(2nd LD) Seoul shares sharply rebound to end at fresh peak on tech rally; won drops
(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom)
· Kim Boram
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Newest first · UTC+11:00Samsung weather app identifies Dokdo as N. Korean territory
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- A weather application featured on smartphones made by Samsung Electronics Co. is erroneously identifying South Korea's easternmost islets of Dokdo as North Korean territory.
· Kim Han-joo
Seoul weighs role in US-led push to keep Hormuz open
For over a decade, I’ve navigated the complexities of North Korean affairs, security, and foreign policy from both Seoul and Washington, D.C. As the National Desk Political Team Lead, I track the pulse of geopolitics, closely following developments from the Unification Ministry and the Foreign Ministry. My mornings …
· Ji Da-gyum
Seoul mulling possible role in U.S. freedom of navigation initiative in Hormuz: security adviser
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is reviewing a possible role in a U.S. initiative aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a senior presidential official said Wednesday.
· Chae Yun-hwan
(LEAD) S. Korean currency drops slightly amid lingering Middle East uncertainties
(ATTN: UPDATES with latest figures in paras 3-4, 10; RECASTS headline, lead)
· Kim Boram
UAE minister calls for halting attempts to disrupt commercial shipping in Hormuz
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- A United Arab Emirates (UAE) minister of state has emphasized any attempts to disrupt commercial shipping and attacks on civilians in the Strait of Hormuz must stop.
· Oh Seok-min
Seoul shares sharply rebound to end at fresh peak on tech rally; won drops
South Korean stocks rebounded by more than 2 percent to settle above the 7,800-point mark Wednesday as investors scooped up semiconductor and auto shares amid lingering Middle East tensions ahead of the US-China summit. The local currency declined against the US dollar.
· Yonhap
Ruling, opposition parties rally support for 'judgment' in upcoming elections
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's ruling and main opposition parties are making similar calls in rare unison for voter support that the outcome of the upcoming local elections will serve as judgment against the other side, political observers here noted Wednesday.
· Yi Wonju
South Korea adds ‘extreme heat emergency’ to first major alert update in 18 years
Over the past five years, the average number of heatwave days and tropical nights has surged nearly threefold compared to the 1970s
· The Korea Times
South Korea adds ‘extreme heat emergency’ to first major alert update in 18 years
Over the past five years, the average number of heatwave days and tropical nights has surged nearly threefold compared to the 1970s
· The Korea Times
(LEAD) Seoul shares sharply rebound to end at fresh peak on tech rally; won drops
(ATTN: ADDS more info, comments in paras 4-5, 10-21; CHANGES photo)
· Kim Boram
Russian ship that sank after strange explosions reportedly carying nuclear reactors to North Korea
A Russian cargo ship, Ursa Major, which sank after a series of explosions in unexplained circumstances, may have been carrying two nuclear reactors bound for North Korea, according to a CNN report on Tuesday.
· ASHER SMITH
Seoul shares sharply rebound to end at fresh peak on tech rally; won drops
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks rebounded by more than 2 percent to settle above the 7,800-point mark Wednesday as investors scooped up semiconductor and auto shares amid lingering Middle East tensions ahead of the U.S.-China summit. The local currency declined against the U.S. dollar.
· Kim Boram
(URGENT) Seoul shares rebound over 2.5 pct to reclaim 7,800-level on tech rally; won drops
(URGENT) Seoul shares open 1.55 pct higher at fresh record high of 7,499.07 on hopes for U.S.-Iran peace deal
· Kim Boram
Park Chan-wook vows 'pure audience' approach as Cannes jury chief
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korean director Park Chan-wook said he will evaluate films at this year's Cannes Film Festival with the "pure eyes of an audience."
· Shim Sun-ah
Court wraps up hearings on Samsung injunction bid against strike
SUWON, South Korea, May 13 (Yonhap) -- A court on Wednesday concluded hearings on Samsung Electronics Co.'s request for an injunction to block a strike threatened by its unionized workers.
· Yoo Cheong-mo
Nongshim’s Shin Ramyun hits W20tr sales milestone
Nongshim said Wednesday that cumulative sales of its flagship instant noodle brand Shin Ramyun surpassed 20 trillion won ($13.4 billion) in 2025, marking the first time a Korean ramyeon brand has reached the milestone.
· Lee Han-gyoul
Less air, more ice cream: Inside Benson’s Korea factory
Hanwha-backed ice cream brand plans to expand from 15 stores to 100 locations in 2027
· No Kyung-min
KDI raises Korea's 2026 outlook to 2.5% on chip boom
State-run think tank says semiconductor upcycle could drive further expansion
· Im Eun-byel
Why Korean refiners aren’t celebrating their earnings boom
Much of profit surge reflects short-term inventory effects that could turn negative if oil prices fall
· Ahn Sung-mi
Poland, South Korea tout growing strategic ties
Poland and South Korea underscored bilateral cooperation on Tuesday, marking Polish Constitution Day in Seoul.
· Sanjay Kumar
Lee condemns 'fake news' linked to policy chief's AI dividend remarks
Controversy surrounding a proposal by President Lee Jae Myung's policy aide to distribute excess tax revenue from South Korea's technology sector is growing, with the president saying that the issue is being fanned by fake news.
· Son Ji-hyoung
Mang Inasal brings ‘Love the Flavors’ campaign to ASEAN-Korea ROUND Festival 2026
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
· aborromeo0362
Lee slams reports on aide's 'public dividend' remark as 'malicious fake news'
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung accused some media outlets Wednesday of distorting his aide's remarks to make it appear that he suggested distributing the excess profits of artificial intelligence (AI) companies among the public.
· Lee Haye-ah
Labor minister calls for dialogue after Samsung Electronics wage talks break down
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon urged continued dialogue between Samsung Electronics Co. and its labor union Wednesday after government-led wage negotiation efforts fell through while withholding any direct response to whether the government may exercise an emergency measure against a looming…
· Chae Yun-hwan
Forum sheds light on Korea-Africa ties on energy, critical mineral
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- Experts and government officials from South Korea and African nations gathered in Seoul on Wednesday to discuss Africa's strategic and economic importance ahead of an upcoming foreign ministers' meeting, the foreign ministry said.
· Oh Seok-min
Panels discusses measures to help migrant workers settle in Korea
A parliamentary conference on Tuesday discussed ways to help migrant workers become part of their local communities and shift away from employer-focused immigration policies.
· Lim Jae-seong
Shipbuilders, banks to rev up financial support for subcontractors
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- The country's major shipbuilders and local banks have teamed up to give more financial support for shipbuilding-related smaller firms, the industry ministry said Wednesday.
· Park Sang-soo
What is 'our' music? One answer in 40 minutes
Joy of Strings premieres 'Metamorphosis: Yeongsanhoesang' — ambitious answer to long-standing question about Korean music on Western stages
· Park Ga-young
Kim calls for stronger mortar, howitzer forces as North Korea presses ahead with artillery buildup
Since 2017, I have covered South Korea’s political and economic landscape as a reporter, with a focus on foreign affairs, inter-Korean relations and security.As a foreign affairs reporter, I closely follow developments from the Ministry of Unification, the Foreign Ministry and the Defense Ministry, tracking shifts i…
· Jung Min-kyung
Bessent, Chinese vice premier hold trade talks in Seoul
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng held trade talks in Seoul on Wednesday ahead of this week's high-stakes summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
· Yonhap
US and China begin trade talks in South Korea ahead of Trump visit
Delegations from China and the United States began economic and trade consultations in South Korea on Wednesday ahead of President Donald Trump’s arrival in Beijing later in the day, according to Xinhua News Agency.
· Middleeasteye
AI now monitoring Korean stock market, says bourse operator
The Korea Exchange, South Korea's bourse operator, said Wednesday it has begun adopting artificial intelligence technology in its capital market monitoring works.
· Yonhap
Netflix cites $325 billion global impact, highlights Korean content
Streamer's recent report highlights the broader influence of its programming on tourism, consumer trends and local economies
· Lee Yoon-seo
N. Korea extends retirement age for office workers by 3 yrs amid population aging
North Korea has raised the mandatory retirement age for office workers by three years to reflect the country's population aging and demographic changes, according to a North Korean academic paper Wednesday.
· Yonhap
MMCA exhibition explores 80 years of artistic exchanges between S. Korea, Japan
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- Despite decadeslong thorny ties between South Korea and Japan resulting from the Japanese colonial rule from 1910 to 1945, collaborations between South Korean and Japanese artists have vibrantly continued over the years, evolving in line with changing social and political contexts.
· Lee Minji
(LEAD) Bessent, Chinese vice premier hold trade talks in Seoul
(ATTN: UPDATES with start of U.S.-China talks; CHANGES headline, photo)
· Lee Haye-ah
Korea Exchange begins adopting AI in capital market monitoring works
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- The Korea Exchange, South Korea's bourse operator, said Wednesday it has begun adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technology in its capital market monitoring works.
· Deok-Hyun Kim
Today in Korean history
1928 -- Korean independence movement activist Jo Myeong-ha unsuccessfully attempts to assassinate Japanese Army Gen. Kunihiko Kuninomiya in Taiwan. Jo, 23, self-taught in Korea and Japan, cooperated with Taiwanese locals to block the Japanese colonial regime. He was arrested at the scene and later executed.
· Lee Minji
China and US teams race to find easy summit deliverables at meeting in Seoul
The two sides will seek to ‘iron out any last-minute issues’ in single day of talks, economist says
· Xiaofei Xu
China and US teams race to find easy summit deliverables at meeting in Seoul
The two sides will seek to ‘iron out any last-minute issues’ in single day of talks, economist says
· Xiaofei Xu
HD KSOE secures 748.5 bln-won order to build 2 LNG carriers
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. (KSOE) said Wednesday it has secured a 748.5 billion-won (US$500.8 million) contract to build two liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers.
· Kim Eun-jung
PM meets with U.N. human rights chief
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met with U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk on Wednesday and discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two sides, officials said.
· CHANG JAE SUN
Gov't to implement evaluation system for EV subsidies in July
SEJONG, May 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will newly implement an evaluation system to give out subsidies to electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers starting in July, with a focus on promoting contributions to domestic supply chains, the climate ministry said Wednesday.
· Kim Na-young
School cafeteria workers demand action on staffing shortages, working conditions
Unionized workers in the education sector on Wednesday urged authorities to address staffing shortages and improve working conditions for school cafeteria workers at a press conference in front of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education.
· Lee Seung-ku
Xiaomi Korea names Hong Kong-Macau veteran as new head
Xiaomi Korea said Wednesday it appointed Summer Peng as its new general manager as the Chinese electronics brand moves to strengthen its operations and market presence in Korea.
· Jeon Ji-woo
China, US trade chiefs huddle for last-minute talks before Trump visit
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, center, arrives at Incheon International Airport ahead of a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and trade talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, hours ahead of President Donald Trump's arrival in China. © Reuters
· Staff Writer
7 teens get prison terms for molesting mentally disabled person
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- Seven teenagers were sentenced to prison Wednesday for collectively assaulting a mentally disabled person and filming the victim being molested.
· Yoo Cheong-mo
Seoul provides subsidy for pregnant women, including foreigners
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Wednesday it is providing an annual subsidy of 240,000 won ($160) for buying eco-friendly agricultural products to pregnant women residing in the South Korean capital.
· Yoon Min-sik