The Latest Breaking News from South Korea

Korean proverb of the day: "Words have no wings, but they can fly a thousand miles." - why it pays to think before you speak

A word seems like such a small, weightless thing. You say it, it disappears into the air, and that should be the end of it. An old Korean proverb warns that it is not nearly so simple. Words have no wings, it says, but they can fly a thousand miles.…

The Times of India · Jun 26

Samsung Eyes $648 Billion Mega Investment to Supercharge South Korea's AI and Chip Ambitions

Samsung plans to invest 1,000 trillion won in South Korea over the next decade, focusing on AI and semiconductor manufacturing, aiming to boost regional development beyond Seoul.

International Business Times UK · Jun 26

South Korea’s former first lady sent to prison for taking luxury gifts as bribes

Seoul court says Kim Keon Hee ‘received without any hesitation those bribes which ordinary people would hardly encounter during their lives’

The Independent UK · Jun 26

Asian shares plunge as traders sell to lock in profits after recent rallies driven by AI

Shares have tumbled in Asia, led by heavy losses in Japan and South Korea as traders sold to lock in gains from recent rallies in stocks related to artificial intelligence

The Independent UK · Jun 26

South Korean stocks in tailspin as Kospi crashes 8%, head for worst week since March

South Korean stocks experienced a dramatic plunge, exceeding 8% and triggering a trading halt. This sharp decline was primarily driven by a significant selloff in major semiconductor companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, alongside broader global tech sector weakness. The benchmark KOSPI index is now on track for its…

The Economic Times · Jun 26

Global Market: South Korea to extend won trading to 24 hours in bid to boost global appeal

South Korea will launch 24-hour trading in the won from July 6 to boost global investor access and improve market appeal. The reform is expected to enhance liquidity and efficiency but raises concerns over volatility during low-liquidity hours, even as strong equity inflows and overseas investments continue to pressure the…

The Economic Times · Jun 26

Samsung readies $648 billion bet, report says, as AI boom reshapes South Korea

The investment, which would include AI data centers, batteries and displays, will be announced at a meeting with President Lee Jae Myung at the presidential office, the Maeil Business Newspaper said on Friday, ‌without citing sources.

The Economic Times · Jun 26

Kenyans mark second anniversary of bloody protests

In tonight's edition: hundreds of people are arrested and crowds are teargassed as Kenyans march on the anniversary of the 2024 violence. Also, Bafana Bafana shuts down its detractors with its big win over South Korea that takes the team to the knockout round of the World Cup for the…

France 24 · Jun 25

Controversial Streamer Johnny Somali loses South Korea appeal, court upholds six-month prison sentence

Johnny Somali’s appeal has been rejected by a South Korean court, leaving his six-month prison sentence with labor unchanged. Prosecutors also failed to secure a longer three-year sentence. According to Legal Mindset, Somali may still appeal to the Supreme Court. The case follows his convictions over business obstruction, public disturbance…

The Times of India · Jun 25

History in unique ways: South Africa, Switzerland, Canada make it to round of 32 in FIFA WC 2026

South Africa, also known as Bafana Bafana in the football world, created history by advancing to the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage for the first time after a 1-0 victory over South Korea in their final group-stage match.

The Economic Times · Jun 25