S. Korea, U.S. closely coordinating on setting target year for OPCON transfer: defense chief
SEOUL, Oct. 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the United States are closely coordin...
· Kim Hyun-soo
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'Superstar K' set to return in 2027: reports
One of South Korea’s most popular audition shows, "Superstar K," is set to return in 2027, 11 years after its last season, according to local reports. Mnet reportedly plans to resurrect the series in 2027, with open recruitment slated to begin next month. The production aims to accept contestants regardless of age, …
· Lee Yoon-seo
China's big political meeting could see Xi 'tighten discipline' in Party
The highly secretive four-day Plenum starts Monday in Beijing.
· Bbcnews
Japan's Subaru to go EV-only in Europe by 2028
The automaker to phase out gasoline models as regulatory costs mount
· Staff Writer
The key to Japan’s growth strategy: ‘Proactive’ economic security
The challenge is to turn ambition into sustainable growth by strengthening economic security and developing technologies that can compete globally.
· Eiki Tagami
South Korea urged to guard chip profitability as China’s CXMT and YMTC gain market share
China’s expanding semiconductor industry is fuelling anxiety in South Korea, where a new report from PwC has warned local chipmakers to defend profitability as Chinese rivals scale up production and strengthen market share. Samil PwC, the South Korean member firm of the global consultancy, said in a report made publ…
· Howard Liu
China Emits 2.7 Times As Much Greenhouse Gas As America, New EU Data Show
China Emits 2.7 Times As Much Greenhouse Gas As America, New EU Data Show China emitted 15,981 million metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2025, about 30% of the world's total and 2.7 times the United States, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. The U.S. ranked second at 6,018 million tons (11.4%), …
· Tyler Durden
Former Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda, known for seeking China ties, dies at 90
Former Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda, who used his brief period in office to seek closer ties with Asian neighbours, particularly China, has died at the age of 90, according to the Nikkei business daily on Monday. The Japanese politician, the first son of a prime minister to become one himself, died on Th…
· Reuters
Lee backs CPTPP entry but rejects unfair burden on farmers, fishers
Joining a major trans-Pacific trade pact is essential for South Korea, but farmers and fishers will not be left to weather the fallout without support, President Lee Jae Myung said Monday. "We must no longer unilaterally force losses and suffering on those who lack power or are few in number," Lee said Monday during…
· Ji Da-gyum
Does Japan need nuclear subs? The debate is bigger than China
Japan’s debate over nuclear-powered submarines is gaining momentum, but political deliberation should not be mistaken for a done deal. As Tokyo prepares to revise its three principal national security documents by the end of 2026, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has opened the door to a long-politically sensitive capa…
· Ronny P Sasmita
China’s Communist Party opens fifth plenum with focus on discipline and loyalty to Xi
The Communist Party has started a key four-day conclave focused on party discipline and fighting corruption, as official media outlets say adherence to the party’s leadership under President Xi Jinping is key to the country’s success. The meeting – the fifth plenum of the Communist Party’s 20th Central Committee – b…
· Alcott Wei
Brokerages warn of further Kospi downside
South Korean brokerages are warning of further downside in the Kospi as foreign selling and weakening trading activity weigh on stocks. Korea Investment & Securities has identified 5,200 as a potential floor, while Goldman Sachs has slashed its 12-month target by 25 percent, though it remains bullish on Korean equit…
· Choi Yeon-jae
Cooler than Tokyo: Sendai named Japan’s most comfortable city amid record heat
As days of dangerous heat become more frequent in Japan, Sendai has emerged as the most comfortable city, with a climate that is “not too hot and not too cold”. The Miyagi prefectural capital, about 300km (186 miles) from Tokyo, has the best weather, according to the Asahi newspaper, with the lowest number of midsum…
· SCMP’s Asia desk
New 'Call of Duty' turns virtual Korean War into real political battle
A fictional North Korean invasion of Seoul is becoming fodder for a real political battle in South Korea, with the latest installment of the blockbuster Call of Duty franchise drawing politicians into a debate over national security, inter-Korean relations and freedom of expression. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, w…
· Jung Min-kyung
S. Korea moves to sell sprawling Argentina farm after decades of neglect
South Korea is moving to sell a sprawling state-owned farm in Argentina, after almost five decades of failed development efforts, according to parliamentary documents released Monday. The Llajta Mauca Farm, purchased in 1978 under the Park Chung-hee administration to support Korean agricultural emigrants, covers 20,…
· Jung Min-kyung
Beyond exports: China's automakers dig deeper into Europe
Chinese automakers are turning Europe from an export market into a manufacturing foothold, building factories and joining forces with established rivals to overcome trade barriers and challenge the region's automotive giants. Facing fierce competition and overcapacity at home, companies including BYD, Chery and Geel…
· Byun Hye-jin
Korea’s housing ladder gets steeper
The gap in housing wealth between Korea’s richest and poorest 20 percent of households reached 290-fold in 2025, the widest since records began in 2017, highlighting deepening housing inequality. The ratio rose from 244.9 a year earlier, based on the average value of homes each group both owned and lived in. Kim Hyu…
· Hwang Sun-jun
Musinsa bets on China as fashion flows both ways
In China, Musinsa's overseas aspirations take their most vivid form. Not only does Korea’s leading fashion platform run more stores there than anywhere abroad, but it also brings Chinese designers home to Korean shoppers. Through Musinsa Empty, its high-end select shop with three outlets in Seoul, Musinsa introduces…
· No Kyung-min
Hyundai Glovis partners with Shopee to boost K-beauty exports
Hyundai Glovis has launched an integrated logistics service with Shopee Korea to help Korean cosmetics brands expand into Southeast Asia, the company said Monday. Launched this month, the service covers the entire shipping process, from domestic pickup and international freight to customs clearance, regulatory appro…
· Lim Ye-jin
Kim Jong-un shows readiness for international stage with China trip: lawmaker
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's recent China trip signals confidence and a readiness to break his silence on the diplomatic stage, a Democratic Party lawmaker said Monday. Kim's trip, made Saturday by crossing the Yalu River, appears to signal that the leader will no longer remain quiet diplomatically and may be r…
· Son Ji-hyoung
China’s political elite gather for talks on Communist Party discipline
The four-day meeting is being watched closely for clues as to the country's direction and future leadership.
Korea Investment Management enters Hong Kong ETF market with chip fund
Korea Investment Management's first exchange-traded fund developed in collaboration with China Universal Asset Management's Hong Kong unit has recently been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the asset manager announced Monday. The CUAM Solactive China & Global Semiconductor ETF, with a net asset value of 15.85…
· Im Eun-byel
Cho Gue-sung scores as Midtjylland stays unbeaten through 12 league games
South Korea forward Cho Gue-sung scored for the first time in three matches as Midtjylland extended its unbeaten start to the Danish Superliga season. Midtjylland beat Lyngby BK 3-2 at MCH Arena in Herning, Denmark, on Sunday to remain unbeaten through 12 league matches at 8 wins and 4 draws. The result gave Midtjyl…
· Edwin Choi
Man arrested for allegedly putting rat poison in food left for stray cats in a Hong Kong park | South China Morning Post
The 34-year-old was arrested on suspicion of cruelty to animals and possession of an offensive weapon.
In South Korea, jail time awaits Halloween police impersonators
Four years ago, party-goers dressed as police officers were reportedly mistaken for the real thing amid a deadly crowd crush in South Korea’s capital. Now, as Seoul prepares for its fourth Halloween since the disaster, police have launched a week-long nationwide crackdown on imitation police uniforms and equipment, …
· SCMP’s Asia desk
Former Japan Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda dies at 90
Statesman ushered in consumer rights and helped stabilize China ties
· Staff Writer
U.S. military bans Chinese-made BYD cars from key air base in Okinawa
The move comes amid growing concerns about smart technology in the vehicles and the threat of spying.
· Maddie Baker
Why is Japan tightening its immigration rules?
Expert Naoko Hashimoto discusses why the nation is making it harder to stay
· ANDREW SHARP
Budget ministry to start early review of 2028 spending cuts
SEOUL, Oct. 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's budget ministry said Monday it will beg...
· Kang Yoon-seung
China’s bearish stock market faces more pressure from weak earnings growth forecast
Corporate earnings are becoming another factor holding back Chinese stocks, with industries ranging from consumer goods to real estate and green energy under pressure because of weak demand or excessive capacity. Profit growth through the first nine months for mainland Chinese listed companies slowed compared with t…
· Zhang Shidong
Yuri Yoshida rallies for first victory on LPGA Tour
Yoshida, 26, became the fourth player from Japan to win this season and the fourth first-time winner on the LPGA Tour.
· No Author
The US-China biotech trade war that isn’t
On October 22, the US Treasury proposed adding biotechnology to the list of Chinese sectors that American capital may no longer finance. A week earlier, China’s Ministry of Commerce had proposed barring the foreign sale of five biomedical technologies, including cell and gene therapy platforms. Two governments that …
· Y Tony Yang
AI shoppers get first say in Korea's retail race
Korean retailers are testing products on artificial intelligence-generated shoppers before bringing them to real customers, using virtual consumers to predict buying decisions, fine-tune prices and identify potential flaws in shopping experiences. Known as "synthetic consumers," these AI-powered shoppers are designe…
· Kan Hyeong-woo
100 million views: why China’s viral AI rap track has struck a chord
An AI-generated Chinese rap song featuring some of the country’s most well-known historical figures has taken social media by storm. Titled “The OGs”, the track crossed 100 million views across platforms in less than two weeks as it tapped into the anxieties of modern life. The English title is a translation of the …
· Carol Yang
Exoskeletons, anyone? China showcases next-gen technology at annual trade fair
From drone lasers to lightweight exoskeletons, Chinese manufacturers used the country’s biggest trade fair to showcase a new wave of hi-tech, and sometimes quirky, hardware to global buyers this week. The vast range of next-generation devices – often on offer at surprisingly affordable prices – is the product of a r…
· He Huifeng
Seoul ‘fabricated” landmine blast, North Korea tells UN in letter
South Korea blames Pyongyang for September landmine blast, but North Korea says incident a 'sinister obstructive move'.
Hyundai's fuel cell vehicle sales in S. Korea top 50,000 units
SEOUL, Oct. 26 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Motor Co. said Monday its cumulative sales of...
· Kim Eun-jung
1 in 5 murders preceded by domestic violence, stalking or sex crimes
Nearly 1 in 5 murder cases recorded in South Korea since 2023 involved a suspect who had previously committed domestic violence, dating violence, stalking or sexual violence, police data showed Monday. Of the 2,760 murder cases recorded from 2023 through September this year, 543 were believed to be committed by a su…
· Yoon Min-sik
Japan companies to compensate customers after major cyberattacks
Japanese companies are moving to pay compensation to users following waves of cyberattacks that have disrupted internet services and raised concerns about economic stability. GMO Internet Group, a leading provider of online financial services, said customers would be compensated for losses stemming from unauthori…
· Reuters
Sumitomo aims to expand battery energy storage in Japan with UK experience
Trading house gains insight on electricity trading link, eyeing wide domestic adoption
· SHOTARO TANI
S. Korea-U.S. investment firm gets credit ratings with stable outlooks
SEOUL, Oct. 26 (Yonhap) -- Global credit rating agencies have assigned ratings i...
· Kang Yoon-seung
Chinese neighbours go viral over 200-year land dispute dating back to Qianlong era
A Chinese court recently heard a land dispute between neighbours who have been fighting over the same issue for two centuries and across multiple generations, stunning social media users. The court in Yanta district, Xian, in northwestern China’s Shaanxi province, recently presided over a case concerning a land boun…
· Fran Lu
Tibetan river hosting world’s biggest dam is facing increasing flood risk: study
Chinese researchers have found that the Yarlung Tsangpo River – soon to host the largest mega dam in the world – may face increased run-off and flood risks over this century. Using tree-ring width chronologies in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau, the team reconstructed the river’s run-off history from 1325 to 2020. …
· Victoria Bela
S. Korea, U.S. kick off combined air drills this week
SEOUL, Oct. 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the United States kicked off their co...
· Kim Seung-yeon
Why North Korean leader Kim Jong-un toured a Chinese bus factory in Dandong
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s tour of a commercial vehicle factory during a surprise visit to the Chinese border city of Dandong on Saturday points to Pyongyang’s drive to modernise its buses and expand industrial ties with Beijing. In a symbolic move, Kim crossed into China via the newly opened New Yalu River B…
· William Zheng
Xi Jinping’s corruption crackdown in the spotlight as China prepares for meeting of top leaders
The fifth plenum comes against a backdrop of years of purges that have had some analysts wondering if the issue is corruption or a lack of loyaltyWhen Xi Jinping came to power in 2012, he pledged to stamp out corruption all through the ranks of the Communist party. More than a decade later, the pace of investigation…
· Amy Hawkins
North Korea tells UN South ‘fabricated’ border landmine blast
North Korea sent a letter to the United Nations Security Council accusing Seoul of fabricating a landmine explosion that injured three South Korean soldiers, its state media reported on Monday. Tensions between the two Koreas have soared since the South last month blamed the blast inside the heavily fortified demili…
· Agence France-Presse
Latest stop on South Korea’s shopping trail? The pharmacy
On a chilly October afternoon in Myeong-dong, Seoul’s bustling tourist shopping district, Vietnamese tourist Nguyen Lan was browsing the shelves of a pharmacy for red ginseng, a favorite dietary supplement for many South Koreans. She used Google Translate to ask the pharmacist how much it cost, what its benefits wer…
· Park Jun-hee
Lula pulls off Brazil’s first-ever run-off comeback to beat Trump ally Flavio Bolsonaro
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won re-election on Sunday in a dramatic comeback after trailing in the first round, extending the rule of a government that has overseen record Chinese investment. The Superior Electoral Court said Lula had 51.8 per cent of valid votes against 48.2 per cent for right-win…
· Igor Patrick
Feature of the Week: Jaylen Choy’s short story ‘The Silk Road’
The eight-year-old from German Swiss International School shares an adventure tale that follows a silk merchant and his horse on a journey from China.
· Posties readers