# South Korea
Latest news and articles about South Korea
Total: 12 articles found
“Human Face, Beast Heart”: South Korea’s President Denounces Far‑Right Mockery of Comfort‑Women Statue
President Lee Jae‑myung condemned a far‑right group for allegedly insulting comfort‑women victims and attempting to remove a memorial, calling their behaviour “human face, beast heart.” The group is under police investigation for an unauthorised rally and insulting banners, raising questions about the limits of free speech, social cohesion, and the politics of historical memory in South Korea.
South Korean C-130 Makes Emergency Landing in Okinawa; Underscores Airlift Maintenance and ROK–Japan Cooperation
A South Korean C-130 experienced an engine power loss and made an emergency landing at a naval base in Okinawa on 30 January while en route to a defence exhibition in Saudi Arabia. Technicians replaced the faulty part, there were no injuries, and the aircraft continued later that day; the incident highlights maintenance issues and practical interoperability among U.S., Japanese and South Korean military facilities.
South Korean C-130 Makes Emergency Landing in Okinawa En Route to Saudi Defence Expo
A South Korean C-130 transport made an emergency landing in Okinawa after one engine’s power dropped during a flight to a Saudi defence exposition; technicians replaced the faulty part and the aircraft departed later that day. The diversion, handled without injury, underscores routine maintenance and logistics challenges for long-range military flights and highlights practical benefits of regional basing and defence cooperation.
Trump Raises Tariffs on South Korean Imports as U.S. Markets Digest Tech Wins and Intel Weakness
President Trump announced an increase in U.S. tariffs on South Korean autos, timber and pharmaceuticals from 15% to 25%, blaming Seoul for not ratifying a bilateral trade deal. U.S. markets closed higher as investors focused on upcoming tech earnings and Microsoft’s launch of a new AI chip, while Intel slumped on weak guidance.
Trump Slaps 25% Tariffs on South Korea as Markets Rally and Microsoft Unveils New AI Chip
President Trump announced a unilateral increase in tariffs on South Korean cars, lumber and pharmaceuticals from 15% to 25%, citing Seoul’s failure to ratify a bilateral trade deal, while U.S. markets rose as investors focused on tech earnings and Microsoft’s unveiling of its Maia 200 AI chip. The tariff move risks straining a strategic alliance and creating supply‑chain uncertainty even as competition among cloud providers intensifies over in‑house AI hardware.
Lee Jae‑myung Seeks Reset with Beijing and a Diplomatic Thaw on the Peninsula in Second Year Agenda
At his New Year press conference, President Lee Jae‑myung announced plans to deepen ties with China, push for renewed U.S.–North Korea dialogue, and restart inter‑Korean engagement while prioritising social welfare and prosecutorial reform at home. The agenda signals an attempt to balance external diplomacy with domestic reform as Lee enters a pivotal second year.
Former Yoon Aides Linked to Drones That Violated North Korean Airspace, Stoking Peninsula Tensions
South Korean investigators have identified two men, both former staffers in ex‑president Yoon Seok-yeol’s presidential office, as linked to a private drone that entered North Korean airspace. The case has intensified inter‑Korean tensions, prompted a joint military-police probe, and highlights regulatory and security gaps around civilian drone activity.
Two Ex‑Presidential Office Staff Linked to Drone That Crossed into North Korea, Raising Security and Political Alarms
South Korean investigators have named two civilian suspects who previously worked in the Yoon Suk‑yeol presidential office in connection with a drone that entered North Korean airspace. The episode has provoked sharp condemnations from Pyongyang and triggered a joint military‑police probe in Seoul, raising broader questions about civilian drone risks and political fallout.
China’s Diplomatic New Year: A Flurry of Visits Signals Outreach, Stability and Economic Opportunity
In January 2026 China staged an intensive diplomatic opening, hosting leaders from neighbouring states as well as visitors from Europe and North America while continuing long‑standing outreach to Africa. The visits produced new cooperation agreements and reiterated Beijing’s opposition to the use of force in international disputes, signaling a push for stability, influence and economic partnership as global growth slows.
Seoul Begins Fielding 'Monster' Hyunmoo-5 Missile, Aiming for Full Combat Status under Lee Administration
South Korea has begun deploying its largest ballistic missile, the Hyunmoo‑5, into field units and aims to complete operational deployment during President Lee Jae‑myung’s term. The missile’s 36‑ton mass and 8‑ton warhead expand Seoul’s strike options and carry significant implications for deterrence dynamics, alliance management and regional stability.
Washington’s 100% Tariff Ultimatum Forces Chipmakers to Choose: Pay or Build
The U.S. has begun imposing tariffs on certain imported semiconductors and warned foreign memory makers that failure to expand production on U.S. soil could trigger duties up to 100%. South Korea’s government and firms such as SK Hynix are urgently reassessing strategy amid rising uncertainty, while the policy risk accelerates a geopolitical reorganisation of global chip supply chains.
South Korea Clears Development Tests of KF-21 Fighter, Mass Production Set to Begin This Year
South Korea's KF-21 fighter has completed its development flight tests and is slated for production deliveries in the second half of the year, DAPA announced. The milestone strengthens Seoul's aerospace industry and defense capabilities but still leaves practical challenges—certification, sustainment and integration—to be resolved before the jet significantly alters regional force balances.