Kim Jong Un warns North Korea could ‘completely destroy’ South in chilling speech Kim Jong Un also called for developing new weapons systems to bolster his nuclear-armed military The Independent UK · Feb 26
‘I just want to stop hearing about it’: a weary South Korea awaits verdict on Yoon insurrection charges Yoon Suk Yeol could face the death penalty when judges rule on the martial law crisis that many in South Korea see as a dark moment they would rather forget The Guardian - AU · Feb 17
South Korean officials raid spy agencies to find out who is sending drones into North Korea Joint military and police task force says it searched 18 locations, including country’s main intelligence agencies The Independent UK · Feb 10
‘Sana-mania’ grips Japan as ultra-conservative Takaichi expected to secure election landslide The country’s first female PM is the object of a personality cult revolving around everything from her outfits and snacks to her favourite pink pen The Guardian - AU · Feb 6
Young Japanese voters adore their new conservative PM. But that doesn’t mean they are shifting to the right Sanae Takaichi may seemingly have old-fashioned values, but it’s her economic offering that has captured young people’s imaginations, says freelance journalist Karin Kaneko The Guardian - UK · Jan 31
Trump raises US tariffs on South Korean imports to 25% and blames ally for trade deal delay Trump blames South Korea’s national assembly for not ratifying deal he reached with President Lee Jae Myung in July The Independent UK · Jan 27
South Korea imposes travel bans on three civilians over alleged drone flights into North Korea Analysts say North Korea's drone accusations were likely driven by its efforts to dial up anti-South Korea sentiment ahead of the ruling Workers' Party congress. Euronews · Jan 23
South Korea imposes travel bans on 3 civilians over alleged drone flights into North Korea South Korea has placed overseas travel bans on three people as part of an investigation into alleged drone flights over North Korea that have deepened animosities between the rivals The Independent UK · Jan 23
South Korean president warns sending drones into North Korea akin to starting war Lee Jae Myung criticises his own defence minister for failing to detect drone launches into neighbouring country The Independent UK · Jan 20
"Music seems to have the power to connect hearts at a deeper level than words ever could": Japan and South Korean leaders cap diplomatic summit with a drum duet President Lee and PM Takaichi bash out some K Pop anthems MusicRadar · Jan 14
Watch: BTS drum duet unites Japan and South Korea leaders An impromptu drumming duet between Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean president Lee Jae Myung has taken social media by storm. The Independent UK · Jan 14
Kim Jong Un’s sister says South Korea’s ‘wild dreams’ about better ties with North ‘can never be realised’ Kim Yo Jong warns Seoul not to read too much into her muted reaction to an earlier incident involving a South Korean drone The Independent UK · Jan 14
Japan and South Korea leaders break into K-pop drumming after historic summit Japanese and South Korean leaders agreed to deepen cooperation between their countries before they let loose in a surprise jam session The Independent UK · Jan 14
Cymbal of unity? South Korea and Japan leaders bash out K-pop hits after summit talks South Korean president Lee Jae Myung had his work cut out, picking up his drumsticks alongside Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi, a former heavy metal drummer The Guardian - AU · Jan 14
The Independent UK · Jan 13 Japan-South Korea summit to discuss economy and regional challenges South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has arrived in Japan for a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, aiming to improve the sometimes-strained relationship as Tokyo faces a deepening row with China
The Independent UK · Jan 12 Japan will host summit with South Korea to bolster ties as Tokyo's relations with Beijing worsen Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will host a summit with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday to ensure stable and friendly ties as her country faces growing tension with Beijing
The Independent UK · Jan 10 South Korea denies flying drones across border as North warns of ‘consequences’ North Korea has accused South Korea of flying drones across the border between the nations
The Independent UK · Jan 9 More diplomatic and economic tensions surface between China, Japan as a bumpy week ends A week in which longtime tensions between neighbors China and Japan ratcheted up economically and politically is drawing to a close with no sign of improvements
The Independent UK · Jan 8 A familiar refrain as China and Japan, uneasy neighbors in East Asia, begin 2026 at odds again They’re at it again
The Independent UK · Jan 8 South Korean leader compares himself and Kim Jong Un to ‘penguins’ Lee Jae Myung pushes to reset ties with North Korea after summit with Xi Jinping
The Independent UK · Jan 7 China announces another new trade measure against Japan as tensions rise China has escalated its trade tensions with Japan by launching an investigation into imported dichlorosilane, a chemical gas used in making semiconductors
Euronews · Jan 7 South Korea's Lee says he urged China to help curb Pyongyang's nuclear programme Lee's visit this week was the first by a South Korean leader to China in six years, with Seoul seeking a reset in relations with its largest trading partner as well as help with the North.
The Independent UK · Jan 6 South Korean president grins in selfies with China’s Xi as part of four-day charm offensive Xi frames South Korea and China as historic allies against Japanese militarism
The Independent UK · Jan 5 China and South Korea pledge to bolster ties as regional tensions rise South Korea and China have pledged to boost trade and safeguard regional stability
The Independent UK · Jan 5 Kim Jong Un cites US threat in wake of Venezuela attack after North Korea tests hypersonic missiles Analysts say Nicolas Maduro’s capture by US is reinforcing Pyongyang’s belief that ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons are essential to deter foreign intervention