South Korea
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koreaherald.comExit Polls Show Split Results in South Korea Local Elections, With Ruling Party Leading Most Races but Seoul Competitive
Exit polls from South Korea's June 3, 2026 local elections showed the ruling Democratic Party ahead in 10 to 11 of 16 major mayoral and gubernatorial contests, while the main opposition People Power Party was projected to win one.
YonhapPolice Log 312 Voting-Related Complaints During Peaceful South Korea Local Elections
The National Police Agency recorded 312 complaints of misbehavior or inconvenience between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. on June 3, 2026. Most reports involved vote disruptions, followed by travel issues and three assault cases.
nbcnews.comSouth Korea Local Election Turnout at 51.9% by 3 p.m., Slightly Above 2022 Final
Voter participation in Wednesday's nationwide local elections exceeded the 2022 final turnout by early afternoon, with 23.16 million ballots cast out of 44.64 million eligible voters.
upi.comSouth Koreans Vote in Local Elections and By-elections
More than 44.6 million voters cast ballots Wednesday for mayors, governors, council members and education chiefs in races viewed as an early gauge of the current administration.
upi.comU.S. Forces Korea Commander Describes South Korea as Dagger in Asia
U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson described South Korea as the dagger in the heart of Asia from China's perspective. The Chinese Embassy in Seoul called the remarks unnecessary belligerence that crossed the line.
YonhapSouth Korean Military Chief Inspects Coastal and Riverine Units Near Seoul
The Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman visited a Marine unit in Gimpo and the Army's Capital Corps Command near Incheon on Tuesday. The visits focused on operational readiness for coastal and riverine security.
koreatimes.co.krSouth Korea Hosts African Ministers, Discusses Economic Ties and Future Summits
President Lee Jae Myung pledged closer ties with African nations after hosting foreign ministers from 50 countries and meeting officials from 19 nations at Cheong Wa Dae.
nbcnews.comKorean American Law Professor Sues to Lift Exit Ban After Accusing President Lee of Past Crime and Entering Country to Monitor Elections
Morse Tan filed suit Monday seeking to lift a justice ministry travel ban imposed after police cited flight risk. The case centers on statements Tan made last year in Washington about President Lee Jae-myung.
thehindu.comU.S. and South Korea Hold Talks on Nuclear Submarines, Uranium Enrichment and Tariff-Linked Investment
Delegations met June 2 in Seoul to begin implementing October summit agreements on nuclear cooperation and a $350 billion South Korean investment pledge.
focustaiwan.twRuling and Opposition Parties Campaign Ahead of June 3 Local Elections
South Korean ruling and opposition parties made final appeals for voter support on the eve of nationwide local elections. The June 3 vote includes 16 mayoral and gubernatorial posts, 227 local government heads, and about 4,000 local council members, along with 14 National Assembl…
koreatimes.co.krCabinet Approves Labor Law Changes for Hourly Leave and Rest Breaks
The Cabinet approved revisions to the Labor Standards Act on Tuesday allowing workers to use paid annual leave in hourly increments. The changes also let employees leave after four consecutive hours of work without a required rest break and bar employers from penalizing workers f…
upi.comSouth Korea Extends Crude Oil Swap System With Private Firms Until End of June
The government extended its crude oil swap arrangement with refiners through June 30. The system allows temporary use of state reserves to maintain domestic fuel supplies amid shipping uncertainties in the Strait of Hormuz.
koreatimes.co.krSouth Korea and African Nations Discuss Mutual Economic Cooperation in Multiple Sectors
Seoul asked Libya to support South Korean firms in oil and refining during June 1 talks. Additional meetings with Chad and Zimbabwe focused on development, minerals and infrastructure.
japantimes.co.jpExplosion and fire at South Korean defense plant kills five
An explosion and fire at a Hanwha Aerospace facility in Daejeon killed five workers and injured two others on Monday. Officials have not released the cause or identified the victims.
YonhapSouth Korean Foreign Minister to Hold Talks with Turkish, New Zealand Counterparts
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun will meet Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan on Thursday to review November summit follow-up measures and discuss regional issues. First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo will also hold talks with New Zealand Deputy Secretary Bede Corry the same day.
Japan TimesSouth Korea Keeps Gender Segregation Rule in Hospital Rooms After Public Pushback
The health ministry withdrew the proposal after more than 4,000 public comments. Gender separation rules will stay in place with existing exceptions for intensive care and family rooms.
deccanchronicle.comSouth Korea Equity Market Reaches $5 Trillion, Surpasses India
South Korea’s listed companies now hold $5 trillion in market value, moving the country ahead of India to sixth place globally. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix drove most of the gain through memory-chip demand tied to artificial-intelligence systems.
thehindu.comSouth Korea Replace Injured Cho Yu-min with Cho Wi-je in 2026 World Cup Squad
Cho Wi-je replaced injured center back Cho Yu-min on South Korea's final roster. The 24-year-old learned of his selection through media reports on May 31.
koreatimes.co.krFire at SK Hynix Cheongju Plant Quickly Extinguished, No Impact on Chip Production
A fire and toxic gas leak at SK Hynix's Cheongju semiconductor plant in South Korea led to the evacuation of about 3,600 workers. Seven people were injured in the incident, which occurred on Monday mid-morning.
ForbesHumanoid Robots and Human Models Walk Runway Together at Seoul Fashion Event
Galaxy Corporation staged the MACH33: Physical AI Fashion Show on May 28 at its new 180,000-square-foot Galaxy Robot Park in Seoul, pairing humanoid robots and human models in coordinated outfits.
spacenews.comSouth Korean Rocket Startup Unastella Raises $24 Million in Series B
Unastella closed a $24 million Series B round, bringing total funding to $44 million. The four-year-old company launched its first rocket from South Korean soil in May 2025 and is developing vehicles for small satellite launches.
BloombergKakao Labor Union Plans Four-Hour Work Stoppage Next Week
The union at South Korea’s largest messaging service announced a four-hour work stoppage amid an ongoing labor dispute.
koreaherald.comRenault Korea Motors Sells 5,913 Vehicles in May
Renault Korea Motors sold 5,913 vehicles in May 2026, down 40 percent from the same month last year. Domestic and overseas markets both recorded sharp declines.
koreatimes.co.krFive Dead, Two Injured in Explosion at Hanwha Aerospace Plant in Daejeon
Five workers died and two others were injured in a blast at the Hanwha Aerospace facility in Daejeon on June 1, 2026. Authorities have not yet identified the victims, and one of the injured remains in critical condition.
koreaherald.comHyundai Motor Reports May Global Sales of 310,000 Vehicles
Hyundai Motor Co. sold 325,473 vehicles worldwide in May, down 7.7 percent from a year earlier. The company cited parts supply shortages at suppliers as the cause of the decline.
yna.co.krKia Global Sales Rise 2.7 Percent in May While Hyundai Declines 7.7 Percent
Kia sold 277,715 vehicles worldwide in May, up from a year earlier on overseas demand. Hyundai sold 325,473 vehicles, down 7.7 percent due to parts shortages.
yna.co.krSpecial Counsel Updates Timeline of Yoon Suk Yeol Martial Law Probe After Questioning Ex-Joint Chiefs Chairman
Investigators now place the start of planning about a year before the December 2024 attempt. Earlier probes reached differing conclusions on timing.
thehindu.comUS and South Korea Begin Talks on Nuclear Submarines, Uranium Enrichment and Security Agreements
Delegations meet Tuesday in Seoul to implement agreements reached last year between President Lee Jae Myung and President Donald Trump, including nuclear and shipbuilding issues.
koreatimes.co.krSouth Korean Police Request Exit Ban on Korean-American Law Professor Morse Tan
South Korean police requested a travel ban on Korean American professor Morse Tan on June 1, 2026, after he failed to appear for questioning about statements regarding President Lee Jae Myung.
koreaboo.comSouth Korea Reports Record Drug Seizures and Arrests in First Year of Lee Administration
Government agencies detained 23,403 drug offenders in 2025 and recorded all-time highs in online arrests and border seizures during President Lee Jae-myung's first year. Data from prosecution, police, customs, coast guard and food-drug authorities detail the scale of enforcement…
Japan TimesExplosion at Hanwha Aerospace Plant in Daejeon Kills Five, Injures Two
An explosion and fire occurred Monday at a Hanwha Aerospace factory in Daejeon, South Korea. Five workers died and two others were injured during operations involving rocket propellant production.
koreatimes.co.krSouth Korean Party Leaders Urge Scaled-Back Campaigning After Factory Explosion
Ruling and opposition party leaders directed candidates to suspend or tone down campaign activities after an explosion at a Hanwha Aerospace factory killed five people. The blast occurred two days before scheduled local elections.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewEric Thames Joins Launch of MLB Breakfast Club Event in Seoul
Former MLB player Eric Thames joined Kim Byung-hyun and Dustin Nippert to launch MLB Breakfast Club on June 1, 2026, at the Michelin-starred Mukjung restaurant in Seoul.
koreatimes.co.krCelltrion Workers Form First Labor Union, Seek Pay Transparency
Employees at the South Korean biotech firm launched a union on June 1, 2026, demanding clearer compensation and better staffing. The company said it will follow legal procedures in any talks.
koreaherald.comKorea Exchange to Launch Weekly Options on Four Stocks June 29
South Korea's main stock exchange will introduce weekly options contracts on Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution. The contracts will expire each Thursday starting June 29.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to Hold AI and Robotics Meetings with South Korean Business Leaders
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is scheduled to arrive in Seoul on Thursday night and begin meetings with South Korean business leaders on Friday. The discussions are expected to cover artificial intelligence and robotics cooperation.
koreaherald.comSouth Korea Defender Cho Yu-min Suffers Foot Injury, Replaced by Cho Wi-je for 2026 World Cup
Cho Yu-min suffered a partial tear of the plantar fascia during a May 30 friendly and will miss the tournament. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors defender Cho Wi-je replaces him on the squad.
france24.comTunisian Foreign Minister Urges South Korean Firms to Expand in Africa
Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti said investments in Africa can diversify supply chains disrupted by tensions in the Middle East. He described Tunisia as a strategic gateway for South Korean companies seeking access to African, European, and Middle Eastern markets.
koreaherald.comSeoul Jazz Club Installs Permanent Auracast System for Hearing-Accessible Performances
A Seoul jazz club installed South Korea's first permanent Auracast broadcast audio system. The installation coincided with a performance by Big Ocean, a K-pop group whose members have hearing loss.
koreatimes.co.krSouth Korea Hosts Senior Officials from 50 African Nations for Preparatory Meeting Ahead of Ministerial Talks
Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Eui-hae and Ghana's Betty Osafo Mensah co-chaired the 2026 Korea-Africa Senior Officials' Meeting on May 31 to prepare for next week's foreign ministers gathering.
koreaherald.comSong Young-han Tops South Korean Finishers at LIV Golf Korea with Final-Round 67
Song Young-han shot a three-under 67 to finish six-under and tied for 12th at the LIV Golf Korea tournament in Busan. He was the top-finishing South Korean player at the event held at Asiad Country Club.
citizen.co.zaSouth Korea Arrests Man for Posting Over 3,000 Messages About Disaster Victims
President Lee Jae Myung said Sunday he will order authorities to investigate and punish those who insult victims and families of social disasters, citing a recent arrest.
koreaherald.comJoaquin Niemann Beats Talor Gooch in Playoff to Win LIV Golf Korea
Chilean golfer Joaquin Niemann defeated Talor Gooch in a sudden-death playoff to claim his eighth LIV Golf title and a $4 million prize at the par-70 Asiad Country Club in Busan on May 31, 2026.
winnipegfreepress.comSouth Korean Defense Minister Discusses Nuclear Submarine Plans With U.S. Lawmakers at Shangri-La Dialogue
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back met U.S. lawmakers in Singapore on May 31, 2026, to request backing for nuclear-powered submarines, wartime control transfer, and shipbuilding cooperation.
upi.comSouth Korean Oil Tanker Completes Sixth Red Sea Transit After Loading at Saudi Port
A South Korean vessel completed its passage through the Red Sea on May 31, 2026, marking the sixth such shipment since South Korea began rerouting oil away from the Strait of Hormuz.
upi.comCredit Loans at Five Major South Korean Banks Rise 2.55% in May
Outstanding credit loans reached 107 trillion won as of May 29, the fastest monthly growth since April 2021. Mortgage lending rose only 25 billion won in the same period.
South China Morning PostUS and South Korea to Hold Seoul Talks on Nuclear Submarine Cooperation and Investment Commitments
The two allies will meet next week to address implementation of last year’s summit agreement. Priorities differ on nuclear-powered submarines and a US$350 billion investment commitment.
koreaherald.comPark Chan-ho Attends LIV Golf Korea Event at Busan’s Asiad Country Club
Former MLB pitcher Park Chan-ho attended LIV Golf Korea at Asiad Country Club, hitting balls in a pro-am round and watching competition from the first tee.
38north.orgSouth Korea Marks One Year of Lee Jae Myung Presidency
President Lee Jae Myung reaches one year in office this week with the KOSPI at record highs, yet faces external shocks from Middle East tensions and domestic housing concerns.
yna.co.krLee Jae-myung Sworn In as South Korea’s President Following Yoon Suk-yeol’s Impeachment and Removal
Lee Jae-myung took office on June 4, 2025, following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. The new administration has advanced trade, security, and domestic reforms.
winnipegfreepress.comSouth Korean Defense Minister Holds Bilateral Talks with Philippine, Norwegian and Dutch Counterparts in Singapore
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, focusing on expanding defense cooperation and seeking support for Seoul's North Korea policy.
yna.co.krPPP Files Police Complaint Over President Lee's Early Voting Ballot Inquiry
South Korea's main opposition party accused President Lee Jae Myung of violating election secrecy rules after he stepped out of a voting booth to ask about a partially stamped ballot during early voting on May 29.
koreaherald.comSouth Korea to Assume Wartime OPCON From U.S. by 2028
Pete Hegseth addressed the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 30, 2026, urging a measured handover of wartime operational control while respecting long-standing U.S. military roles. South Korea has proposed completing the transfer by 2028.
BBC NewsSouth Korea Court Ends 34-Year Ban on Non-Doctor Tattoo Artists
South Korea's top court overturned a 1992 ruling that classified tattooing as a medical procedure. Lawmakers had already passed legislation in September allowing non-medical professionals to perform tattoos.
financialpost.comSouth Korean chip firms lead AI growth as officials weigh distribution of gains
Samsung and SK Hynix are expanding production amid rising demand for AI chips. Government officials are examining ways to share resulting economic benefits while addressing potential job losses.
usethebitcoin.comKOSPI rises to record high as volatility index also increases
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index closed at a record 8,476.15 on Friday. The KOSPI 200 volatility index rose 3.72 percent to 74.26 the same day.
koimoi.comSouth Korea Forms Committee to Discuss Film Holdback Rules
South Korea established a public-private body on May 29 to negotiate a mandatory waiting period before theatrical films can stream. The group includes 22 industry representatives and aims to reach a voluntary agreement by August.
cointelegraph.comOKX Ventures and Korea Investment & Securities each invest 80 billion won in Coinone
OKX Ventures and Korea Investment & Securities will each commit 80 billion won to Coinone. The funds support Coinone's expansion into stablecoins and tokenized securities.
winnipegfreepress.comSouth Korean Defense Minister to Attend Singapore Security Forum
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back will travel to Singapore on Friday for the annual Asia Security Summit. He is scheduled to deliver a speech and hold bilateral meetings with defense officials from multiple countries.
38north.orgSouth Korea Conveys Willingness for Dialogue with North Korea
South Korea has relayed its readiness to resume talks with North Korea through Singapore. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said the message was delivered during Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan's recent visits to China and North Korea.