wednesday, as foreign and institutional investors piled into large-cap semiconductor stocks on upbeat earnings from major U.S. tech companies and growing expectations for shareholder returns. The benchmark KOSPI closed at 6,579.04, up 3.68 percent from the previous session. The index opened 1.42 percent higher and extended its gains, triggering a buy-side sidecar at 11:57 a.m., the 23rd such activation this year. Foreign and institutional investors bought a net 2.83 trillion won ($1.9 billion) and 528.4 billion won worth of shares, respectively. Retail investors, however, sold a net 3.19 trillion won worth of shares, taking profits. Investor sentiment toward large-cap semiconductor stocks improved following strong earnings reports from major U.S. tech companies, along with expectations for shareholder return plans. SK hynix rose 5.54 percent to close at 1,504,000 won, while Samsung Electronics gained 6.68 percent to finish at 255,500 won. CoreWeave reported second-quarter revenue of $2.58 billion, up 112 percent year on year, while raising its full

Tighter lending restrictions at commercial banks are pushing more borrowers toward savings banks where interest rates are significantly higher, as the government continues its drive to rein in household debt, according to industry officials Wednesday. Annual interest rates on mid-interest loans for borrowers with low to medium credit scores range from 9.7 percent to 16.2 percent, roughly two to three times the average for comparable commercial bank loans. In the first half of this year, savings banks issued over 491,000 such loans, up 14 percent from the second half of last year and the highest level on record, according to the Korea Federation of Savings Banks. At the current pace, the annual tally could reach 1 million for the first time. The shift comes as banks tighten access to household credit, traditionally the main source of financing for consumers. In July, KB Kookmin Bank halved the maximum mortgage available to individual borrowers nationwide to 300 million won ($212,000) from 600 million won. Other major lenders like Hana Bank have also restricted online lending channels for

Couples who held their weddings in January spent an average of just over 19 million won (about $13,700), more than 3 million won (about $2,300) less than those who married during the peak season in April, according to a recent survey. The Korea Consumer Agency analyzed monthly wedding service contract prices across 14 regions nationwide from April last year through June this year. The average cost of a wedding during the off-season in January was 19.13 million won (about $13,700), the lowest of any month. This was 3.25 million won (about $2,300) less than the 22.38 million won (about $16,000) average recorded in April, the most expensive month. The average wedding cost during the peak season — March through June and September through December — was 21.56 million won (about $15,400), 2.02 million won (about $1,400) higher than the 19.54 million won (about $14,000) average during the off-season months of January, February, July and August. Wedding venue costs also varied significantly depending on the season. The median venue cost during the peak season was 16.1 million won (about $11

Seoul is ramping up outreach urging users of its Climate Card transit pass to switch to a new nationwide discount program before a major overhaul takes effect Sept. 1, the city government said Wednesday. The new offering, known as the Climate Companion Card — and marketed locally as "Everyone's Card" — combines the national government’s K-pass discount system with Seoul-specific perks, including extending youth fare discounts to residents up to age 39. Launched in January 2024 as Korea's pioneering unlimited transit pass, the Climate Card is now being folded into the broader national framework after the central government introduced its own unlimited-style transit pass under the K-pass umbrella this year. Seoul said it is consolidating the programs to offer nationwide usability, stronger cash-back benefits and its own city-specific perks under a single system. Since the city announced the transition June 17, usage of the original Climate Card has dropped sharply. The number of active 30-day pass holders fell to roughly 530,000 as of Monday from about 900,000 on June 29 — a 41 pe

President Lee Jae Myung said Wednesday Korea should identify and nurture new growth engines in the new era of artificial intelligence (AI) and beyond, positioning seven future industries as drivers of future economic growth and key national strategic assets. The president made the remarks at a meeting to designate seven industries as "seeds" for the country's future growth and explore ways to nurture them as the country's new growth engines, in addition to semiconductors. Korean chipmakers have posted record-high revenues over the past several quarters amid soaring demand for semiconductors for AI application. Seoul now seeks to identify new sectors to sustain the semiconductor boom by designating seven future-oriented sectors as strategic areas for the future economy and national security. They are small modular reactors (SMRs), nuclear fusion, renewable energy, quantum technology, aerospace, advanced biology and supply chains for advanced materials and components. "By making the best of the rare opportunity provided by the semiconductor industry, we should prepare the next engines of gr

A research team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has identified about 24,000 foreign-linked accounts exhibiting behavior consistent with coordinated manipulation aimed at fueling political divisions on Korea’s largest news portal. The researchers developed a tool using artificial intelligence (AI) technology that can flag suspicious online accounts, and also explain the basis for its assessments. The accounts did not focus on a particular political party or ideology, but instead posted messages targeting both conservative and liberal politicians, including former and incumbent presidents, in ways that could amplify divisions and confrontation, raising suspicions of links to foreign influence operations. The team, led by professors Lee Won-jae, Cha Mee-young and Oh Hae-yun, will present their research, titled “Cross-National Information Attacks: A Two-Decade Analysis of Troll Behavior in Korea,” at USENIX Security Symposium 2026 on Thursday, according to KAIST. The research was co-authored by doctoral student Kim Jae-hong and master’s student Kim

Actor Ha Young apologized Wednesday over allegations surrounding her great-grandfather's pro-Japanese activities during Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of Korea, saying she was "sincerely sorry" as his descendant. The actor issued the apology in a handwritten letter posted on her social media account, a day after her agency acknowledged that her great-grandfather Ahn Sang-ho (1872-1927) was a member of an organization that allegedly took part in pro-Japanese activities. "I had only partially known about my great-grandfather's life through stories told by my family," she said. "I am ashamed, that despite my ignorance, I had spoken on many occasions about him as a source of family pride." "I believe the fact that I had not known about it cannot be an excuse for disregarding or lightly considering that history. I take that mistake heavily and as a descendant, I am sincerely sorry," the actor said. While appearing on an episode of the KBS talk show "Problem Child in House" last week, Ha Young mentioned how her great-grandfather studied Western medicine in Japan as she explained that medical pr

A spicy Chinese-style soup sold by major franchise chains in Korea can contain sodium equivalent to 2.7 times the recommended daily intake, an investigation found. The Korea Consumer Agency released the findings Tuesday after examining the nutritional content of malatang from 20 franchise chains. According to the report, a single bowl contained an average of 5,380 milligrams of sodium, equivalent to 269 percent of the recommended daily intake of 2,000 milligrams. Each bowl also contained an average of 49 grams of fat, or approximately 90.7 percent of the recommended daily intake. The agency pointed out that actual sodium and fat intake could be much higher, as serving sizes varied widely among the franchises, ranging from 842 grams to 1,945 grams. The saltiest malatang contained as much as 11,192 milligrams of sodium, while the least salty contained 3,251 milligrams. Likewise, the amount of fat in each bowl ranged from 16 grams to 95 grams. A bowl contained an average of 952 calories, 81 grams of carbohydrates and 52 grams of fat. The carbohydrates and protein were equivalent to 25 perc

Aviation and hotel industries are bracing for a BIGBANG windfall ahead of the group's October concert in Hanoi, Vietnam. The K-pop group, which helped drive the Korean wave in the country, commands a massive local following. BIGBANG will bring its world tour to Hanoi at My Dinh National Stadium for two days on Oct. 24 and 25, local media reported Tuesday. Ticket prices are set between 1 million dong ($37.46) and 10.5 million dong. Ticket reservations are scheduled to begin Thursday, but demand for flights and hotel rooms was already rising as of Tuesday. Round-trip domestic flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi for the weekend of the concert have reached 5 million dong, more than 1.5 times the usual price, Vietnamese news outlet VnExpress reported. Fares are expected to climb further as the concert dates approach. When K-pop girl group BLACKPINK performed in Hanoi in July 2023, one-way flights on the same route peaked at 9 million dong. Accommodations are seeing a surge in bookings linked to the concerts. The Sheraton Hanoi Hotel reported that about 80 percent of its rooms are already

Police said Wednesday they have busted a criminal ring suspected of creating and operating illegal pornography and gambling websites to rake in several tens of billions of won. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said two key members of the ring, aged 40 and 36, respectively, have been arrested and referred to the prosecution on charges of distributing child sexual exploitation materials, among other offenses. The police agency also said it was investigating about 10 accomplices, including the ring leader and manager who are believed to be staying abroad. The suspects are accused of systematically operating 18 illegal gambling websites and two pornography websites from Pasay City, Philippines, and other locations since August 2019. They initially attracted users to their pornography sites, which distributed child and adolescent sexual exploitation materials and illegally filmed content, before recruiting gambling members by placing advertisements for their gambling sites on the pornography sites. The total amount wagered on the gambling sites over approximately five years was estimated a

The government will soon establish a deregulation committee dedicated to improving regulations hindering startups in emerging industries, Prime Minister Han Seong-sook said Wednesday. The envisioned committee, to be set up under the presidential Regulatory Rationalization Committee, will deal exclusively with regulations hampering startups and venture businesses, Han said during a public discussion on venture and startup businesses. "This committee will deal with regulations on emerging industries and new technologies separately (from other regulations) so as to improve them in a speedy manner," Han said. "It will serve as an exclusive organization for startup and venture business regulations." Han also said that small and medium-sized enterprises should play an important role in the "three megaprojects" initiative. The initiative calls for a national transformation driven by semiconductors, physical AI and AI data centers, and the government envisions the creation of two memory chip fabrication plants by Samsung Electronics and two fabs by SK hynix in the southwestern city of Gwangju an

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he secretly switched planes in Turkey last month at the direction of the U.S. Secret Service, but that the plane he ultimately flew on was still more vulnerable than Air Force One. Following a NATO summit in Ankara, Trump was transferred from Air Force One to a military plane via a catering truck in an extraordinary deception prompted by an Iranian assassination threat, U.S. media reported. The White House did not disclose the change and it remained a secret until the Washington Post first reported it on Monday. Some media commentators questioned whether the operation left Trump's aides and journalists traveling with him at risk aboard the plane presumed to be carrying the president. "I think actually the plane that I flew on was at greater risk," Trump told reporters on Tuesday. "I think it was at greater risk because that would be the plane I think that they would be more likely to go for." After a day of social media memes portraying Trump as hiding out in the catering truck, the image-conscious president, who often promote

A salaried worker in his 40s surnamed Lee who lives in Seoul’s Dongjak District was caught off guard after learning that the government’s latest tax overhaul could increase the comprehensive real estate tax burden on couples who jointly own a single home. Under the tax reform plan announced on Aug. 3, some provisions of the comprehensive real estate tax would apply the same standards to couples who jointly own a single home as to multiple-home owners, potentially increasing their tax burden. “Wasn’t joint ownership between spouses encouraged by the government as a way to save on taxes?” Lee said. “I feel like I’ve been blindsided now that we’re suddenly being treated like multiple-home owners and facing tax disadvantages.” More than 4,000 comments have already been submitted to the Ministry of Government Legislation’s public legislative participation center since the proposed revisions to the tax law were posted for public comment on Aug. 4. Many of the comments raise concerns about how couples who jointly own a single home would be taxed. “It is wrong to treat coup

The Kosdaq has risen about 19 percent this month, the best performance among major global equity indexes. But some of the speculative trading that had fueled volatility in the KOSPI has migrated to the junior bourse, leaving the smaller-cap market prone to sharper swings, market watchers said Wednesday. The index hit a year-to-date high of 1,226.18 on April 27 before sliding from May, according to the Korea Exchange. It fell to 644.78 on July 30, a three-month low, before rebounding sharply to the 850 level. On Wednesday, it closed at 858.91, up 0.12 percent from the previous session. The turnaround came as enthusiasm for semiconductor stocks cooled and tighter restrictions on single-stock leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs) dampened activity in the benchmark KOSPI. Bargain hunting after the Kosdaq's steep decline also helped fuel the rebound. However, the shift has also redirected speculative capital into the market, with retail investors rapidly changing their positioning. Buy-side trading curbs have been triggered four times in seven sessions since July 31. Between July 1 to 31, in

MOSCOW — Russia's Defence Ministry said on Wednesday it had intercepted and destroyed 502 Ukrainian drones over various regions overnight and had hit a fuel depot in the port of Odesa, which it said was used to supply the Ukrainian army. Reuters could not independently verify the ministry's assertions.

Seeking to turn its iconic river into a major nighttime destination, Seoul is expanding evening ferry services on the Han River. Municipal officials said Wednesday that the Hangang Bus will extend its late-hour service starting Saturday, adding key departures aimed at nighttime sightseers, evening leisure seekers and late commuters. The schedule adjustments focus on the waterway's highest-demand areas. Two extra ferries will run from the southeastern district of Jamsil to the financial hub of Yeouido at 6:50 pm and 7:20 pm, while two late departures will connect Yeouido westward to Magok at 8:25 pm and 8:55 pm. To improve daytime schedules and improve overall passenger convenience, city planners are also adding mid-afternoon trips in both directions, inserting extra runs from Magok to Yeouido at 3:00 pm and 3:30 pm, as well as Yeouido to Jamsil at 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm. The expansion aims to capture a growing crowd of leisure riders, local residents and international tourists looking to catch a glimpse of Seoul's glittering skyline directly from the water. Passengers aboard the evening fe

The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld a lower court ruling ordering Japanese steelmaker Nippon Steel to pay compensation to the family of a late Korean forced into labor during Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule of Korea. It marked the top court's latest ruling in favor of families of forced labor victims since its landmark 2018 ruling that found Japanese companies liable for damages to such victims. The court confirmed the order for Nippon Steel to pay 80 million won ($56,500) in total to five family members of the late victim, Min Moon-sik, after they filed the lawsuit in 2019. Min was forced into labor at a steel mill operated by the company in Kamaishi, Japan, for about five months in 1942. He died in 1989. Since the 2018 ruling, courts have ruled in favor of victims of forced labor in multiple cases.

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and his Venezuelan counterpart, Felix Plasencia, held phone talks Wednesday and discussed ways to enhance cooperation, Seoul's foreign ministry said. During the call, Cho expressed condolences to the victims of recent earthquakes in Venezuela and pledged to support the country's recovery efforts. Venezuela suffered a pair of powerful earthquakes in June that killed more than 6,000 people. The two ministers also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including the economy, and agreed to activate communication channels to deepen future discussions. Cho asked the Venezuelan government to help ensure the safety of Korean nationals living in the country, the ministry said.

Korea will provide $1 million in humanitarian aid to Colombia to help the country recover from a recent deadly earthquake, Seoul's foreign ministry said Wednesday. "We hope this aid will help the country's recovery efforts and ensure a swift return to normalcy for its people," the ministry said, adding the donation will be delivered through an international organization operating in Columbia. The South American country was hit by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake earlier this week that has killed over 200 people.

Musinsa, Korea's largest online fashion platform, said Wednesday it signed an exclusive distribution agreement with ACX Holdings Corporation, the retail arm of Philippine conglomerate Ayala Corporation, to expand its business in the Southeast Asian country. Musinsa and ACX Holdings signed the agreement July 17, and the companies plan to gradually expand distribution channels in the Philippines, including opening offline stores, Musinsa said. Ayala Corporation, founded in 1834, is one of the Philippines' largest conglomerates, with businesses spanning real estate, financial services, telecommunications and energy. ACX Holdings serves as its retail and distribution subsidiary, helping global brands enter and operate in the Philippine market. Under the new agreement, Musinsa becomes ACX's fashion sector partner as the Philippine company expands its distribution business across retail, groceries, wholesale and lifestyle categories. Musinsa said it plans to use ACX's distribution infrastructure and market experience to enter the Philippine market and expand its reach among Filipino consumers.

An artificial intelligence (AI) joint venture pushed by the Korea Insurance Institute has drawn criticism from insurance industry officials, with questions raised over its legality and business rationale, according to officials, Wednesday. Since Ha Tae-keung, the former lawmaker, took over as president in 2024, the institute has developed three AI-based education tools: a sales coach for training insurance agents, a system that generates questions for insurance qualification exams and an AI-powered learning experience platform. The institute said that all questions on an insurance qualification exam held on Wednesday were generated by the AI system it developed. It initially sought to establish a subsidiary to commercialize the technology, but the Financial Services Commission (FSC) did not approve amendments to its articles of association that would have provided a legal basis for the new entity and its investment. Ha subsequently shifted to a joint venture model. The proposed venture would have 2.5 billion won ($1.77 million) in capital, with the institute and Taiwan-based WisdomGarden

Healing Paper, the operator of Korea's leading beauty medical information platform Gangnam Unni, said Wednesday that its concierge service for foreign patients seeking cosmetic and dermatology treatments in Korea surpassed 1,600 completed cases in the five months since its launch. The service, called Unni Guide, was launched in March to help foreign patients navigate Korea's beauty medical scene, from booking appointments at clinics to providing interpreters who accompany patients on-site. Healing Paper said the service is aimed at removing the language barriers and information gaps that foreign patients often face. It operates through both an online channel and a physical service center. The number of monthly completed procedures booked through Unni Guide has grown by about 30 percent each month since launch, the company said. To date, patients from 73 countries — including Taiwan, the United States, China, Thailand and Singapore — have made more than 1,600 bookings through the service. Korea drew a record 2 million foreign patients last year, according to the company, a surge it sa

Homeplus will reopen all 67 of its temporarily shuttered discount stores Thursday, resolving a monthlong closure driven by a severe cash crunch. The retail chain, owned by private equity firm MBK Partners, had closed the stores in mid-July as it entered court-supervised rehabilitation — Korea’s equivalent of Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Ahead of the official relaunch, the chain has been running trial operations since Aug. 7, and final inspections wrapped up Wednesday. Once the doors reopen, 59 of the 67 locations will also resume online delivery and e-commerce operations. Homeplus shut down all of its stores on July 13 after saying it had run out of operating funds to pay suppliers and cover basic costs such as rent and utilities. The company had been under court receivership since March 2025, when it filed for rehabilitation after a credit rating downgrade left it unable to pay short-term debt. The Seoul Rehabilitation Court briefly moved to terminate the proceedings in early July, which would have pushed the retailer toward liquidation, before reversing that decision on July

LG Electronics has launched a new diagnostic monitor cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a medical device, expanding its lineup of business-to-business (B2B) displays for hospitals and clinics, the company said Wednesday. The new 40-inch monitor, model 40HT513D, features a curved IPS black panel with a 21:9 aspect ratio and 5,120-by-2,160 resolution, totaling 11 megapixels — which LG said is enough to replace the work previously done using three separate 3-megapixel monitors. The monitor's central feature is a three-picture-by-picture function that splits the screen into three sections to display different image sources at once. LG said the setup eliminates the visible seams between adjoining monitors that can interfere with reading medical images, along with the need to shift focus between separate screens. For image-based diagnosis, doctors typically need to compare original and previous scans from X-rays, CT or MRI machines alongside a patient's electronic medical records — all of which can now be viewed simultaneously on a single screen without switching dis

SK hynix has become the de facto largest shareholder in Kioxia, the world’s third-largest NAND flash maker, but uncertainty remains over whether it can participate in the Japanese company’s management, leaving the Korean chipmaker with a valuable yet complicated strategic position. Kioxia said in a regulatory filing on Monday that BCPE Pangea Cayman2 (SPC2) is now its largest stakeholder. SPC2 is a special purpose company established by United States private equity Bain Capital and invested by SK hynix. Toshiba was previously Kioxia’s largest shareholder, but its stake fell to 14.12 percent from 14.48 percent as of July 31 after the Japanese company sold shares in the market last month. With SPC2 maintaining its 14.19 percent stake, it became Kioxia’s largest shareholder. SPC2 was established by Bain Capital, but it effectively serves as an investment vehicle solely for SK hynix. In 2018, the Korean chipmaker invested about 3.9 trillion won ($2.75 billion) through two Bain Capital SPCs — 2.63 trillion won in SPC1, an equity investment vehicle, and 1.3 trillion won through SPC2

Asiana Airlines shareholders approved its high-profile merger with Korean Air on Wednesday, clearing a key final hurdle ahead of the official launch of an integrated national flag carrier in December. The approval concludes the corporate combination process that began in November 2020, when Korean Air decided to acquire its smaller rival. The deal has since undergone regulatory reviews by authorities in Korea and abroad. Asiana shareholders voted in favor of the merger at an extraordinary shareholders' meeting, with 81.9 percent of shareholders in attendance and 99.3 percent voting in favor of Asiana’s integration with Korean Air. The two airlines plan to officially launch the integrated Korean Air on Dec. 17. Asiana Airlines will be dissolved the same day. “This marks the first step toward writing a new chapter in Korea’s aviation industry as a megacarrier,” Asiana Airlines CEO Song Bo-young said. “All employees will come together to ensure the successful launch of the integrated airline while bringing Asiana Airlines’ final chapter to a meaningful close.” The merger ratio h

Hwang Ji-sung, 46, fled North Korea in 2009. Since then, he has helped roughly 3,000 people escape the North and sent money to many of the families they left behind. “At first, I didn't understand why defectors would cry over having no news of their families. Getting that kind of news wasn't hard for me,” Hwang said in an interview with The Korea Times. “So I told them, 'I'll do it for you.'” From smuggler to broker Growing up in Musan County, North Hamgyong Province, Hwang became familiar with the geography of the North Korea-China border, including the Tuman River's currents and water levels, knowledge that proved critical when he began smuggling goods into China in the mid-1990s, amid a famine that killed an estimated 600,000 to 3 million people, though the exact toll remains unknown. He also guided women who had been trafficked into China, later sent back to North Korea and wanted to return to their Chinese husbands, leading them to the banks of the Tuman River. In 2005, Hwang made his first attempt to defect, drawn by a longing for freedom and stories that people in South Ko

Grand Korea Leisure (GKL) has partnered with the Gangnam Medical Tour Center to launch the K-Medical Wellness Experience Zone, an interactive showcase aimed at attracting overseas visitors and boosting the local economy through medical and wellness tourism. The state-run casino operator said Wednesday that the event will run through Aug. 31 on the third floor of its Seven Luck Casino Gangnam Coex branch in southern Seoul. The Gangnam Medical Tour Center, run by Gangnam District Office, is a comprehensive medical tourism support center that provides international patients with one-stop services ranging from medical consultations and interpretation to airport pick-up. The initiative leverages the high-traffic location as a direct marketing touchpoint for Gangnam's medical tourism. International visitors can try different wellness experiences, including skin analysis, K-beauty sessions, stress index testing and massages. The venue also promotes health products from local small and medium-sized enterprises. The joint campaign aims to direct casino foot traffic straight into local clinics, cr

Researchers at Sungkyunkwan University and the University of Michigan have developed the world’s first oral microbiome-based nanodrug for cancer immunotherapy. Sungkyunkwan University said Monday that the nanodrug significantly enhances the ability of immune cells to attack cancer cells by using natural metabolites produced by gut bacteria. The university’s research team, led by Cho Young-seok, professor at the School of Medicine, conducted a joint study with researchers at the University of Michigan, including James J. Moon, a professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The findings were published Monday in Nature Nanotechnology, one of the world’s leading journals in nanoscience and medicine, under the title “Oral nano-delivery of a gut microbial metabolite enhances T cell stemness for cancer immunotherapy.” “This study is the first to uncover at the molecular level how gut microbes in our bodies enhance immune function and to translate this mechanism into an orally administered drug using nanotechnology,” Cho said. He added, “By turning microbial metabolites

DUBAI — The U.S. and Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis reported separate attacks on shipping on Tuesday as prospects for ending the Iran war appeared to dim, with Tehran saying the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed unless Washington accepts its conditions. The attacks, in the Gulf of Oman leading to the strait and at the entrance to the Red Sea — both vital chokepoints for global oil supplies — come as the war shows no signs of ending despite repeated assertions from U.S. President Donald Trump of a deal being imminent. Oil prices gained and global shares retreated amid renewed pessimism about a quick end to the conflict. Brent crude futures climbed 1.4 percent to settle at $88.91 per barrel and U.S. crude rose 1.3 percent to $83.20. At the southern end of the Red Sea, four crew members were killed in a suspected Houthi attack on a small cargo vessel in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Tuesday, Yemen's Transport Ministry said. Two Yemeni rescuers from an anti-Houthi military group were also killed, Yemen's Coast Guard said. The fatalities aboard the Egyptian-owned Tihamah would be the fi

TAIPEI, Taiwan — The day after Li Chen-hsiu was sworn in as a member of Taiwan’s Legislature, she was questioned about whether she belonged — about her nationality, about her identity and ultimately about her loyalty to Taiwan. That's because Li is a “mainland spouse” — born in China and a citizen of Taiwan through marriage. She's part of a community of some 369,000 people in the island nation who are subject to rapidly changing policies — and some say discrimination — as tensions rise with China and Taiwan's government questions the spouses' allegiances. For the two months she served before being forced out of the legislature, Li was the country's only China-born lawmaker who had immigrated to Taiwan by marriage. “It's only because of Taiwan which has this free and democratic system, and the Taiwan People's Party which was willing to give a political newcomer a chance, that I could have this opportunity,” she told The Associated Press in July. But now, fears of a military invasion by China have complicated Taiwan's policy toward spouses like Li. She is part of a div

It is a strikng image: two musicians sharing a narrow bench, their hands crossed crossing hands over keyboards as four feet delicately coordinate over pedals. For married organists Olivier Latry and Lee Shin-young, the organ is a stage where they work together as a single musical mind. The couple will bring their partnership to Seoul’s Lotte Concert Hall on Oct. 6 in “Four Hands,” their first Korean appearance together in eight years. The program moves from Rameau to Stravinsky, revealing the organ as a rhythmic, theatrical and orchestral instrument. From restraint to musical trust In a recent written interview with The Korea Times, the duo said their partnership began with a restraint. Latry, then 23 and a titular organist at Notre-Dame de Paris, said he fell in love with Lee when she entered his class at the Paris Conservatoire. “That was not easy, not to show anything during her studies,” he said, adding that he waited eight years until she was no longer his student to reveal his feelings. Lee recalled him as disciplined and reserved, but exceptionally severe in her lessons.

Korea's bourse operator on Wednesday activated a buy-side sidecar for the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) as the stock index sharply rose, led by a chip rally. Program trading for the KOSPI-listed shares was suspended for five minutes at 11:57 a.m., according to the Korea Exchange (KRX). After opening 1.47 percent higher, the KOSPI rose 315.69 points, or 4.97 percent, to 6,661.22 as of 12:15 p.m. The stock rise came as semiconductor shares gained ground despite overnight losses on Wall Street. A buy-side sidecar is triggered when the KOSPI 200 Futures index rises 5 percent or more for at least one minute.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld a lower court ruling that ordered the Seoul city government to pay usage fees to the national railway authority for a public park built over a railroad. The top court made the ruling in a lawsuit filed by the Seoul city government seeking to nullify a usage fee of 42.1 billion won ($29.8 million) imposed by the Korea National Railway, a public entity affiliated with the transport ministry, for the use of the Gyeongui Line Forest Park site. The court said it is difficult to recognize that the Seoul city government has the right to occupy or use the park site free of charge or that it holds a legal position to justify such occupation or use. Gyeongui Line Forest Park, a 6.3-kilometer linear public park mostly found in western Mapo District, was built between 2008 and 2016 over former aboveground railroad tracks after portions of the Gyeongui Line were moved underground. Due to its popularity, one western section of the park in Yeonnam-dong is dubbed "Yeontral Park." In 2010, the Seoul city government and the Korea National Railway signed an agreement o

Remakes are accounting for a growing share of K-pop releases this year, with rookie idol groups and established vocalists alike reinterpreting hits from past decades. Rookie girl group AtHeart will release its take on "3! 4!," a 1996 hit by hip-hop and dance pop group Roo'Ra, on Aug. 19. The single is the second installment of the group's "Time Travel Project," a series built around songs that were hits in 1996 in Korea and the United States. The multinational seven-member group, which debuted in August 2025, has framed the concept as a 30-year leap intended to connect generations of listeners. It opened the series in June with "Say It," a recreation of The Cardigans' "Lovefool" that charted on Melon's HOT100. Girl group RESCENE has seen the strategy pay off. The five-piece girl group's remake of "Pretty Girl," a 2008 hit by second-generation K-pop girl group KARA, has taken three music show trophies since its release, beginning with a win on SBS M's "The Show" on July 14. It added two more on MBC's "Show! Music Core." The original version by KARA never won a music show award. Veteran voc

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back met with the alumni groups of the Army, Navy and Air Force academies Wednesday to seek their support for the government's push to integrate the academies into a single institution, the defense ministry said. Ahn met with the presidents of the alumni associations of the Korea Military Academy, Republic of Korea Naval Academy and the Republic of Korea Air Force Academy at the defense ministry compound in Seoul, according to the ministry. The move comes after the alumni groups staged a massive rally protesting the integration plan, calling on the government to immediately halt its push to merge the academies and to review the plan from scratch. The Lee Jae Myung government has said the integration plan seeks to pool talented future cadets amid a demographic cliff and better respond to evolving warfare. The drive for the tentatively named "National Military Academy" has faced strong opposition from the armed forces, which argue each military service requires specialized training tailored to their distinct operational environment. Following the meeting, the alumni

The government held a second meeting Wednesday of the 2045 Strategy Committee charged with drawing up a blueprint and strategies for what Korea should look like in 2045 and identified 17 core tasks with the goal of announcing the final strategies by the end of the year, officials said. The committee, launched in May, is aimed at developing long-term national development strategies to muster up national capabilities so as to deal systematically with hard-to-resolve challenges, such as polarization, demographic changes, regional extinction and climate change. The year 2045 carries a symbolic meaning as the centennial of Korea's liberation from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule. "The 2045 national development strategy should be a strategy for all people, not just the government alone. What's more important than anything else is to collect wisdom from all people across generations," Prime Minister Han Seong-sook said while presiding over the committee's second meeting. "We will try to select future-oriented, daring and challenging tasks to build an 'irreplaceable Republic of Korea' in every aspe

Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com has set up a business entity in Korea to directly purchase Korean consumer goods for sale in China, the trade ministry said Wednesday. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and JD.com jointly held a briefing on the company's business model for some 200 Korean consumer goods companies, the ministry said in a press release. During one-on-one meetings held on the sidelines of the briefing, some Korean companies signed deals worth a combined $1.5 million to ship their products through JD.com's business-to-consumer (B2C) platform in China, it said. "JD.com plans to increase its direct purchases of Korean consumer goods as local demand for K-beauty and K-food products is expected to grow further on the back of the global popularity of Korean culture," a JD.com official said. The government will provide full-scale support to Korean companies seeking to enter the Chinese market through major e-commerce platforms such as JD.com, the ministry said. Korean exports of consumer goods to China reached a record

President Lee Jae Myung expressed his hope that U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel will serve as a “strong bridge” and further strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance, Cheong Wa Dae said Wednesday. The announcement came after Lee received Steel’s credentials and held a separate meeting with the Korean-born American diplomat. Steel was among four newly appointed foreign envoys who attended the credentials presentation ceremony. “U.S. Ambassador Steel said she was delighted to take up her post in South Korea and pledged to engage extensively with the Korean government and people to promote mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation between the two countries,” presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said. Lee responded that he expected Steel’s deep understanding of Korean culture and society to help both countries deepen the bilateral alliance, according to Kang. The spokesperson went on to quote Lee as saying that “outstanding issues between the two countries could be resolved smoothly through reasonable and active dialogue and cooperation.” The meeting came amid s

Sejong University is stepping up efforts to expand educational cooperation with universities across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The university said Monday that the efforts are part of the third batch of the CAMPUS Asia-AIMS program, which is designed to strengthen educational ties between Korea and ASEAN countries through student exchanges and joint academic programs. AIMS is short for Asian International Mobility for Students. The initiative is an intergovernmental multilateral student mobility program operated by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center Specializing in Higher Education and Development. The program aims to establish a government-supported multilateral higher education cooperation framework similar to Europe’s Erasmus Program. In Korea, the Ministry of Education oversees the program, while the Korean Council for University Education is responsible for selecting and evaluating participating universities. The program, which began in 2026, will focus on four key goals this year: expanding interdisciplinary education li

Deep within the volcanic terrain of Jeju Island lies a damp, narrow lava tube known as Darangshi Cave. For more than four decades, it remained a silent, sealed tomb holding the remains of eleven villagers, including women and children, who died from smoke inhalation in 1948 when government forces blockaded the entrance and built fires outside. Long kept in the shadows of national memory, the site of that tragedy is now slated for official government preservation The National Heritage Administration said Wednesday that it will officially list the cave as a National Registered Cultural Heritage site. The move reflects a broader national effort to confront painful historical atrocities, create state accountability and preserve physical spaces that long sat on the margins of official memory. The designation coincides with the prospective registration of Manseojeong, the historic residential quarters of Jang Seok-yeong, a prominent Korean independence activist who drafted the 1919 Paris Petition appealing for national sovereignty during Japan's 1910-45 colonial occupation of Korea. Together,

Actor Park Eun-bin will release an album next month to mark her 30th anniversary of debut, her agency said Wednesday. The album, titled "Shooting My Love," will be released Sept. 4, which marks her birthday, according to Namoo Actors. The 12-track album will include three songs, in which she penned the lyrics to express her gratitude for fans, it added. Park began her career as a child model and has appeared in hit series such as "Do You Like Brahms?" (2020) and "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" (2022). She most recently appeared in "Spooky in Love" (2026).

For fans of Marvel’s famous web-slinger, the real thrill is feeling what it’s like to swing around above the skyline. At Seoul Sky, the observation deck perched atop the 123-story Lotte World Tower, fans are doing just that. Following the local theatrical release of Sony Pictures’ "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," costumed fans have been flocking to Korea’s tallest building to take photos, shop for exclusive merchandise and soak in panoramic views that mirror the superhero's perspective. According to operator Lotte World, the venue has emerged as a major hub for moviegoers looking to double down on the cinematic experience. Fans are visiting the observatory both to build anticipation before hitting the theater and to extend the excitement after the end credits roll. Through Aug. 31, the observation deck is hosting "Spider-Man: Brand New Day X Seoul Sky," a joint promotional event crafted in partnership with Sony Pictures. Tower officials noted that the event taps into the unique significance that urban skylines hold for the franchise. Spider-Man’s signature move of swinging through

In a major overhaul of its immigration framework, the Korean government is rapidly tearing down long-standing bureaucratic divides to offer permanent settlement pathways for hundreds of thousands of ethnic Koreans returning to their ancestral homeland. According to government figures released Wednesday, more than 54 percent of ethnic Koreans holding short-term H-2 visiting employment visas have successfully transitioned to the status of F-4 overseas Koreans within just six months of a reform implemented in February. The total number of H-2 visa holders dropped from 81,447 in mid-February to 31,186 by the end of July, signaling a swift embrace of long-term residency rights. The shift marks a decisive turn in Korea’s approach to diaspora integration. Historically, ethnic Koreans tracing their roots to former Soviet states (Koryoin) or northeastern China (Joseonjok) faced rigid administrative hurdles compared to those holding passport status from Western nations or developed economies. While some received broad rights as overseas compatriots, others were funneled into restrictive, short-

Asiana Airlines Inc., the country's second-largest carrier, said Wednesday its shareholders have approved its merger with larger rival Korean Air, wrapping up nearly six years of the latter's acquisition process. Asiana held an extraordinary shareholders' meeting to vote on the merger, with an overwhelming majority of shareholders voting in favor of the deal with the national flag carrier, a company spokesperson said. In November 2020, Korean Air announced plans to acquire Asiana in a deal valued at 1.8 trillion won ($1.6 billion), a move that would create the world's 10th-largest airline by fleet size. "A mega-carrier to be created through the merger will be the first step toward writing a new history in Korea's aviation industry," Asiana Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Song Bo-young told reporters on the sidelines of the shareholders' meeting. Regarding the integration of the two airlines' mileage programs, Song said the company is making preparations and awaits a decision from the Fair Trade Commission. The two airlines signed a merger agreement in May, and the merged entity, to be named

WEST KELOWNA, British Columbia — A deadly wildfire in western Canada that has forced some 20,000 people to flee grew overnight even without strong winds, challenging efforts to contain it and fully assess the damage, authorities said Tuesday. One hundred firefighters from Mexico have joined the effort, bringing the number of firefighters battling the blaze to 193. The fire has destroyed homes and other properties near Okanagan Lake, killed an 80-year-old woman and burned toward Summerland, a community of about 12,000 people roughly 300 kilometers (185 miles) east of Vancouver. The fire showed “quite significant growth” in some areas overnight even without strong winds, said Cliff Chapman, director of provincial operations for the British Columbia Wildfire Service. He added crews were working around the clock to establish control lines and make it safe for evacuated residents to return home. “We recognized and we heard even last night that people obviously would like to go home. They would like to see the extent of the damage,” Chapman said. Provincial officials ramp up evacuati

The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered Samsung Securities Co. to pay the National Pension Service (NPS) 1.86 billion won ($1.3 million) in damages over a 2018 dividend error by an accidental stock issuance. The top court ruled in favor of the NPS in the damages suit filed against the brokerage firm stemming from a "fat-finger" error committed by an employee at the firm on April 6, 2018. The stock blunder took place when the Samsung Securities official typed in 1,000 shares instead of 1,000 won per share in dividends that were to be paid to employees under a compensation plan. As a result, the company issued 2.8 billion shares worth about 112 trillion won that only existed on paper, and some employees who received the stocks quickly sold them in the market. Shares of Samsung Securities nose-dived about 12 percent on the day. The NPS filed the suit in response to the sharp stock price fall, claiming 29.9 billion won in damages. The Supreme Court upheld lower court rulings that ordered the brokerage firm to pay 1.86 billion won in damages, ruling that there is a "strong" likelihood of a caus

Unionized workers at SK hynix Inc. are close to launching an integrated labor union with the goal of securing more than half of the company's employees to become a majority union, industry sources said Wednesday. A preparatory task force plans to file an application to establish the integrated union and officially launch it as early as Wednesday, the sources said. The upcoming union has set securing a majority of the company's employees as its key objective, aiming to recruit about 18,000 of SK hynix's roughly 35,000 employees to gain majority-union status. Three separate labor unions currently negotiate with management independently. The task force, currently serving as an interim organization for the integrated union, was formed voluntarily by employees and will remain in place until an official union leader and executive committee are elected. "Bringing together the voices of employees across job categories and regions and creating a majority union is our top priority," the task force said. "We aim to establish a union in which all members have equal voting rights and make decisions di

K-pop supergroup BTS has remained on Billboard's main albums and singles charts for 20 consecutive weeks with its fifth studio album "ARIRANG." The album ranked No. 14 on the Billboard 200, while its lead track "Swim" placed No. 91 on the Billboard Hot 100, according to this week's charts unveiled Tuesday (U.S. time). The song's 20-week run ties the record set by the band's 2021 megahit "Butter" for the group's longest-charting song on the Hot 100. The original soundtrack of Netflix's hit animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" ranked No. 33 on the Billboard 200 while K-pop rookie group Cortis' "GreenGreen" climbed 75 places to No. 39. Girl group KATSEYE's "Beautiful Chaos" and "SIS (Soft Is Strong)" ranked No. 123 and No. 168, respectively. On the Hot 100, BLACKPINK's Jennie ranked No. 8 for "Dracula," her collaboration single with Australian act Tame Impala. KATSEYE's "Animal" placed No. 35, while "Iconic by Mistake," a collaboration involving KATSEYE, LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT ranked No. 88.

BLACKPINK's Lisa has found herself at the center of fresh dating rumors involving Thai actor Blue Pongtiwat, just as speculation grows that she may have parted ways with LVMH heir Frederic Arnault. The latest rumors have spread among some online users, who claim Lisa and Pongtiwat — known to be friends — have spent time together in Thailand as well as Hong Kong and Japan. There have also been claims that the two have attended family birthday celebrations together. The speculation comes amid renewed questions about Lisa's relationship with Arnault, whom she has been romantically linked to since 2023. In June, a U.S. fashion magazine reported that the two appeared to have separated. The publication also said a representative for Lisa had asked ahead of an interview that questions about her romantic relationships and private life be avoided. Lisa and Arnault have never publicly confirmed a relationship. However, the two have been spotted together on multiple occasions, while reports that Lisa traveled with members of Arnault's family previously fueled speculation that their relationship

BLACKPINK's Rosé has apologized to fans following the group's 10th anniversary event, saying she was "deeply sorry" that the celebration may have left them feeling "even more alone." Her message came after fellow member Jisoo also addressed fans amid criticism surrounding the scale and organization of the highly anticipated anniversary event. Rosé posted a lengthy message on her official channel Tuesday, three days after BLACKPINK held an event marking the 10th anniversary of its debut. "I had a lot on my mind over the past few days, so I wasn't able to write sooner," Rosé said. "I think I was left with a lot of disappointment as we marked our 10th anniversary. It wasn't because I couldn't understand how our fans felt. If anything, I could relate to those feelings, and it took me some time to figure out where to begin." She apologized for taking time to address the controversy, saying, "I feel heavyhearted because I think I made you feel even more alone in the meantime." "The 10 years that I've spent growing up alongside BLINK, cherishing one another and walking together, mean so much

North Korea has sent condolences over the death of a former leader of the Lao parliament, state media said Wednesday. The condolence message was sent Sunday by the standing committee of the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) over the death of Xaysomphone Phomvihane, former president of Laos' National Assembly, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. "The feats performed by Xaysomphone Phomvihane in contributing to the Lao people's cause of building socialism and the development of the relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries will always be remembered," read the message, carried by the KCNA. North Korean officials from the SPA standing committee, the foreign ministry, the ministry of external economic relations and the DPRK-Laos Friendship Association visited the Lao Embassy in Pyongyang to pay their respects, the report said. DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea's official name. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith held talks in Pyongyang last October on the occasion of the 80th founding annivers

The Korean customs agency said Wednesday it has agreed with its Indian counterpart to bolster cooperation in customs affairs and facilitate smoother trade between the two countries. The Korea Customs Service (KCS) said it met with officials from India's Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs in New Delhi on Tuesday (Indian time), asking the Indian government to support smooth customs clearance for Korean businesses. During the meeting, the KCS shared cases of Korean firms based in India facing difficulties with customs-related issues, with the two sides also holding discussions on bilateral cooperation, including training programs. "With India being a major partner in the Asia-Pacific region, the two countries intend to bolster cooperation down the road to address hurdles facing Korean firms seeking to export to India," Han Min, director general for international affairs at the KCS, said in a release.

Korean stocks extended gains Wednesday morning, led by a rally in semiconductor shares. After opening 1.47 percent higher, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 231.46 points, or 3.65 percent, to 6,576.99 as of 11:20 a.m. Overnight, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.34 percent, while the S&P 500 declined 0.32 percent to 7,728.2. The Nasdaq composite shed 0.60 percent. In Seoul, blue-chip shares led the advance. Market bellwether Samsung Electronics advanced 6.68 percent, while its chipmaking rival SK hynix also went up 4.49 percent. SK Square, the parent of SK hynix, shot up 7.62 percent and Samsung Electro-Mechanics, an electronics component affiliate of Samsung Electronics, increased 4.64 percent. The Korean won was trading at 1,415.9 won against the U.S. dollar as of 11:20 a.m., down 2.9 won from the end of stock trading the previous day.

The presidential office on Wednesday held an emergency meeting to address North Korea's latest ballistic missile launch, describing it as a provocation and calling for an immediate halt to such actions. The emergency security assessment meeting of Cheong Wa Dae's national security office came shortly after North Korea fired at least one ballistic missile toward the East Sea earlier Wednesday. The office discussed Seoul's responses to the missile launch, assessed its impact on national security and instructed officials to take necessary measures, Cheong Wa Dae said. The office also voiced concerns over the North's back-to-back ballistic missile launches. It said Pyongyang's ballistic missile launches constitute provocations in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and called for an immediate halt to such launches. Wednesday's meeting was also attended by officials from the defense ministry, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other relevant agencies. The North's latest missile launch came six days after it fired a short-range ballistic missile toward the East Sea on Thursday. Th

Korea added 108,000 jobs in July from a year earlier, government data showed Wednesday, marking the second consecutive month of gains, while manufacturing employment continued to remain weak. The number of employed people came to 29.13 million in July, compared with 29.02 million a year earlier, according to data from the Ministry of Data and Statistics. Job growth turned positive again in June, rising by 63,000 after declining by 40,000 in May, the first drop in 17 months. The country's jobless rate came to 2.6 percent in July, up 0.2 percentage point from a year earlier. The number of unemployed people totaled 776,000 last month, rising 50,000 from the previous year. South Korea's total employment rate edged down 0.1 percentage point to 63.3 percent, falling for four straight months. The employment rate for people aged 15 to 64 came to 70.3 percent, rising 0.1 percentage point over the period. The employment rate for those aged 15 to 29, on the other hand, fell 1.6 percentage points to 44.2 percent, declining year-on-year for the 27th consecutive month. The data also showed the number of e

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers may soon be outfitted with gloves that can deliver painful electric shocks intended to gain compliance from combative individuals. ICE plans to spend up to $20 million to purchase thousands of “conductive distraction and de-escalation devices” for officers and agents by March, according to a notice published Monday by the Department of Homeland Security. The devices are known as the G.L.O.V.E., which stands for Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter, and are manufactured by Compliant Technologies LLC of Lexington, Kentucky. They have been used in recent years by some jails and police departments. DHS said Tuesday that it was working on a response to an Associated Press inquiry and offered no immediate comment. Jeff Niklaus, the founder and CEO of Compliant Technologies, wrote in an email, “Unfortunately, we are unable to speak on this subject.” The notice said the solicitation for a no-bid contract could be published as early as Friday. Civil rights advocates expressed alarm at the plan, saying ICE officers already face criticism for thei

WASHINGTON — Presidents have taken secret overseas trips in the past for security reasons, with schedules and logistics kept classified until after the fact to protect the commander in chief. But not like the one President Donald Trump took in July. After a NATO summit in Turkey, Trump stowed away in an airport catering container to slip into another plane while Air Force One — filled with White House officials, security and support staff, and reporters — was sent into the sky essentially as a decoy, just in case Iran made good on a credible threat of an attack. Upon stopping in Britain, Trump sneaked back aboard the presidential plane undetected and scoffed when asked about potential danger. “If I go, you go. Right?” he told reporters — gliding past the fact that if the plane had been shot down, the president wouldn't have been aboard. That Trump's whereabouts were concealed then, and for weeks afterward, is believed to be unprecedented — even in a modern world where security-related subterfuge is not uncommon. “We have absolutely seen the president fly on unmarked or deco

WASHINGTON — South Korea, the United States, Japan and 38 other countries issued a joint statement Tuesday calling on countries to provide sufficient advance notification of launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and space launch vehicles (SLVs). The statement came after China carried out a surprise launch of an SLBM into the open waters of the Pacific on July 6, drawing criticism from the U.S. and other countries. The countries did not mention China by name in the statement. In the statement, the countries called on all nations, particularly nuclear-weapon states, to provide notification of ICBM, SLBM and SLV launches no less than 24 hours in advance, noting that nuclear-capable missile tests without sufficient advance notice are "dangerous" and disrupt the peace of nations close to these tests. Notifications should include such information as the generic class of the ballistic missile or SLV, the planned launch notification window, the launch area and the planned direction, they said. They said countries should also prov

North Korea fired a ballistic missile toward the East Sea on Wednesday, South Korea's military said, marking the second such launch in less than a week in an apparent protest against an upcoming combined military exercise between the South and the United States. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected the missile launched from the Wonsan area on the east coast at around 6 a.m. The missile flew more than 700 kilometers, with a detailed analysis on its specifications under way by South Korean and U.S. authorities, according to the JCS. While the military has yet to specify the type or range of the missile, the range it provided suggests the launch likely involved a short-range missile, which typically flies 300 to 1,000 km. North Korea has KN-23 short-range ballistic missiles, known as the North Korean version of Russia's Iskander, which have a maximum range of 700 to 800 kilometers. The latest launch came six days after the North fired what the South's military has identified as a short-range ballistic missile toward the East Sea on Thursday. The recent missile launches came as Sou

For Koreans, who must endure scorching summers and freezing winters, apartment complexes have long served as the ultimate symbol of housing efficiency as well as their most prized financial assets. Beyond property value and redevelopment, these concrete complexes also preserve residents' memories, neighborhood bonds and urban nature. Director Lee Sung-min’s documentary film, "Green Concrete," explores this tension by capturing the demolition of a massive residential complex in southern Seoul's Gaepo-dong. Over seven years from 2017, the 103-minute documentary shows both the changing cityscape and the fate of the trees planted there for decades. Lee, who grew up in the complex, initially returned to document the space before its disappearance. What started as a personal recording effort soon grew into a collective project gathering former residents to share old photos and memories. Through these shared stories, the film portrays the vanishing apartment complex as one of the few remaining green spots in a concrete-dominated landscape. Rather than choosing a side in the redevelopment debate

“If my property tax bill amounts to 50 million won ($35,300) a year, how much rent should I be charging?” That was the question posed by a homeowner in Korea on a real estate forum following the government’s latest tax overhaul proposal unveiled on Aug. 3. The writer said he owns a single apartment in Seoul’s affluent Seocho District worth around 5 billion won. Under the proposed changes, he estimated that he would have to pay up to 50 million won a year in property holding taxes if he rented it out. “This means 4 million won a month goes straight to the government, and anything above that is what I’d get to keep. Is it really possible for the landlord to shoulder the entire burden of this tax without passing it on to the tenant?” The post captures a growing concern since the Aug. 3 announcement: higher taxes on owners of multiple homes and proprietors of non-owner-occupied properties could ultimately be deflected to tenants as landlords seek to recoup some of the additional cost. There are already signs of such a shift in parts of southern Seoul. At Acro River Park in Seoch

For more than two decades, the Korean government has tried, in fits and starts, to move its center of political power away from Seoul. The effort has produced a new administrative city and dozens of relocated government ministries, but the president has never had a real foothold with them down south. President Lee Jae Myung wants to change that and, on Tuesday, he gave his clearest signal yet that he intends to get it built before his term ends. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting held at Government Complex Sejong, Lee called for ministers to make an all-out push to complete a new presidential office in the city, saying he wants to hold his administration's final Cabinet meeting there. "Accelerate the construction of the presidential office in Sejong and the Sejong branch of the National Assembly and make sure that related infrastructure projects proceed without disruption," he said, describing Sejong as a city that must become a firmly established center of national governance to support balanced regional development. The remarks were the latest and most concrete reaffirmation of his campaig

Despite the sweltering heat, open-toe socks designed for flip-flops are emerging as an unlikely fashion item. Flip-flops are traditionally worn with bare feet, but the convention-defying look is gaining attention as a new trend. The style is often marketed as open-toe or toeless socks. The design leaves the toes exposed while covering the instep. Versions come in cotton, knit and lace, with designs ranging from low-cut and ankle-length styles to split-toe versions resembling traditional Japanese tabi. The socks first emerged for practical reasons. Flip-flop straps can rub against the instep when worn on bare feet, and the fabric helps prevent chafing. Changing attitudes toward wearing socks with sandals have also helped the look gain acceptance. Once widely dismissed as a "fashion disaster," the combination has become a deliberate fashion statement. The socks leave pedicures visible while adding color and texture around the instep. Runway appearances have also raised their profile, with luxury brand Miu Miu presenting the look last year and Lemaire and Paloma Wool following this year. The

Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com. As heat waves continue, it is easy to put off exercise. But rather than avoiding exercise altogether during the summer, it is better to properly manage the timing and intensity of workouts, as well as hydration and electrolyte intake. During periods of intense heat, even a workout that is normally manageable can lead to exhaustion or heatstroke, making it essential to follow basic safety guidelines. Avoid the hottest hours The safest times for summer exercise are when temperatures are relatively cooler, such as between 6 and 9 a.m. or in the evening after sunset. Outdoor exercise should be avoided between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., when ultraviolet radiation and radiant heat are strongest and body temperatures can rise rapidly. When a heat wave advisory is in effect, or the perceived temperature reaches 33 C or higher, reduce your usual amount of exercise by about 20 to 30 percent. Instead of high-intensity interval training or long-distance running, opt for activities such as walking or slow jogging that keep your heart rate relatively low. Stop exe

The council say the pouches will not be ready until next month at the earliest, as the new system is still being tested.

Moderate Democrat David Crowley won the Wisconsin primary for governor, defeating a democratic socialist who fell short while trying to deliver another win for progressives in a battleground state. Crowley, the Milwaukee county executive, is vying to become Wisconsin’s first Black governor and pitched himself as the candidate best positioned to win in November against Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who is endorsed by President Donald Trump. Crowley narrowly defeated democratic socialist Franc

KiiiKiii, a rookie girl group under Starship Entertainment, home to Ive, has been steadily building momentum with each release, most recently with its third EP "WhyKiiiKiii," which dropped Monday. The EP's main track "Pop Off Pop Off" topped YouTube's worldwide trending music video chart shortly after release and had peaked at No. 27 on Melon's Top 100 as of Tuesday. The album also topped iTunes' K-pop albums chart in France, the Netherlands and Australia, and entered the top 10 in 13 countries.

A top adviser to Iran's IRGC says Iranian officials have seen "how the American military is weaker than what we perceived" since the U.S. and Israel first launched their attack in February of this year, as talks to end the fighting remain stalled.

The actress, best known for playing Dawn in The Office, has revealed she has incurable breast cancer.

Archbishop José Miguel Gómez Rodríguez of Manizales, Colombia, trusts that God’s providence will help the population move forward, overcome adversity, and provide care for those affected: “It was an earthquake of extraordinary violence; it seemed as though it was going to bring down absolutely everything built on the ground.”

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Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, the impatient, sharp-tongued reformer who helped ignite China’s explosive economic boom by forcing wrenching change on state industry in the 1990s and leading the country into the World Trade Organization, has died of illness, state media reported Wednesday. He was 97. Zhu died in Beijing at around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, the official news agency Xinhua reported. Once sent into rural exile to do manual labor for praising reforms in other communist countries, Zhu

From London, we revisit the Gaza Tribunal, an independent, nongovernmental inquiry into the United Kingdom’s complicity in the Israeli genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. The tribunal, held nearly one year ago, was chaired by our three guests: former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, Israeli professor of human rights law Neve Gordon and Palestinian legal scholar Shahd Hammouri. Their new book is titled The Gaza Tribunal: Britain’s Complicity in Genocide. We discuss the recent apology from Prime Minister Andy Burnham over the Labour Party’s early support for Israel’s assault on Gaza, the United Kingdom’s crackdown on the Palestine Action protest group under counterterrorism laws, and whether British policymakers will face any accountability for participating in “one of the biggest crimes in humanity.”

HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun plans to meet with Bill Gates, founder and chairman of US nuclear energy firm TerraPower, in Seoul later this week to discuss ways to deepen cooperation in small modular reactors, industry sources said Wednesday. It would mark their first meeting in seven months since they met on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The meeting comes as HD Hyundai, South Korea's leading shipbuilding group, and TerraPower, which specializes in advanced

Israeli security forces have reportedly withdrawn and about a dozen settlers are said to remain at the site where two families have been besieged since Sunday.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said An Garda Síochána's work pursuing the Kinahan cartel is not finished and they are still targeting other individuals involved in transnational organised crime.

Vice-chancellor Deborah Prentice in a letter to staff says she shares concerns raised about Jason Arday's appointment as professor.

Jasper Carrott has paid tribute to his daughter Lucy Davis after she revealed that she is living with incurable stage 4 breast cancer.

The new feature, starting from mid-September, will tell listeners if an artist is AI-generated.

South Korea’s election watchdog on Wednesday rejected election petitions filed by the main opposition People Power Party seeking to invalidate the results of the Seoul and Busan mayoral elections and several other local races. In its decisions, the National Election Commission acknowledged that ballot shortages and voting suspensions during the June 3 local elections had violated election rules but concluded that the irregularities did not affect the outcomes. “Although violations of election re

The UN on Wednesday continued scaling up assistance to areas affected by the deadly earthquake that hit Colombia two days earlier.

Severe weather, war, economic pressure and shifting policies reshaped migration journeys across multiple regions in the first four months of 2026, driving a surge in deaths, according to new data released on Wednesday by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The United Nations has once again urged warring parties in Sudan to protect civilians as the fighting continues to take a heavy toll on the population.

Cholera is spreading rapidly across West and Central Africa, with active outbreaks now in six countries and millions of children at growing risk, UN children’s agency UNICEF has said.

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday upheld the safety of childhood vaccines in response to a new directive from the White House to overhaul the recommended inoculation schedule.

Five years after the Taliban seized power, women and girls in Afghanistan have been systematically stripped of their rights, UN agencies said on Wednesday. De facto authorities have issued more than 100 decrees curbing education, work and freedom of movement – restrictions now compounded by deep cuts to aid on the ground.

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms everything from how we learn, to the job market, children are adopting the technology more than three times faster than adults – exposing them to unique opportunities and risks.

A strike on a merchant ship off the southern coast of Yemen that reportedly killed several seafarers on Tuesday threatens to reignite deep concerns about global trade, amid the ongoing Iran-US war that has choked shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Death Toll from Colombia Earthquake Tops 250 as Rescue Crews Scramble to Reach Survivors, Iran Nears Deal with Oman over Control of Strait of Hormuz, Trump Hid in Catering Truck to Sneak Off Air Force One Amid Alleged Threat from Iran, Former Ukrainian Prisoners Recount Torture and Sexual Abuse in Russian Jails, Minnesota Progressive Peggy Flanagan Wins Democratic Party Nomination for U.S. Senate Seat, David Crowley Tops Democratic Socialist Francesca Hong in Wisconsin Democratic Gubernatorial Primary, Lindsey Graham’s Sister Darline Advances to a Runoff in South Carolina Senate Race, Federal Judge Blocks U.S. Postal Service from Enforcing Trump Order on Mail Ballots, ICE Plans to Spend $20M to Purchase Electric Shock Gloves, Group Founded by Former ICE Agent Awarded $158M to Represent Unaccompanied Immigrant Children, DRC Reports More Than 4,000 Confirmed Ebola Cases, U.S. Could See Three Executions in Same Day for First Time Since 2010, Millions in Europe Will Witness a Total Solar Eclipse Today

The PM said the public should not be using single-use grills "at this moment in time" amid wildfire risks.

The Shinto shrine is regarded by neighboring Asian countries such as South Korea and China as a symbol of Japan's wartime militarism.

Centrist David Crowley is projected to have beaten democratic socialist Francesca Hong, breaking a recent nationwide trend.

A remarkably well-preserved motorcycle and identification tags were found alongside the bodies.

Following a 10-hour rescue operation, emergency workers pulled the 32-year-old from beneath slabs of concrete.

A man is recovering in hospital after being bitten by a shark off the coast of Co Waterford.

A special counsel team indicted former President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday on charges of instructing officials to justify his failed martial law bid to the United States and other major partner nations. Special counsel Kwon Chang-young's team said it charged Yoon with abuse of power in its first indictment against the jailed former president. With the new indictment, Yoon is standing a total of eight trials in connection with his imposition of martial law in December 2024, his wife's alleged co

BTS member V said after the group performed in Baltimore on Tuesday that he has been receiving treatment for hearing difficulties for more than two years. “I’ve never told ARMY this before, but my hearing hasn’t been good for the past two and a half years,” V said, referring to the group’s fan base by its official name. V made the disclosure during a livestream on the fan platform Weverse with bandmate Jungkook as the two shared a meal after the show. “If the hearing in my left ear is at 100, it

As Democratic socialist and leftist candidates win primaries, some political watchers aren't convinced they'll lead to victory in this fall's midterm elections. Washington correspondent Katie Simpson is joined by Front Burner host Jayme Poisson and Bloomberg senior White House reporter Josh Wingrove to discuss the direction of the Democratic Party and who might become the presidential candidate in 2028.

Russian strikes on Ukrainian petrol stations are disrupting civilian logistics and raising fears of fuel shortages as Kyiv warns of a wider winter crisis ahead.

South Korea's media watchdog concluded Wednesday that US-based Google LLC. and Apple Inc. violated related laws by abusing their dominance in their respective app marketplaces. The level of sanctions will be decided at a later date, the Korea Media Communications Commission said at a regular meeting held in the afternoon. The two US tech companies are accused of bypassing the revision to the telecommunications business act passed in 2021, which aims to prevent large app market operators from for

Zhu Rongji helped push reforms that transformed China from a beleaguered hold-out against the collapse of Soviet-style Communism in the early 1990s to an emerging superpower.

Flights at Sicily's Catania airport were suspended again Wednesday as fresh ash emissions from Mount Etna — Europe's highest and most active volcano — forced authorities to extend airspace restrictions that disrupted travel during the busy summer season.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back met with the alumni groups of the Army, Navy and Air Force academies Wednesday to seek their support for the government's push to integrate the academies into a single institution, the defense ministry said. Ahn met with the presidents of the alumni associations of the Korea Military Academy, Republic of Korea Naval Academy and the Republic of Korea Air Force Academy at the defense ministry compound in Seoul, according to the ministry. The move comes after the alumn

The Holy See Press Office publishes the programme of the pastoral visit that Pope Leo XIV will make to the Republic of San Marino and Rimini on 22 August.

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Hoult, known for his roles in X-Men, Superman and Mad Max: Fury Road, will play Gilderoy Lockhart.

The prefectural government estimates that the industry has suffered losses amounting to roughly ¥6 billion.

The absence from public life of Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has left a vacuum in which disputes between political factions have seeped into the open.

The shrine said that it has seen an increase in visitors wearing military attire without any affiliation or qualification.

A University of Cambridge professor who has made headlines over an investigation by the institution into his academic qualifications and honorary appointments was a guest speaker at the Irish National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) conference last year.

There would have to be "significant price reduction" in the cost of a drug to treat Friedreich's Ataxia for it to be covered by the HSE, according to the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).

There would have to be "significant price reduction" in the cost of a drug to treat Friedreich's Ataxia for it to be covered by the HSE according to the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).

Health watchdog HIQA has begun work on an analysis of tobacco affordability in Ireland.

Unwinding fuel supports would be "political madness", the president of the Road Haulage Association has said.

Senior South Korean military officials met Wednesday with troops from United Nations Command member states participating in this year’s Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise in a goodwill event at the War Memorial of Korea, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. The event, attended by Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Lt. Gen. Kwon Dae-won and other senior JCS officials, was organized to thank the visiting troops for taking part in the annual combined exercise and to strengthen cooperation between Sou

In Brazil and elsewhere, leaders raise concerns over alleged election meddling by the US.

One American doctor said changes in B.C.'s health care have allowed him to move to Canada.

The chief inspector of probation for England and Wales tells the BBC services are already under "unprecedented pressure".

The seven men found a 17.96-carat gem-quality diamond in central India's Panna.

Seoul plans to expand affordable housing for young people through 2030 as intense competition and tighter lending rules make it harder for young residents to secure homes in the capital. As part of that effort, the city aims to increase its Youth Safe Housing program to 46,000 units by 2030, up from 33,621 completed as of the end of July. Mayor Oh Se-hoon outlined the plan Wednesday during a visit to the 605-unit Sageium Youth Safe Housing complex in Gaebong-dong, Guro-gu, where he met residents

South Korean police said Wednesday they have uncovered an illegal gambling operation that used websites distributing child sexual exploitation material to lure users to online betting sites, generating an estimated 47.6 billion won ($34 million) in illicit profits over five years. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said two men, aged 40 and 36, have been detained and referred to prosecutors on charges including violations of laws protecting minors from sexual exploitation and banning illegal s

News that the child performer featured in the "Baby Shark Dance" video will soon make his solo debut has prompted jokes online from viewers who say they suddenly feel old, highlighting the stark contrast between how he looks now and when he first went viral on YouTube a decade ago. Similar reactions often follow when once-familiar child stars reappear years later, with their grown-up looks making old memories feel surprisingly distant and reminding many of just how quickly time seems to have pas

Zhu Rongji, the impatient, sharp-tongued reformer helped ignite China's explosive economic boom by forcing change on state industry in the 1990s and leading the country into the World Trade Organization, has died at the age of 97.

Reform Party floor leader Chun Ha-ram is set to enter an Army training center in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province, on Wednesday to experience the conditions facing young service members firsthand. Chun, a member of the National Assembly's National Defense Committee, had his hair cut at a barbershop inside the National Assembly earlier that day as part of preparations for his two-night, three-day stay at the Army's 27th Recruit Training Regiment. He is scheduled to arrive at the training center

Pope Leo XIV reflects on the liturgical year, describing Sunday as its “foundation and kernel” and urging Christians to participate actively in the Eucharistic celebration as a visible expression of communion with Christ and His Church.

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As K-pop’s summer release season continues, another trend has emerged alongside the industry’s biggest group releases: more established group members are stepping back into the spotlight as solo artists. From Apink’s Jung Eun-ji, Day6’s Young K and Oh My Girl’s Mimi, as well as Shinee’s Taemin and Minho and Exo’s D.O., a growing number of established idols are using solo projects to showcase artistic identities that differ from the images they have cultivated within their groups. Among such arti

Hanwha Life Insurance said its major overseas businesses generated a combined net profit of 103 billion won ($72.7 million) in the first half, nearing the 117.8 billion won they earned for all of last year as its push to diversify beyond insurance began to pay off. The overseas operations accounted for about 11 percent of Hanwha Life's consolidated net profit of 904.5 billion won for the six-month period. Its Vietnamese life insurance unit posted 32 billion won in net profit, up 23 percent from

The 23-year-old Mexican national has admitted to the allegations, which involved some 200 lizards hidden in dozens of socks inside a suitcase.

Musinsa said Wednesday it would accelerate its expansion in Southeast Asia by opening its first offline stores in the Philippines, starting with a Musinsa Standard location in Manila this year. The expansion follows an exclusive distribution agreement signed July 17 with ACX Holdings, a distribution affiliate of Ayala Group, one of the Philippines' largest conglomerates. ACX Holdings manages the entry and operation of global brands in the Philippine market. Under the agreement, Musinsa will serv

China’s top memory chipmaker CXMT is showing signs that its push into mainstream PC memory may be moving from qualification toward repeatable commercial production, as a new Chinese report claims its DDR5 manufacturing yield has surpassed 90 percent while major PC makers begin using its chips in limited volumes. Chinese technology outlet MyDrivers reported Monday that the yield on CXMT’s 17-nanometer-class DDR5 had “surpassed 90 percent,” saying the improvement had “significantly improved overal

Red Star Belgrade's Champions League campaign ended after a 2-0 home loss to Hapoel Be'er Sheva, cutting short South Korea defender Seol Young-woo's opportunity to play on Europe's biggest club stage. Red Star entered Wednesday's second leg trailing 1-0 and was eliminated 3-0 on aggregate. The Serbian champion will now enter the UEFA Europa League qualifying playoffs. Seol played the full match, but Red Star suffered a major setback when coach Dejan Stankovic was sent off in the 57th minute for

A series of marquee matchups featuring superstars in new uniforms is set for the upcoming NBA season, with the league offering an early look at some of the biggest games on the 2026-27 schedule. The NBA announced several high-profile matchups Wednesday, including games involving the Philadelphia 76ers and newly acquired superstar LeBron James. James will take center stage in several of them. Philadelphia will open its season against the defending champion New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden

An Se-young is four weeks away from reaching 100 consecutive weeks as the world's No. 1 women's singles badminton player. The South Korean remained atop the Badminton World Federation rankings released Tuesday with 117,787 points, extending her current run at No. 1 to 96 weeks. An holds a comfortable lead over Japan's Akane Yamaguchi, who is second with 104,576 points, and China's Wang Zhiyi, who is third with 102,689. The BWF rankings are based on a player's 10 highest-scoring tournaments over

South Korea laid out a new power supply road map Wednesday for planned semiconductor clusters involving Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, as the government seeks to ensure electricity shortages do not delay the scheme. The southwestern Honam semiconductor complex will initially receive about 3 gigawatts of power to support the start of fab operations in 2029, with capacity later expanding to more than 6 GW, according to the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. Two semiconductor complexes

Mayor Tania Tapsell has asked for more time to resolve councillors' concerns and formally submit the proposal.

Six of the biggest names in finance are helping Nvidia ease some of the investor anxiety that's been building for weeks over its swelling commitments to backstop the AI boom.

Households living within 1,600ft of upgraded pylons will get £250 a year off their electricity bills.

Depending on the weather, people who turned their eyes upwards in Newfoundland and Labrador Wednesday were able to see a partial solar eclipse.

They are cashing in on a surge in global demand for bioactive proteins found in cow's milk, like whey, off the back of the surge in weightloss drugs.

The attack, which left the victim with a bloody nose, happened around 2am near Lake Puketirini, Huntly.

South Korean stocks ended sharply higher for the third straight session Wednesday as investors scooped up major chipmakers. The Korean won gained against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose 233.51 points, or 3.68 percent, to close at 6,579.04, following 0.65 percent and 0.73 percent gains in the previous two sessions. After opening 1.47 percent higher, the Kospi further added gains as foreigners and institutions scooped up major chip heavyweights. At 11:57 a.m., t

Fiscal questions are hanging over the market, especially after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi committed to cutting the consumption tax on groceries.

A coach has gotten millions of views on social media by using parkour techniques to teach the elderly things such as better balance.

Advocates say vulnerable people who disappear but are not abducted fall through the cracks of the Amber Alert system.

The Saskatoon team heads to France Wednesday for the festival. The sport is helpful for recovering and building strength after surgeries, but team members say they stay in the program because of the life-long connections between women with a shared story.

Russia freed a former American Marine jailed there since 2022, US President Donald Trump said, as the man returned to the United States to be greeted with hamburgers and milkshakes.

The pair were accused of obstructing justice in an investigation which led to Hall's wrongful conviction in the 1980s.

Flight 123 — a Boeing 747 bound for Osaka from Tokyo — crashed into a mountain on Aug. 12, 1985, killing 520 people.

The Korea Financial Industry Foundation is offering financial support to foreign residents and young people from immigrant backgrounds who are looking to improve their Korean-language skills. Those who take the Test of Proficiency in Korean, or TOPIK, on or after Jan. 1, 2026, can receive reimbursement of up to 50,000 won ($35) after submitting their score report. The program, jointly run with the Labor Human Rights Center, will support 1,000 applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.

A leaked internal review warns of concerns about a new unit investigating the most serious crimes.

Ahn Ha-young’s rising career has hit a major roadblock after comments about her family history sparked backlash over allegations that her great-grandfather was linked to Japan’s colonial rule of Korea, just days before Liberation Day on Aug. 15. The uproar has revived the debate over whether descendants should be held accountable for their ancestors’ actions — with experts stating the Korean public increasingly places more weight on how descendants conduct themselves today than on their lineage

GI Innovation said Wednesday it and its affiliate GI Longevity have advanced to the finals of the XPRIZE Healthspan competition as their anti-aging therapy has been recognized for its potential therapeutic uses. XPRIZE Healthspan — a seven-year global competition with a total prize pool of $101 million — seeks to develop therapies capable of restoring muscle, cognitive and immune functions in adults aged 50 to 80 by at least 10 years, with a goal of achieving improvements equivalent to 20 years

North Korea appears to have resumed construction of a long-delayed naval base on its east coast, as Pyongyang accelerates efforts to modernize its fleet with new destroyers and a nuclear-powered submarine. New structures, believed to be temporary housing or tents for construction workers, appeared between Aug. 6-9 at the Tapchon Bay naval base site in Munchon, in North Korea's Kangwon Province, according to an analysis of Planet Labs satellite imagery by NK News. The outlet said the structures c

Smoking or drinking along Cheonggyecheon, a popular stream in downtown Seoul, could result in fines of up to 100,000 won ($70), starting this year. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced Wednesday its plans to designate the entire 8.12-kilometer stretch of the stream as a no-smoking, no-drinking zone by the end of 2026, backed by legal authority to issue fines. The city's tougher stance comes after a string of reports of visitors drinking, smoking and bathing in the stream. Under current ad

Building materials group Kingspan is to acquire Co Meath-based data centre provider BMC Manufacturing in a deal worth up to €900m.

Millions in Ireland and across Europe are watching a rare solar eclipse - one of the most significant astronomical events in over a decade.

David Neho broke into the club hangar on three occasions in March, taking two Toyota RAV4s and a tractor, and causing major damage to all five gliders stored in the hangar.

E-commerce giant Coupang has maintained its grip on Korean consumers across every age group, data showed Wednesday, widening its lead even as Chinese platforms close in as its nearest challengers. According to data from WiseApp Retail, Coupang led all major shopping apps in monthly active users among Korean smartphone users across all age brackets in July. Users in their 40s made up its largest base, at 8.54 million, followed by their 20s and 30s in the 6 million range. Users in their 50s totale

Mirae Asset Securities’ quarterly profit eclipsed three of South Korea’s four largest banking groups, trailing only industry leader KB Financial, as investment gains and overseas growth lifted net income close to 2 trillion won ($1.4 billion). The brokerage earned 1.91 trillion won in the second quarter, surpassing Shinhan Financial’s 1.82 trillion won as well as Hana Financial and Woori Financial. Shinhan, KB, Hana and Woori make up Korea’s four dominant banking groups. Mirae Asset Securities a

Lotte signed an agreement to sell its controlling stake in Lotte Rental, the operator of the country's top car rental brand Lotte Rent-a-Car, at 1.31 trillion won ($926 million) to US-based private equity firm TPG, the group announced Tuesday. The deal covers the entire 61.2 percent stake held by Hotel Lotte and Busan Lotte Hotel — 38.1 percent and 23.0 percent, respectively — at 59,000 won per share. Lotte said it selected TPG as the final buyer based on enterprise value, deal structure, employ

A debate over whether South Korea should loosen its 52-hour workweek for the semiconductor industry is intensifying as the government pushes a major chip project in the country’s southwest. At the center of the debate is a striking gap between the government and parts of the business community that are calling for greater flexibility, as well as chipmakers' limited use of an existing scheme that already allows them to exceed the 52-hour limit. According to Rep. Lee Yong-woo of the ruling Democra

A US trade and technology expert has criticized South Korean regulators for applying rules unevenly in ways that disadvantage US companies, warning that Seoul’s approach to digital regulation could undermine the expanding US-Korea trade and technology alliance. Nigel Cory, director of trade and technology at consulting firm Crowell Global Advisors and a non-resident fellow at the National Bureau of Asian Research, said in a recent article published by The National Interest that Seoul’s treatment

The military increasingly relies on motorized paragliders, gyrocopters and drones for low-altitude strikes using unguided explosives, according to U.N. investigators.

The artificial intelligence boom is changing not only how much memory chipmakers produce, but also how they sell it. The world's top three memory chipmakers — Samsung Electronics, SK hynix and Micron Technology — are increasingly locking customers into long-term supply agreements lasting as long as five years as global tech companies race to secure memory for AI data centers. The shift marks a departure from an industry long dominated by quarterly negotiations and short-term orders, potentially

President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday pledged full government support for seven advanced technologies, describing them as the country's next "mega projects" that will drive economic growth and strengthen national competitiveness in the artificial intelligence era. Speaking at a briefing on the government's "seven seed technologies for future growth" initiative at Cheong Wa Dae, Lee said the technologies would become both the country's next growth engines and core strategic national assets. "The s

Colombian rescuers pulled a 32-year-old woman alive from the rubble of a collapsed building as exhausted crews searched to find more survivors from the country's strongest earthquake in a century.

Troubled people are consistently "falling through the cracks" of a range of services, one local said.

Cyberattack attempts targeting South Korea’s Overseas Koreans Agency surged to 4,271 in the first seven months of this year, more than 12 times the 353 attempts recorded throughout last year, according to data released Tuesday. The agency, launched in June 2023, has yet to establish a dedicated cybersecurity unit and only began allocating a separate information security budget this year. According to cybersecurity management data submitted by the Overseas Koreans Agency to the office of Rep. Kim

Taipei says Beijing was trying to create a false impression that it controls waters east of Taiwan, where the drills were conducted.

Hyundai Motor Group is rapidly integrating artificial intelligence across its offices, factory floor and customer service operations, aiming to become one of South Korea’s fastest adopters of the technology to boost workplace efficiency. During a press conference held at the company’s Seoul headquarters on Wednesday, Jin Eun-sook, president of the ICT division at Hyundai Motor Group, said the company’s push to incorporate flexible, adaptable and tech-driven work culture dates back to 2018. That

The U.S. treasury secretary believes tightening is crucial to address the weakness in Japan's currency but the prime minister has long been wary of taking interest rates too high.

SK hynix has effectively secured the position of the largest shareholder in Japanese NAND flash maker Kioxia Holdings after a special-purpose company it invested in overtook Toshiba as the chipmaker’s top shareholder. According to a filing Kioxia submitted to the Tokyo Stock Exchange on Monday, Toshiba cut its stake to 14.12 percent, or 77.04 million shares, as of Aug. 3, from 14.48 percent, or 79.03 million shares. BCPE Pangea Cayman2, a Bain Capital-affiliated special-purpose company, meanwhil

South Korea’s Army is looking to automate more of its field maintenance and logistics operations using artificial intelligence, robotics and autonomous systems, as the military prepares for a sustained decline in available personnel. According to military officials Wednesday, Army Headquarters has commissioned a study on converting key maintenance functions to automated systems as part of efforts to build what it calls a “smart field maintenance support system.” The project is tied to ArmyTiger

The KBO League crossed the 9 million mark in cumulative attendance as play resumed following its break during the summer heat. The Korea Baseball Organization said 67,134 spectators attended Tuesday's five games, raising the 2026 season total to 9,049,365. The milestone came after 505 games, improving on last year's record pace of 528 games by 23. The league has reached each million-fan benchmark from 1 million through 9 million faster than in any previous season. Average attendance is 17,920 pe

Everelee Wihongi said officials at the facility would refer to her as a bunk-bed number, rather than by her name.

Period: Joseon Materials: Paper Dimensions: 40.8×34.0cm (Album) This album documents the sea voyage undertaken by a Joseon diplomatic mission to the Ming court in 1624 to seek formal recognition of the newly enthroned King Injo (1623–1649). The original paintings were commissioned and overseen by Yi Deok-hyeong (1566–1645), the mission’s chief envoy. The surviving album, comprising 25 leaves, is believed to have been produced between the late 18th and early 19th centuries as a copy of an earlier

President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday welcomed and received a letter of credence from new US Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel during their first meeting since her arrival in Seoul. Steel and three other newly appointed foreign ambassadors presented their credentials to Lee during a ceremony at the presidential office. Also in attendance were Vanda Maria Dias Stelzer Sequeira of Portugal, Jamal Abdullah Al Suwaidi of the United Arab Emirates and Sean Hoy of Ireland. According to Cheong Wa

The plan to sign the deal was cancelled after the National Party caucus was called to the capital.

The city is no stranger to complaints about soaring prices during August - but are costs on the rise?

Perhaps the essence of life lies in refusing to settle, says actor Cha In-pyo. He would know. The 59-year-old rose to fame on television in his 20s and 30s, made his debut as a novelist in his 40s and now, on the cusp of 60, takes on his first theater role. "As we get older, trying something new makes us feel more anxious and self-conscious. But I've found that the joy you get from doing something new can be tremendous," said Cha during a group interview with reporters in Seoul Tuesday. Cha is c

Korean ballet dancers have achieved world-class technical standards, but the country's dance education should now move beyond technical mastery and place greater emphasis on artistry and individuality, ballet star Kim Ki-min said Tuesday. "Korean dancers have incredibly strong fundamentals, and I always tell my colleagues that the Korea National University of Arts offers the best dance training," Kim told reporters at a press conference marking the 30th anniversary of his alma mater's School of

Shortly after 6pm this evening Ireland experienced a partial solar eclipse as the Moon moves across the Sun.

More than a year after Moncton revoked permits that Sean Feucht needed for his "musical worship event" at Riverfront Park, the city is being sued. Feucht's organization claims the city infringed on its rights to freedom of expression.

Blackpink’s Lisa has recently been embroiled in dating rumors with Thai actor Blue Pongtiwat, after alleged sightings of the two together surfaced across multiple countries. Posts circulating on social media and online communities in recent days have claimed that Lisa and Pongtiwat were seen together not only in Thailand but also in Hong Kong and Japan. Some online users have further alleged that the actor spent time with Lisa’s family members in Thailand, fueling speculation that the pair may b

Hyundai Motor's labor union ramped up pressure on the automaker Wednesday by launching a fourth round of partial strikes, raising concerns that prolonged labor disruptions could undermine the automaker’s efforts to revive domestic sales with new models in the second half of the year. The Hyundai Motor branch of the Korea Metal Workers’ Union began four days of walkouts Wednesday, with industrial action scheduled through Tuesday after three previous rounds of partial strikes. Workers on each shif

One of the year's most anticipated meteor showers will be lighting up Korea's night skies this week, with particularly favorable viewing conditions as its peak coincides with a new moon. The Perseid meteor shower will reach its calculated peak at around noon Thursday, according to the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute. While the peak itself will occur during daylight hours in Korea, stargazers will have two good opportunities to catch the display: from Wednesday night into early Thursd

Fire trucks from fire departments across South Korea are gathered in South Gyeongsang Province after the government issued a national firefighting mobilization order to respond to the region’s worsening drought. The province’s average reservoir storage rate stands at 33.5 percent, the lowest in the country and less than half the national average of 72 percent, according to the Agricultural Drought Management System. All but one of the province’s 18 cities and counties are under an agricultural d

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation has found a North Korean IT worker working remotely for a US federal agency, in another case highlighting the growing reach of Pyongyang’s overseas IT worker scheme. US media outlet Federal News Network reported Monday that Todd Hemmen, deputy assistant director of the FBI’s Cyber Capabilities Branch, disclosed the case during a July 28 conference in Washington. Hemmen said the FBI had identified a North Korean remote IT worker working for the federal gover

A homeless man living in Christchurch's earthquake-damaged land has called on the council to back down from its plan to evict the community.

Kolmar Korea posted record revenue and profit for the second straight quarter, crossing 100 billion won ($70.7 million) in operating profit for the first time as demand for skincare and suncare products surged. The company reported Wednesday that consolidated revenue for the April-June period rose 17.9 percent from a year earlier to 861.3 billion won, while operating profit climbed 50.2 percent to 110.3 billion won. Both are record highs. First-half revenue reached nearly 1.6 trillion won, with

The suspect has denied the allegation to police, who are investigating the possibility of a money dispute.

A community festival in Western Newfoundland met with an ongoing spruce budworm infestation to create an unforgettable concert experience for performers and attendees alike this August.

The couple have tied the knot after the Portuguese captain played his last ever World Cup this summer.

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer was considering imposing performance requirement rules on Tiaki Wai.

The Tokyo-based company's stock fell as much as 12% on Wednesday, their biggest intraday drop since April last year.

Temperatures of 30C have been recorded at two weather stations - Oak Park in Co Carlow and Casement Aerodrome in Dublin - as a warning is in place for Leinster and Co Tipperary.

There was no scenario where Sadie-Leigh Gardner was able to sustain her injuries without anyone else involved, says a neuropathologist.

Lindsay Clancy's legal team does not deny that the Massachusetts mother killed her children, but it's arguing she shouldn't be held criminally responsible because she was mentally ill — in the grip of bipolar disorder and postpartum psychosis. Prosecutors say she plotted to get her husband out of the house so she could carry out the murders.

With tourists flocking to northern Spain to see Wednesday’s total solar eclipse, authorities are deploying police and preventative measures to mitigate the risk of more fires sparking as the country battles a heatwave and wildfires.

A Metro grocery store in Ottawa's South Keys neighbourhood will be replaced by a Food Basics this fall, costing dozens of employees their jobs.

Ottawa's plan for a state-of-the-art lab to help tackle emerging health threats is commendable on paper. But top health researchers say long-term funding gaps, recent staff cuts and red tape could threaten its real-world success.

Fairground AI Creator TV features fully AI-generated content, 24/7, for free — supported by AI-generated ads — but will viewers want to tune in?

What does Quebec identity mean — and who defines it? Ahead of the Oct. 5 provincial election, CBC's Sudha Krishnan sat down with a cross section of Quebecers, and they offered a wealth of perspectives.

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath says she has sent letters to local businesses about an anti-immigration group that could be renting space in the city for a conference. Horwath says people are free to promote their views, but wants the community to be informed.

Halter is expanding its reach across cattle farms, as it clocks 1.5 million cows now wearing its collars globally.

Journalists and White House staff who were on board the jet were unaware the president had left.

Information released to RNZ details the timeline of the police superintendent's correspondence with his colleagues and the Labour Party about his entry into politics.

The most popular procedure is double eyelid surgery, clinics say.

The man has been arrested and charged with breaching bail and a new charge of unlawful sexual connection with a male youth.

Thousands of people gathered across the country to witness a rare partial solar eclipse, which covered more than 90% of the Sun.

The boy from the most-watched YouTube video of all time is now 17 years old, and wants to be a K-pop star.

First-home buyers have been taking advantage of flat house prices and strong investment markets.

Donald Trump said he secretly switched planes over a threat to his life, after it was reported he was smuggled out of Air Force One to a different aircraft.

Pests will not stop while the future of local government arrangements are worked through, councils are warning.

One bank strategist argues that an international price comparison for the pork-and-rice dish — rather than burgers — gives a better sense of how the yen's retreat feels.

Wealthier inhabitants of the commercial capital are drilling boreholes to bypass the municipality, starving it of funds needed to fix the mess.

People with disabilities have been left feeling financially squeezed after a transport subsidy they rely on has been cut.

People will be able to get up to three months of one oestrogen patch brand at a time from September.

Still, wars in the Middle East and the Black Sea region that impact fertilizer availability temper optimism, experts have warned.

Technical wreck diver Kingo Wakasa, 56, is going against all odds to document the rusted hull of the USS Emmons destroyer on the seabed off northern Okinawa.

The US and Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis reported separate attacks on shipping as prospects for ending the Iran war appeared to dim.

Unitree said its retail tranche was ​more than 8,000 times oversubscribed, underscoring intense investor enthusiasm in China for humanoid robotics.

During the foreign ministry's biweekly briefing, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal did not deny that a fresh border incident had occurred.

Rescuers are scouring mountains of rubble in search of survivors following Monday's magnitude 7.4 quake.

The "gekiga" pioneer drew on memories of war, hunger and poverty to chronicle Japan's overlooked lives.

Around 15 hours of rain could be on the way for many in the upper North Island.

Since police left the building in 2019, the pillar of justice has deteriorated into a monument to Auckland's economic slump.

Officials say there could be some small outages while small leaks are fixed.

The coroner has compelled documentary company Blonde Razor to hand over four hours of interview footage.

Tributes have flowed in for the renowned Solomon Islands journalist who has died.

Malaysia's Forest City was pitched as "paradise" but last month police raided it over alleged scam operations.

The Toronto Blue Jays have played some scrappy baseball lately, as the team finds itself on the fringes of playoff contention with a quarter of the season to go. Statisticians and analysts say a playoff berth is still possible in the anemic American League. Here's how the Jays could go from last place to a wild-card spot.

The Government is set to recommend one-to-one counselling sessions in primary schools.

The Government is set to recommend one-to-one counselling sessions in primary schools.