South Korea
South Korea bets on cluster model to compete in the new space economy
As the commercial race to dominate cislunar space accelerates, South Korea is emerging as a late but determined entrant, betting on a government-led industrial cluster strategy to position itself in the rapidly evolving new space economy.
South Korean lawmaker sparks outcry over country insult bill
The plan responds to a rise in public demonstrations and online posts containing derogatory language aimed at certain countries, particularly China.
APEC meeting closes in South Korea, WTO dead and buried
This was not a summit. It was a eulogy for the WTO, and APEC just lowered the flag to half-mast.
COMMENT: For Asia, dealing with Europe isn’t about achieving success; it’s about concealing failure
To be taken seriously in Asia, Europe must rediscover the courage to deliver, not merely declare. Asia has moved on to execution. Europe is still editing its initial policy draft.
Chicken and chips in Seoul - for Nvidia, Samsung and Hyundai
In a low-key fried chicken shop in southern Seoul, the leaders of Nvidia, Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor held an informal meeting on the evening of October 30.
Presidents Lee and Xi begin diplomatic chapter at APEC summit
President Lee, who is chairing the first session of the summit at the Hwabaek International Convention Centre, stood at the entrance to personally welcome participants. President Xi reached the venue at approximately 10:02.
South Korea opens APEC summit focusing on connectivity and growth
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung chaired the opening session of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting on the morning of October 31 in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province.
Global leaders gather in Gyeongju to shape APEC cooperation
Global leaders are arriving in Gyeongju, the cultural hub of North Gyeongsang Province, as South Korea hosts the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Delegates from 21 member economies are expected to discuss trade, technology and security.
Trump–Xi dialogue in Busan aims to cool tariff dispute
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping began direct discussions on October 30, marking their first in person meeting since Trump returned to the White House.
South Korean parties clash over tariff deal with the United States
The Democratic Party has celebrated the deal as a diplomatic success that protects national interests, while the conservative People Power Party argues that the government misled the public about the scale of South Korea’s cash investment in the US
South Korea pledges $350bn investment in the US
South Korea and the United States have reached a significant breakthrough in long-stalled trade discussions, agreeing on the specifics of a $350bn investment package in exchange for a reduction in US tariffs on Korean goods.
Project Matador marks new South Korea-US nuclear collaboration
Fermi America, a private energy developer in the United States, is moving ahead with what could become one of the most significant privately financed clean energy projects globally.
North Korea fires cruise missiles to mark Trump's arrival in the South
State media framed the launch as a reminder of North Korea’s military strength to what it described as its enemies. The launch does not breach United Nations restrictions, since the rules prohibit ballistic missile testing, not cruise missiles.
Singapore PM Lawrence Wong heads to APEC in bid to deepen Seoul ties
The visit will be Wong’s first trip to South Korea since he assumed office in May 2024, and the first by a Singaporean prime minister since 2019 – in part to recognise the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
US–South Korea investment deal on ice – for now
After a triumphant round of investment pledges in Tokyo, Donald Trump’s state visit to South Korea presents a far more challenging negotiation.
Trump would like to meet North Korea’s Kim Jong Un during Asia trip
The prospect of renewed diplomacy between Washington and Pyongyang has lingered since Kim’s remarks last month suggesting a willingness to speak to the outside world.
Asian economies weigh their options amid fears of over-reliance on Chinese rare-earths
Just how control over these critical minerals plays out will be a long fought battle lasting decades, and one that will increasingly define Asia’s industrial future.
Kia inaugurates $310mn "highly automated" automotive plant in Kazakhstan
Featuring 68 industrial robots, the plant is designed to produce up to 70,000 vehicles annually.
India’s finance minister to miss upcoming IMF and World Bank meetings
India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will not attend this week’s annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in Washington, as trade negotiations between New Delhi and Washington remain unresolved.
Agentic AI becomes South Korea’s next big tech battleground
As countries race to define their roles in the AI era, South Korea's tech giants are now embracing “agentic AI”, a next-generation form of AI that acts autonomously to complete goals, not just respond to commands.