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South Korea

All articles tagged with #south korea

Seoul recalls ambassador to Kyiv after Zelenskyy discloses North Korean POW transfer
diplomacy2 days ago

Seoul recalls ambassador to Kyiv after Zelenskyy discloses North Korean POW transfer

South Korea has recalled its ambassador to Ukraine following a diplomatic dispute over the public disclosure of two North Korean prisoners of war transferred to Seoul. The row stems from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s UN address in September, where he revealed the transfer. Seoul claims Kyiv violated a non-disclosure agreement, while Ukraine denies any such pact existed. Despite the escalation, both sides have indicated a willingness to continue diplomatic consultations to resolve the issue amicably.

Seoul threatens legal action over fuel shipments to Russia as Kyiv dispute escalates
geopolitics3 days ago

Seoul threatens legal action over fuel shipments to Russia as Kyiv dispute escalates

South Korea has pledged to take legal action if investigations confirm that fuel exports to Russia violated domestic laws, following allegations that 176,000 tonnes of diesel were shipped via sanctioned tankers. While Seoul maintains that such refined products are not covered by its export controls, the incident has intensified diplomatic tensions with Ukraine, leading Seoul to recall its ambassador.

South Korea declares AI-assisted bank breaches a national security priority
cybersecurity3 days ago

South Korea declares AI-assisted bank breaches a national security priority

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung warned that AI models were likely used in a recent wave of cyberattacks against seven financial institutions, exposing customer data but not stealing funds. Authorities suspect attackers targeted less secure third-party portals rather than core banking systems, with evidence pointing to the use of the open-source AI tool Artex. The government has launched a full-scale police investigation and a 24-hour emergency response, urging the sector to develop AI-based defensive measures to counter this 'completely new kind of crisis.'

South Korea declares AI-driven bank hacks a national crisis
technology3 days ago

South Korea declares AI-driven bank hacks a national crisis

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung declared that artificial intelligence tools were likely used in a recent wave of cyberattacks against major commercial banks, prompting a full-scale police investigation and emergency government response. The breaches exposed customer data at seven financial institutions, including Shinhan Bank and KB Kookmin Bank, but no funds were reported stolen. Authorities suspect attackers targeted less secure third-party portals rather than core banking systems, using AI to identify vulnerabilities. The incident has triggered a 24-hour emergency response from the science ministry and calls for AI-based defensive measures.

South Korea Accused of Fueling Russian War Machine via Sanctioned Tankers
international4 days ago

South Korea Accused of Fueling Russian War Machine via Sanctioned Tankers

Ukraine’s sanctions commissioner, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, accused South Korea of supplying 176,000 tons of fuel to Russia in July and August, helping Moscow offset a severe fuel crisis caused by Ukrainian drone strikes on refineries. The Guardian’s analysis of port records confirmed these shipments, noting that three of the seven tankers used were under UK and EU sanctions. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry denied wrongdoing, stating it strictly enforces export controls, but the incident has strained Seoul-Kyiv relations amid a separate dispute over North Korean prisoners.

Trump Sets 150-300% Tariff Deadline for Foreign Firms to Build U.S. Plants
trade-and-policy4 days ago

Trump Sets 150-300% Tariff Deadline for Foreign Firms to Build U.S. Plants

President Donald Trump has issued a new ultimatum to foreign nations, warning that companies from China, Japan, South Korea, and Canada face tariffs of 150 to 300 percent if they do not invest in U.S. manufacturing within 18 months. The threat, delivered at a campaign rally in Ohio, specifically targets South Korea’s delayed $350 billion investment commitment and Canada’s ongoing trade disputes. While Trump claims his strategy has attracted trillions in investment, officials in Seoul and Ottawa remain skeptical, citing unresolved issues over revenue distribution and retaliatory measures that have already disrupted billions in bilateral trade.

Pyongyang Tests AI-Enabled Intermediate-Range Missile Amid Border Tensions
geopolitics6 days ago

Pyongyang Tests AI-Enabled Intermediate-Range Missile Amid Border Tensions

North Korea launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile from Wonsan on October 4, 2026, claiming it features AI-guided evasive maneuvers to bypass defenses in South Korea and Japan. Kim Yo Jong labeled the weapon 'strategic,' implying nuclear capability, while Seoul and Tokyo reported flight distances exceeding 680 kilometers. The test escalates tensions following recent landmine explosions along the border and follows a series of recent military displays by Pyongyang.

Seoul rejects Trump’s $54B Alaska LNG claim, citing unresolved commercial viability
politics7 days ago

Seoul rejects Trump’s $54B Alaska LNG claim, citing unresolved commercial viability

South Korean officials formally disputed President Donald Trump’s announcement of a $54 billion investment in Alaska’s liquefied natural gas project, stating no commitment has been made. While Washington framed the deal as finalized to support Republican candidates, Seoul emphasized that the project remains subject to legal reviews and commercial viability assessments. Industry experts and critics argue the announcement was a political stunt ahead of midterms, noting that the project’s economics remain unproven and no Korean representatives attended the White House event.

Pyongyang launches 700km missile after Seoul demands apology for mine injuries
geopolitics7 days ago

Pyongyang launches 700km missile after Seoul demands apology for mine injuries

North Korea fired a ballistic missile toward the East Sea on Saturday, traveling over 700 km. The launch occurred one day after Pyongyang rejected Seoul’s demand for an apology regarding mines that injured three South Korean soldiers. South Korea’s national security council held an emergency meeting, while the U.S. Pacific Command stated the launch posed no immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory.

Trump’s Alaska LNG Announcement Collapses as South Korea Denies Commitment
politics7 days ago

Trump’s Alaska LNG Announcement Collapses as South Korea Denies Commitment

President Trump claimed South Korea agreed to a $54 billion investment in Alaska’s LNG project to boost Senator Dan Sullivan’s reelection bid, but Seoul formally protested the claim. South Korean officials stated the deal is only in preliminary stages and contingent on commercial viability, contradicting the White House’s announcement of a finalized agreement.

Seoul threatens 'further measures' as Ukraine refuses to apologize for POW disclosure

Seoul threatens 'further measures' as Ukraine refuses to apologize for POW disclosure

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has escalated a diplomatic dispute with Ukraine, threatening 'further measures' if Kyiv does not issue a public apology. The conflict stems from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent UN General Assembly speech, in which he disclosed the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) to Seoul. While Seoul insists the transfer was governed by a strict confidentiality agreement to protect the POWs' families in North Korea and facilitate prisoner exchanges with Russia, Kyiv denies any such agreement existed, labeling the incident a 'diplomatic misunderstanding.'