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South Korea
South Korea
Latest news, in-depth features and opinion on South Korea, covering politics, economy, society, K-pop and Seoul’s relationships with North Korea, Japan, China and the United States.
Capital
Seoul
Head of State
President Yoon Suk-yeol
Yoon Suk-yeol
Head of Government
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo
last updated:
29 November, 2024
An elderly woman rests her eyes while sitting in front of a mural outside a property in Dongducheon, Gyeonggi Province. Photo: AP
Ageing society

‘Super-aged’ South Korea faces demographic challenges as 20% of population over 65

The milestone, driven by a declining birth rate, highlights the country’s rapidly ageing population and the need for policy changes to address the demographic challenges.

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South Korea martial law 2024

Yoon’s lawyer denies first lady visited cosmetic clinic before martial law bid

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Hong Kong stock market

Hang Seng Index closes above 20,000 on mainland Chinese buying

North Korea

Revolution, elections and a baby hippo, this was the year in Asia

From climate change to political storms and a Taylor Swift world tour, Asia in 2024 was characterised by turbulence and surprises.

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Students and other activists carry Bangladesh’s national flag during a protest march to mark one month since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stepped down after a mass uprising, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on September 5. Photo: AP
South Korea martial law 2024

Did South Korea’s Yoon use fortune-telling to plan his failed martial law bid?

Noh Sang-won, an ex-intelligence chief, has allegedly advised Yoon Suk-yeol on his martial law decree’s timing based on fortune-telling.

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Robotics

China’s industrial robot sales shrink on ‘tightening demand’

Total industrial robot deliveries this year are estimated to reach 300,000 units, down 5 per cent from 2023.

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Ukraine war

North Korea suffers more than 3,000 casualties fighting for Russia: Zelensky

South Korea said earlier on Monday that around 1,100 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded since entering combat this month.

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A damaged monument to Soviet founder Vladimir Lenin in Sudzha, Kursk region, Russia in August. File photo: AP Photo
Technology

South Koreans develop Iron Man-inspired wearable robot to help paraplegics walk

WalkON Suit F1 is designed to enable users to walk, climb stairs, and manoeuvre obstacles.

Viral stories

Profile | K-pop star G-Dragon sparks meme, imitation explosion with new ‘auntie’ style

So-called King of K-pop makes comeback with androgynous look that has been a massive hit with fans across Asia and around the world.

Ageing society

Nearly two-thirds of Korean women OK with being childless, survey finds

South Korea has world’s lowest fertility rate, and 65 per cent of women and 41 per cent of men say they could accept a life without children.

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Commuters in South Korea, where more than 40 per cent of men and more than 65 per cent of women surveyed would be OK with not having children. The country has the world’s lowest fertility rate. Photo: Yonhap/dpa
Lessons from China's history

Reflections | Suicide in Korea is a big problem. In China, views were once very different

Events during one period in Chinese history indicate that for many, dying for honour was far more desirable than living a disgraced life.

Kim Yong-hyun attends a press conference in Washington on October 31, 2024. The now former South Korean defence minister attempted suicide while in custody over his role in a failed attempt to impose martial law in South Korea. Photo: EPA-EFE
India

India reopens North Korea embassy in ‘strategic’ move in volatile region: experts

Experts believe the embassy’s resumption of operations will allow India to engage in diplomatic discussions on critical issues in Northeast Asia.

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South Korea martial law 2024

Ex-South Korean spy chief linked to martial law plot doubled as fortune-teller

Noh Sang-won, who practices astrology, is well-known in rural areas for his ‘spiritual energy and philosophical expertise’.

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Malaysia

Malaysian influencer behind South Korea tour mess denies fleeing to Japan

The travel operator said she is willing to cooperate with the authorities as losses linked to the alleged scam hit US$100,000.

Kim Seri is a Seoul-based Malaysian social media influencer. Photo: Instagram/kimseri_eina
Donald Trump

Letters | Why Trump 2.0 shows dangerous signs of failing

Readers discuss the trouble with leaders who value loyalty over ability, the problem facing successful Asian countries, and economic fate.

On March 29, 2019, US president Donald Trump speaks at a press conference with Linda McMahon, head of Small Business Administration and co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment. Trump has nominated McMahon as education secretary. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks end week lower as traders look for catalysts

Tencent advances 2.7 per cent on move to introduce a gifting tool on its WeChat platform; chipmaker SMIC jumps 8.2 per cent.

Diplomacy

Opinion | China can win Japan and South Korea over from a US under Trump

Amid political changes in the three countries, China can carve out a new strategic landscape in East Asia by offering trade and cooperation.

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Beauty

Unlock the magic of fermented skincare, from kombucha to ginseng

Is fermented skincare the secret behind the glowing success of SK-II and Sulwhasoo, who boast Twice’s Mina and Blackpink’s Rosé as brand ambassadors?

Rosé from Blackpink posing with Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum. Photo: Handout
South Korea martial law 2024

Arrest of South Korea’s former spy chief sheds light on martial law conspiracy

Noh Sang-won, former head of the Defence Intelligence Command, allegedly planned the coercive measures meant to enforce the decree.

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Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong shares fall after Fed signals slower easing next year

Federal Reserve’s hawkish forecast for just two rate cuts next year dampens sentiment.

Diplomacy

Opinion | China should seize the moment to promote peace on Korean peninsula

The weakening of the Russia-North Korea alliance, political change in South Korea and Trump’s return create a conducive environment for denuclearisation talks.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Food and Drinks

How to drink soju, and why having Korean spirit is like a polygraph test

Artist Funnyjun teaches non-Koreans the art of drinking soju. He says how people drink the moreish spirit reveals much about their character.

Artist Funnyjun teaches non-Koreans the art of drinking soju in his book How to Drink Soju. He equates a soju drinking session to a polygraph test, because how a person handles it reveals much about their character. Photo: Shutterstock
Malaysia

Malaysian influencer faces backlash over alleged South Korea travel scam

She has apologised and promised refunds as police investigate reports of fraud after some clients were left stranded in South Korea.

Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks rise amid bid to unlock mainland Chinese state firms’ value

China’s state assets watchdog also included proposals on M&As, market-oriented reforms, information disclosure and stock buy-backs.

South Korea martial law 2024

In South Korea’s ‘power vacuum’, foreign policy uncertainty abounds

The impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol leaves an interim leader with a ‘tainted cabinet’ to grapple with rising diplomatic challenges.

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A torn poster featuring the image of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is seen in Seoul earlier this month. Photo: Reuters
Wellness

I cried when I finished my first marathon. My pacemaker, my dad, smiled

Erika Na catches up with her dad’s long-distance running club mates in Korea. The oldest aged 81, they train and run marathons together.

Sixty-year-old Korean marathoner Kang Ho. Photo: courtesy of Kang Ho
Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks fall for second day, erasing all gains made last week

Sentiment among traders has been in the doldrums since late last week and gains made from a brief rebound have been erased.

South Korea martial law 2024

Despite Yoon’s impeachment, it may not be over for the embattled leader

While analysts believe the odds are stacked against Yoon, the court’s decision remains uncertain – and some suggest it may not be clear-cut.

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