The Latest Breaking News from South Korea

Viral ‘Hongdae boy’ videos expose the fringe group of South Korean men trying to sleep with foreign women

If you’re on TikTok, you may have come across “Hongdae boys” or “Hongdae guys” recently. In a social media context, the term refers to a group of young South Korean men who prey on foreign women (particularly white women) visiting the Hongdae area in Seoul’s Mapo district.

The Conversation · May 15, 2025

South Korean presidential candidate’s ‘now more than ever’ Reebok sneakers sell out at 10x price

Sneakers are customised with embroidered patch on the left that reads, ‘Lee Jae-myung, Now More Than Ever’

The Independent UK · May 15, 2025

BIBI releases sophomore album 'EVE: ROMANCE' with philosophical edge

South Korean artist BIBI has released her sophomore album “EVE: ROMANCE,” blending genre-defying sounds with philosophical themes

The Independent UK · May 15, 2025

Protection Racket? Asian Semiconductor Giants Fear Looming Tariffs

Inside one of South Korea's oldest semiconductor research institutes, the cleanrooms and workshops are calm and immaculate, but outside the Seoul National University campus, a chip storm is brewing.

International Business Times · May 14, 2025

After chaos of the Yoon era, South Korea prepares to pick a new president

Koreans hope politics can return to a focus on record high youth unemployment and a cost of living crisis after impeachment drama

The Guardian - AU · May 14, 2025

Families of Jeju Air crash victims file complaint against South Korean minister and 14 others

Complaint seen largely as symbolic step calling for swifter and more thorough probe

The Independent UK · May 14, 2025

US men to play South Korea, Japan in September friendlies with World Cup looming

The US will travel to Harrison, NJ and Columbus, OHI for the first of four sets of friendlies before the 2026 World Cup

The Guardian - US · May 13, 2025

South Korean conductor Myung-Whun Chung named La Scala's first-ever Asian musical conductor

South Korean conductor Myung-whun Chung has been named the new musical director of the famed Milan opera house, Teatro alla Scala, the first Asian to hold the position

The Independent UK · May 12, 2025

A statue stolen from a Japanese temple is finally returned from South Korea

The Bodhisatva got trapped in legal dispute after a South Korean temple filed a lawsuit, claiming it as the rightful owner

The Independent UK · May 12, 2025

Election Campaigning Kicks Off In South Korea

The candidates vying to lead South Korea kicked off their official campaigns Monday ahead of a snap presidential election to replace the country's impeached ex-leader, removed over a thwarted martial law bid.

International Business Times · May 12, 2025