South Korea
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.
The Asian nations backing the Russian war effort – from India to Taiwan, China to Indonesia
While many Asian nations have quietly distanced themselves from Moscow in a bid to fall into line with US or European allies, several continue to engage with Russia, providing varying degrees of support that help sustain its military campaign.
Russia aiding North Korea’s submarine programme: Seoul
The revelation lends weight to long-standing suspicions that Moscow is exchanging military know-how for munitions, manpower, or other support in its ongoing war with Ukraine.
South Korea’s embrace of SMRs as a pillar of nuclear policy
Spearheaded by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, these compact reactors are increasingly being seen as central to the nation's energy policy, offering flexibility, scalability, and ultimately a pathway to carbon neutrality
South Korean businesses gear up for APEC summit in Gyeongju
As preparations intensify for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, scheduled to take place in Gyeongju from 31 October 28-31, anticipation is growing within South Korea’s business community.
Japan - Korea links under pressure
Takaichi, known for her right of centre leanings on historical and territorial matters, has long taken a hardline stance on Japan’s wartime past and the disputed Dokdo islets as they are known in Korean – Takeshima in Japanese.
The Korean arm of a Chinese PV inverter carves a niche across South Korea
Sungrow Power Korea already offers a product line including "total solutions across the entire renewable energy sector, including commercial and residential ESS systems, floating solar power, and electric vehicle charging systems."
Ukraine general alleges Russia employs 20,000 North Koreans in military production
North Korea has long been among Russia’s more controversial allies in the war against Ukraine, supplying artillery, missiles and troops. In late 2024, Pyongyang reportedly deployed 11,000 to 12,000 troops to aid Russia.
Trump poised for South Korea visit ahead of APEC summit
People close to the discussions suggested that the US president could hold bilateral talks with his South Korean counterpart and with China’s Xi Jinping before the formal APEC proceedings open in Gyeongju on October 31.
Korea’s EPC solar sector is under strain: a look at EPC firm GRANDSUN and the road ahead
For the country’s engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firms - the companies that design, build and then maintain solar projects, the challenge is more and more about how to adapt.