All six launchers of the U.S. THAAD missile system in Seongju, South Korea, have returned to base. The launchers were previously relocated to Osan Air Base in March, sparking speculation of a transfer to the Middle East amid the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.
Protests demanding a rerun of South Korea's June 3 local elections, marred by ballot paper shortages, entered their 17th day Sunday at a Seoul ballot counting site. Thousands gathered, with over half in their 20s and 30s, despite the National Election Commission apologizing but stating a rerun is not warranted.
The protest blockading the Seoul Olympic Park vote counting station, sparked by a ballot shortage, has entered its 17th day. While weekend participation has decreased from previous peaks, younger demographics and families with children are increasingly present, with a designated "Olympic Park Kindergarten" area for children. The protest continues with chants and the spread of conspiracy theories, while a citizens' forum nearby has raised concerns about potential clashes.
President Lee Jae Myung has appointed new senior presidential secretaries for communications and civil affairs, along with three other aides. Seong Ghi-hong, former CEO of Yonhap News Agency, was named secretary for public relations and communication, and Han Chan-sik, a former prosecutor, for civil affairs. Nam Jae-heon was appointed vice minister of Oceans and Fisheries.
North Korea's state media has excluded games involving South Korea, the US, and Japan from its coverage of the FIFA World Cup. The broadcasts, aired on Korean Central Television, omitted results from matches involving these nations, despite showing advertisements from South Korean and US companies. This exclusion follows North Korea's unauthorized broadcasting of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, leading to its apparent exclusion from current broadcasting rights.
South Korea's Ministry of Gender Equality and Family approved 184 sanctions against 166 individuals for failing to meet child support obligations. Sanctions include travel bans, driver's license suspensions, and public disclosure of personal information, with average unpaid support at 45 million won.
Seong Ghi-hong, a 58-year-old journalist with 30 years of experience, has been appointed as the new presidential secretary for public relations and communication in South Korea. He previously served as CEO of Yonhap News Agency and covered significant political events, including inter-Korean talks and the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye.
Han Chan-sik, a former prosecutor, appointed as new presidential secretary for civil affairs. He is expected to drive the Lee Jae Myung administration's prosecutorial reform agenda, focusing on the system overhaul in October and mediating disputes over prosecutors' investigative powers.
A Seoul court will deliver its verdict this week on former first lady Kim Keon Hee, indicted for allegedly receiving over 100 million won in luxury gifts, including jewelry and a Dior bag, in exchange for job appointments and business favors. Prosecutors seek a 7 1/2-year prison term.
Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. saw significant sales growth in India from January to May, largely due to high demand for their SUV models like the Creta, Venue, Seltos, and Sonet. Hyundai ranked fourth and Kia sixth in the Indian passenger vehicle market.
President Lee Jae Myung has appointed new senior presidential secretaries for communications and civil affairs, along with three other aides. Seong Ghi-hong, former CEO of Yonhap News Agency, will lead public relations, and Han Chan-sik, a former prosecutor, will handle civil affairs.
Samsung Electronics held a global strategy meeting to discuss expanding sales of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips and long-term supply agreements with major customers like Nvidia and Google, amid surging AI chip demand.
President Lee Jae Myung has appointed new senior presidential secretaries for communications and civil affairs, along with three other aides. Seong Ghi-hong, former CEO of Yonhap News Agency, will lead public relations and communication, while Han Chan-sik, a former senior prosecutor, will head civil affairs.
Household loans at major South Korean banks increased in the second quarter, driven by stock investments and home purchases. After an initial decline, loan balances grew, particularly unsecured credit loans and mortgage loans, reaching record levels.
The number of foreigners falling victim to fraud in South Korea has nearly quadrupled in two years, rising from 5,307 in 2023 to 19,907 last year. Many cases involve K-pop merchandise scams targeting 'hallyu' fans. Overall crime against foreigners also surged 81.7% amid a rise in tourism.
Heavy rain and strong winds battered South Korea's Gangwon Province and southern regions on Saturday, leading to the closure of national park trails and the disruption of a local festival. No casualties were reported, but authorities issued landslide warnings and advised caution for high waves.
Heavy rain in South Korea's Gangwon Province on Saturday led to restricted access to Mount Seorak national park trails and the disruption of the Gangneung Danoje Festival. While a heavy rain warning was lifted, strong winds and high waves persist off the east coast.
Heavy downpours have drenched South Korea, with rain expected to continue through Saturday evening and into Sunday morning in some areas. Significant rainfall has already accumulated, and rough seas are anticipated along the southern and eastern coasts.
RM, leader of K-pop group BTS, has been appointed the first global ambassador for the National Museum of Korea. The appointment recognizes his support for Korean cultural heritage, including significant donations and his efforts to promote Korean culture globally.
South Korean newspapers on June 20 featured headlines focusing on Lee's calls for the ruling party to avoid internal conflict and reform the election watchdog. Additionally, reports indicated Lee stated Trump inquired about South Korea building 10 warships for the U.S. and discussed North Korea.
President Lee Jae Myung identified inflation as the government's top priority, urging "extraordinary measures" to stabilize prices and ease household burdens amid global economic challenges. He also addressed heatwave safety and preemptive measures against summer price gouging.
JoongAng Ilbo Co. has formally applied for a creditor-led debt workout program due to liquidity issues within its parent group, JoongAng Group. The company failed to repay 22 billion won in commercial paper and is consulting with creditors for restructuring measures.
Korean Air estimates the integration of Asiana Airlines will cost between 900 billion and 1 trillion won (US$654 million). The airline expects annual synergy effects of around 300 billion won, potentially offsetting costs by late 2028 or early 2029. The goal is to launch the integrated carrier by December 17, aiming for a top 10 global ranking with 230 aircraft and 23 trillion won in revenue.
The South Korean Army will allow all qualified noncommissioned officers (NCOs) to transition to long-term service starting in 2028 as part of a personnel overhaul. This initiative aims to enhance job security and attractiveness to address recruitment challenges.
