The Latest Breaking News from South Korea

South Korean city asks public how to fix its £18m ‘shame tree’ tower

Changwon, an industrial port city on the south coast, built the 40-metre Big Tree in Daesang Park as a new symbol for itself

The Independent UK · Aug 18

How has the US-South Korea relationship evolved under Trump?

President Trump's approach has tested the U.S.-South Korea alliance over military drills. Security commitments and troop presence remain points of contention between the nations. Trade relations have seen renegotiations and tariff pressures impacting South Korean businesses. South Korean companies have significantly invested in various U.S. industries. Political management has involved…

The Economic Times · Aug 18

South Korea president calls for military independence in wake of Trump call to cut joint drills

Lee Jae Myung reiterates desire for full command back in Seoul’s hands after Donald Trump cuts joint exercises, citing warm ties with Kim Jong-un

The Guardian - AU · Aug 18

Global Market: Kospi extends winning streak to six sessions, jumps over 2% on chip gains

South Korean shares surged 2.73%, extending gains for a sixth session as chipmakers rallied on optimism over AI demand. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix led advances, while foreign investors bought Rs 65,000 crore-equivalent shares. The won strengthened, though bond yields rose as investors awaited Nvidia’s results for further signals on…

The Economic Times · Aug 18

Trump's slight of South Korea in favor of the North raises broader US security concerns

President Trump reduced joint military exercises with South Korea. This decision raises concerns about United States security interests in Asia. Experts believe this move punishes an ally and encourages an adversary. South Korea has long been a close ally of the United States. The exercises are critical for deterring North…

The Economic Times · Aug 18

Trump criticises South Korea, says 'declined request to help US in Iran conflict'

Speaking to reporters, Trump said he called the South Korean President and asked whether he would be willing to "give us a little hand" with Iran, while stressing that the US, however, did not need assistance.

The Economic Times · Aug 18

South Korea city deluged by almost a metre of rain, triggering deadly landslide

Person dies after landslide hits apartment building in southern city of Geoje as torrential rains lead to power cuts and mass evacuations

The Guardian - AU · Aug 18

Kim-praising Trump asks South Korea, ‘Why are we helping you?’

President reduces seven-decade U.S. relationship with South Korea to protection racket as he rants about Seoul not joining his war against Iran

The Independent UK · Aug 17

Trump’s move to gut South Korea alliance is ‘inane, haphazard decision’, lawmakers say

US president’s abrupt order to scale back joint exercises with Seoul is meant to ‘flatter’ North Korea’s dictator, top Democrat says

The Guardian - US · Aug 17

North Korea grows stronger as South Korea reckons with fading US support

According to Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, North Korea is preparing to send as many as 50,000 fresh troops to support Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine. While the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been unable to verify Zelensky’s claim, it has not fallen on deaf ears in Seoul.

The Conversation · Aug 17