South Korea
Asia’s gas utilities are politically shielded but economically exposed
Many of the region’s gas distributors enjoy the safety net of being government-related entities and are ‘protected’ to a large extent. Their credit profiles are, in reality, extensions of sovereign ratings rather than stand-alone assessments.
Seoul’s energy balancing act up to 2050: then green power for the win
In the northeast corner of East Asia, South Korea is quietly steering its energy future towards a delicate pro-nuclear, pro-renewables outcome. With eyes fixed firmly on 2050, policymakers in the capital Seoul are doubling down.
Raid at Hyundai’s Georgia plant sparks diplomatic tensions
On September 4, 2025, US immigration officers carried out what officials have called the largest workplace immigration enforcement action in the history of the Department of Homeland Security.
US to draw back from Asia in new defence policy concept
The United States is scaling back its strategic focus on Asia, marking a potential end to over a decade of military and political efforts to counterbalance China’s rise in the region, Politico reports.
South Korea marks largest ever current account surplus for July
The Bank of Korea reported a surplus of $10.78bn for July, extending the country’s run of consecutive monthly surpluses to 27, dating back to May 2023.
Japan’s Ishiba, and South Korea’s Lee – the best of frenemies
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s choice of Tokyo and not Washington for his first state visit since coming to power was no accident.
South Korea, the US come together on nuclear deals
South Korean and US companies have signed agreements to advance nuclear energy projects, aiming to meet rising data centre power demands, support AI growth, and strengthen the US nuclear fuel supply chain.
South Korea’s Lee to head to Washington after two day visit to Japan
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is concluding a two-day official visit to Japan before travelling to Washington for his first summit meeting with US President Donald Trump.
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North Korea test-fires two new air defence missiles
The timing of the launch was also notable, taking place on the same day South Korean President Lee Jae-myung met Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo, before travelling to Washington.
South Korea’s parliament passes disputed broadcasting bill amid opposition boycott
Lawmakers approved one of three broadcasting reform measures designed to curb government control over state broadcasters.
South Korean exports under pressure from expanding US trade barriers
South Korea, one of the world’s most export-dependent economies, is entering a turbulent period as protectionist measures from the United States intensify.
How North Korea sees the South’s new president - and what lies ahead on the Korean Peninsula
Any real breakthroughs will hinge on trust, mutual recognition, and perhaps the intervention of external actors.
North Korea rejects South Korean appeal, denies loudspeaker removal
In a statement on August 14, North Korea rejected Seoul’s assertion that the North had dismantled some of its propaganda loudspeakers positioned along the inter-Korean border.
Japan presses South Korea to end seafood import ban
Japan’s agriculture minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, has urged South Korea to remove restrictions on Japanese seafood imports that were introduced after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.
Former first lady Kim Keon Hee arrested, making history in South Korea
A Seoul court has approved the arrest of former first lady Kim Keon Hee on allegations including stock price manipulation, interference in election processes, and bribery.
Japan becomes the pillar of security in northeast Asia
Japan's rapid technological leap in embracing stealth aircraft, maritime-launch F-35Bs, advanced missile defence, AI-enabled drones and space-based surveillance, brings a strategic balance to the region.
South Korea’s tax reform triggers investor concerns
What was once a buoyant rally under President Lee Jae Myung’s pledge to lift the Kospi to 5,000 points is now shadowed by concerns over the economic implications of sweeping tax changes.
South Korea awaits decision on lifespan extension for ageing reactors
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) has halted operations at unit 4 of the Kori nuclear facility as it awaits a government ruling on extending the service life of reactors past 40 years.
Is AI making us less intelligent? The debate over declining cognitive skills in the age of ChatGPT and smartphones
Anecdotal evidence from educators paints a troubling picture. Teenagers across the world struggle to properly complete tasks in school, particularly those involving writing.