Asia South Korea A South Korean container ship set sail for Europe via the Arctic's Northern Sea Route, testing the passage as a viable alternative to the Suez Canal, as shipping companies seek new trade corridors amid disruptions impacting global maritime routes
Asia South Korea Major local-based global technology companies have agreed on US$700 million worth of cooperation projects; The initiatives involve collaboration in advanced technologies, including AI and semiconductors to expand South Korea’s global tech leadership
Asia South Korea The military has been urged to provide more inclusive meal options as soldiers’ dietary needs become increasingly diverse; Calls for menus tailored to religious beliefs, vegetarian diets and medical requirements came from National Human Rights Commission
Asia South Korea Poverty rate among older adults in South Korea fell below 40% for the first time thank to higher pensions and expanded welfare support; Despite the improvement, the country still records the highest elderly poverty rate among OECD countries
Asia South Korea Unionized workers at Samsung Electronics approved a new wage deal, averting an 18-day strike; The agreement includes uncapped long-term stock bonuses tied to semiconductor profits, potentially worth up to $440.000 per employee
Asia South Korea International schools in South Korea are highlighting gaps in the country’s school violence laws; Current rules are tailored to local schools and leave unclear standards regarding bullying and disciplinary cases involving foreign students
Asia South Korea Authorities warned that false terror threats, popular on April Fools’ Day, can trigger panic and major security responses; Police reminded that such hoaxes are punishable offenses, urging the public to avoid pranks that misuse emergency resources
Asia South Korea 24 million barrels of crude oil from the UAE have been secured amid global energy tensions linked to the Iran conflict; The deal includes emergency purchase options and plans for closer supply chain cooperation to prevent disruptions
Asia South Korea To boost rural tourism, a half-price travel subsidy program will be launched, offering government-backed discounts on accommodations and local experiences to encourage domestic travel and support struggling regional economies
Asia South Korea Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life in prison, charged with leading an insurrection as he imposed martial law for a few tumultuous hours on 3 December 2024; some argue it is a sign of a healthy democracy
Asia South Korea Chief of the National Office of Investigation reportedly visited China to finalize crime-response cooperation, including tackling phishing and tracking fugitives, extraditing a former Coupang employee suspected of orchestrating a massive data breach
Asia South Korea Travel bans have been imposed on three civilians accused of flying drones toward North Korea from Ganghwa, allegedly photographing a Marine base; case widened as links emerged to former presidential staff and military intelligence–related online outlets
Asia South Korea 2026 economic master plan aims at a “great economic leap,” forecasting 2% GDP growth; government plans substantial investments in semiconductors, AI, defense and biotech, new fiscal policy, price stabilization and measures to boost consumption