South Korea

North Korea

Kim Jong-un vows no ties with Seoul but leaves door open to US talks

Kim Jong-un said North Korea could "get along well" with the United States if Washington acknowledges its nuclear status, but dashed hopes of a diplomatic thaw with Seoul.

26/02/2026

Markets

Why are emerging markets rallying in 2026?

Emerging markets are staging a powerful comeback in 2026, decisively outperforming US equities as the S&P 500 remains flat amid volatility in software and long-duration growth stocks.

24/02/2026

South Korea

Former President Yoon handed life sentence for imposing martial law

A court in Seoul sentenced South Korea’s former President Yoon Suk-yeol to life in prison after finding him guilty of leading an insurrection. The court ruled his short imposition of martial law amounted to a “rebellion” and aimed to establish unchecked power for a “considerable time”.

19/02/2026

North Korea

Kim Jong-un's daughter close to being named North Korea's next leader

North Korean state media have never published the name of Kim Jong-un's daughter, only referring to her as his "respected" or "most beloved" child.

12/02/2026

No Comment

South Korean divers mark Lunar New Year with underwater performance in Seoul

Scuba divers dressed in traditional hanbok celebrated the upcoming Lunar New Year with an underwater performance at an aquarium in Seoul.

10/02/2026

South Korea

South Korea raids spy agency over alleged drone flight into North

Pyongyang said it downed a surveillance drone in early January, accusing Seoul of sending the aircraft to gather intelligence on "important targets".

10/02/2026

Moments

Slurp noodles or sweat in a sauna in these unusual airport lounges

From saunas and gyms to Gen Z-inspired social spaces, these are the airports shaking up your pre-flight routine.

09/02/2026

Destinations

Tokyo pub bans older customers saying they complain too much

The chain claims it merely wants its patrons’ preferences to match its boisterous atmosphere, but the move has sparked controversy.

28/01/2026

Economy

Trump threatens South Korea with tariff hike over investment delay

The US president said the tariffs paid on South Korean exports into America would rise from 15% to 25%, criticising the country for not making progress on a trade deal reached by the two nations last year.

27/01/2026

Cinema

Film of the Week: 'No Other Choice' - Unemployment turns deadly

South Korean director Park Chan-wook's adaptation of Donald Westlake’s novel "The Ax" is an exhilarating jet-black comedy which masterfully skewers the horrors the capitalism. It's a flat-out masterpiece.

23/01/2026

South Korea

Seoul slaps travel bans on civilians over drone flights to 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.

23/01/2026

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Prime Minister Takaichi and President Lee share drum session in Tokyo

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung surprised everyone by playing drums to K-pop hits after formal talks in Tokyo.

14/01/2026

No Comment

Thousands attend South Korea's Sancheoneo Festival for icy trout fishing

The Sancheoneo Festival in Hwacheon, South Korea, attracts large crowds for its freezing water challenges and trout fishing. The event is a key winter attraction.

12/01/2026

South Korea

South Korea says it urged China to help curb North's weapons tests

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.

07/01/2026

Earth News

South Korea vows to stop breeding bears to extract their bile

South Korea officials have confirmed that the controversial bear bile farming industry will come to an end as part of an animal welfare drive.

03/01/2026

Art

New film shines light on underground South Korean tattoo culture

South Korean tattoo culture, long marred by negative associations with prisons or gang activity, has been de facto illegal for over 30 years. A recent law passed now means this underground culture can finally come into the light.

31/12/2025