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FTC unfazed by US pressure over Coupang: chairman

The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) does not take Washington’s threat to bar Chairman Ju Biung-ghi from entering the United States seriously, brushing off escalating U.S. pressure over the watchdog’s regulatory crackdown on U.S.-listed Coupang, the head of the authority said Monday. “We will not be swayed by this, but will continue law enforcement in a nondiscriminatory manner,” Ju told reporters during a press conference in Sejong, referring to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee’s recent moves targeting alleged discrimination against U.S. companies. Ju’s comments come as the Coupang dispute has grown into a bigger source of tension in Korea-U.S. economic relations. The U.S. committee issued a report in July accusing Korean authorities of discriminatory treatment of Coupang, arguing that the company had been subjected to excessive investigations and penalties. A U.S. lawmaker subsequently introduced legislation that would restrict U.S. entry to foreign officials accused of using government authority to discriminate against American companies, explicitly citing the Coupang case a

3 MIN READ
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Korea, US, Japan reaffirm commitment to N. Korea's complete denuclearization

WASHINGTON — The top diplomats of South Korea, the United States and Japan reiterated their "resolute" commitment to the "complete" denuclearization of North Korea and called on the recalcitrant regime to resume dialogue in a joint statement issued after their trilateral talks in New York on Monday. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi met on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly High-Level Week, also stressing the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. "The Secretary and the Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their resolute commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the prohibition on support for revenue generation for the DPRK's nuclear and ballistic missile programs in accordance with the relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions," the three governments said in the statement, referring to North Korea by its official name. "They also reaffirmed that the path to dialogue remains open and called on the DPRK to

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Asian Games S. Korea shuts out Chinese Taipei to begin baseball title defense

NAGOYA — South Korea blanked Chinese Taipei 5-0 to begin its quest for a fifth consecutive Asian Games baseball gold medal on Monday. Starter Gwak Been tossed six no-hit innings and struck out 10 batters, while five different batters each drove in a run in Group B action at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Baseball Stadium in Okazaki, some 50 kilometers southeast of the main host city Nagoya. After Gwak was lifted, Jo Byeong-hyeon tossed two hitless innings before Park Yeong-hyun pitched around a couple of hits in his one inning of work. Made up of stars from the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), South Korea will next play Hong Kong at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Toyohashi Municipal Baseball Stadium in Toyohashi, some 85 km southeast of Nagoya. The final Group C game will be against Thailand at noon Wednesday in Okazaki. The two best teams from each of the two groups will advance to the Super Round, and the top two teams from that phase will meet for the gold medal at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday in Toyohashi. With two heavy underdogs on the horizon, South Korea will likely win Group B and reach the Super Round

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Ex-military commanders get severe prison terms for martial law roles

A Seoul court on Monday sentenced five former military commanders to heavy prison terms after finding them guilty of playing key roles in an insurrection under former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed 2024 martial law bid. The Seoul Central District Court handed out an 18-year prison term for Yeo In-hyung, former commander of the Defense Counterintelligence Command, and a 15-year term for Lee Jin-woo, former chief of the Capital Defense Command. It also gave a 12-year term for Moon Sang-ho, former commander of the Defense Intelligence Command, a 10-year term for former Army Chief of Staff Park An-su, who served as the martial law commander, and a nine-year term for Kwak Jong-keun, former commander of the Army Special Warfare Command. The court found the defendants guilty of multiple charges, including sending troops to the National Assembly and the National Election Commission and organizing and operating arrest teams for politicians after Yoon's martial law declaration on Dec. 3, 2024. Special counsel Cho Eun-suk's team had sought 30-year terms for Yeo and Lee, a 25-year term for Park, a

2 MIN READ
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US networks halt Trump coverage over White House ban

WASHINGTON — Major American television networks on Monday suspended their involvement in a rotation of broadcasters covering President Donald Trump, as three leading news outlets went to court over being banned from the White House. Broadcasters CNN and MS NOW, along with news outlet Politico, filed suit after Trump last week ordered them to be barred from the presidential complex. "This ban could not be a more direct assault on the First Amendment nor a more blatant violation of our most fundamental constitutional principles," the organizations said in a court filing. Shortly afterward, the five major U.S. broadcasters said they were halting "pool" coverage of the White House in solidarity with CNN. CNN had been scheduled to serve Monday as the White House TV pool, a rotating assignment in which a broadcaster films on behalf of all television outlets for the day. "The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government. No administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting," ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox and NBC said

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Global diesel prices hit record highs, further rises possible

LONDON — Diesel prices have rallied in Europe and the United States to record highs as wars in Iran and Ukraine sharply cut exports from some of the biggest producers such as Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, with little options to prevent further gains. Diesel futures in Europe closed at an all-time high last week having more than double their level at the beginning of 2026, after supply disruptions spread to the Red Sea, where Saudi Arabia loads most of its diesel. The wars in the Middle East and Ukraine have damaged oil refineries in the region, and refineries elsewhere are working hard to make fuels. In the United States for example, refineries operated at the highest level in eight years in late August, according to the International Energy Agency. "A key issue is that many refineries around the world are already stretched to capacity," the International Energy Agency said in a newsletter on Monday. "This leaves few available options to prevent a further tightening of supplies and higher prices in the coming months." Middle East diesel exports halved from March to

2 MIN READ
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Veteran actresses reflect on pressure to publicly address divorce, breakups

Veteran actresses Lee Hye-young and Kim Jung-eun have recalled an era when Korean celebrities faced intense pressure to publicly explain even the most personal parts of their lives, including divorce and breakups. The two actresses discussed their experiences in a video uploaded Sunday to Lee's YouTube channel, reflecting on how dramatically expectations surrounding celebrities' private lives have changed. Lee recalled holding a news conference after her divorce from singer and television personality Lee Sang-min, saying she was effectively pushed into publicly addressing the matter before returning to television. "I got divorced for personal reasons and was going back on 'Heroine 6,'" Lee said. "The head of our entertainment department told me, 'Hye-young, this is something you'll have to get through eventually, so while everyone is here, let's just apologize.' He told me to apologize and make a statement." What followed was far bigger than Lee had expected. "I didn't know there were that many reporters in Korea," she said. "About 300 or 400 came." Lee said she went through with the news

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Leave your cat at home or bring it along? A vet's advice for the Chuseok holiday

For cat owners, holidays like Chuseok bring the same dilemma every year: Should they take their cats with them or leave them at home? “I’m fostering a five-month-old kitten, and with Chuseok coming up, I’m not sure what to do,” one reader wrote. “I’m planning to spend one night at my parents’ house. I’d leave around 9 or 10 a.m. and get home at about 10 p.m. the following day, so my kitten, who will be six months old by then, would be alone for roughly 36 to 37 hours. “My parents have said I’m welcome to bring the kitten. Everyone in my family loves animals, but getting there would mean a two-hour train ride followed by another 20 minutes in the car. “The kitten gets a little anxious on trips to the vet, but mostly looks around and sniffs things out of curiosity. I haven’t noticed any signs of major stress after we get home, either. “This is my first time fostering a cat, and I’ve never left the kitten alone for this long. I know cats can be sensitive to unfamiliar places, but I’m also worried about leaving mine at home.” Several factors should guide the dec

5 MIN READ
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President faces another setback as chief of staff offers to resign

Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik offered to resign, Monday, taking responsibility for a string of bungled Cabinet nominations that has fueled criticism of President Lee Jae Myung’s personnel vetting system. If Lee accepts Kang’s resignation, two of Cheong Wa Dae’s top three secretary-level posts — chief of staff, policy chief and national security adviser — would be vacant at the same time, after former policy chief Kim Yong-beom stepped down earlier this month amid criticism over controversial financial products and tax policies. Kang's absence would deal another blow to the president as he has played key roles in diplomacy and economy as Lee's closest aide. Kang conveyed his intention to step down to Lee earlier in the day, senior presidential secretary for public relations Sung Ki-hong said during a briefing. A Cheong Wa Dae official said that during Friday's press conference, the president had said multiple times that his own shortcomings had contributed to negative public views of his administration. "As chief of staff, Kang tendered his resignation to take overal

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COVER STORY Middle-aged Koreans largely look to national pension for post-retirement safety net

More than six out of 10 middle-aged Koreans identified the national pension as their primary safety net for life after retirement, according to figures released by the Ministry of Data and Statistics, Monday. The figure rose to 61 percent from 51.7 percent a decade ago, showing that people in the age group are becoming more dependent on the state-run pension program rather than private pensions or other means of post-retirement support. The data was based on analysis of 10 years of responses from people aged 40 to 64 collected through the ministry’s annual survey. According to the data, awareness of post-career financial security grew between 2015 and 2025 among this demographic, driven by a rapidly aging population. In 2015, 75.8 percent of the age group said they were actively building or already have a retirement cushion, and the ratio rose to 81.9 percent in 2025. But a large portion of the cushion was from the national pension, as reliance on the state pension grew by almost 10 percentage points, while alternative means experienced a decline as reliance on private pension services

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Suicides account for 1 in 5 international student deaths in Korea, spurring mental health calls

About one in five international students who died in Korea over the past six years took their own lives, fueling calls for stronger mental health support as their numbers in the country continue to grow. According to data the Ministry of Education submitted to Rep. Kim Moon-soo on Monday after surveying some 350 universities nationwide, 84 international students at Korean universities died between 2021 and this year. Accidents, including traffic accidents, caused the most deaths at 34 cases, followed by illness at 23, suicide at 15, undetermined causes at seven and other causes at five. The annual number of international student deaths was 12 in 2021, 16 in 2022, seven in 2023, 13 in 2024 and 21 in 2025, with 15 recorded so far this year. Suicides fell from four in 2021 to one in 2022, then dropped to zero in 2023 before rising to five in 2024, three in 2025 and two so far this year. International students often face difficulties adjusting to life in Korea, including language barriers, unfamiliar culture and academic stress. In 2024 at Chonnam National University, the death of an African g

2 MIN READ
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Honored by Venice win, 'Possible Love' director seeks audience connection over award

Prior to the local release of Venice-winning feature, "Possible Love," director Lee Chang-dong said Monday that audience reaction to the film is far more important to him than winning an award. Speaking at a press conference in Seoul alongside lead actors Sul Kyung-gu, Zo In-sung, and Cho Yeo-jeong, the veteran filmmaker reflected on his Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize win at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. "I am happy and honored to receive the award, but the prize is merely a result," Lee said during a media screening and press conference in Seoul, Monday. "The more important thing to me was to know how audience would receive my film because Venice was the first place where it met the world." "Possible Love" follows two contrasting couples who meet through a documentary project. Ho-seok (Sul) is a laid-off worker carrying deep emotional trauma, while his wife Mi-ok (Jeon Do-yeon) strives to protect her family’s dignity. On the other side are Ye-ji (Cho), an ambitious documentary filmmaker, and her wealthy husband Sang-woo (Zo). As their lives intertwine, the four individual

3 MIN READ
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KOSPI regains 7,000 as Samsung Electronics shares surge on record chip exports

The benchmark KOSPI reclaimed the 7,000 mark on Monday for the first time in seven sessions, lifted by a sharp rise in Samsung Electronics shares after Korea reported record semiconductor exports in September. According to the Korea Exchange, the main index opened at 6,938.34, up 0.64 percent from the previous close, and remained in positive territory throughout the day. It closed at 7,007.72, up 1.65 percent. The Korea Customs Service said exports totaled $71.4 billion from Sept. 1 through 20, up 78.3 percent from a year earlier. Particularly, chip exports more than tripled to $34.12 billion, a 259.4 percent increase that marked a new monthly record. Institutional investors led the buying, scooping up a net 1.49 trillion won ($1.08 billion) in shares. Retail investors and foreign investors, by contrast, were net sellers of 2.98 trillion won and 160.2 billion won, respectively. Samsung Electronics led the rally, climbing as much as 5.36 percent intraday before ultimately closing at 274,000 won, up 4.98 percent. SK hynix also advanced, albeit much more modestly, ending at 1.87 million won

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Farm, fisheries groups launch task force to oppose CPTPP entry

Workers from Korea’s agricultural, livestock, fishery and forestry industries on Monday jointly launched an emergency committee to oppose the government’s potential entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). They argued that joining the trade pact would increase imports into Korea, threatening their market share and livelihoods. The launch of the CPTPP Task Force came as the government has yet to announce whether it will join the pact, which has been ratified by 12 countries, including Japan, Canada, Australia, Mexico and Vietnam. In June, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources denied a local media report that the government had decided to join the pact, saying it would “carefully consider joining the CPTPP, taking into account stakeholders’ views as well as domestic and external conditions.” Early last month, Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan said the government would review the possibility of joining the pact. Later that month, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said at a meeting of ministers of in

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Gov't plans 1.19 mil. public sale, rental homes amid housing price pressures

The government said Monday it aims to supply 1.19 million public sale and rental homes through 2030, mostly in the Seoul metropolitan area, as part of its effort to expand housing support. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport unveiled the housing stabilization plan, which focuses on providing tailored housing support for low-income households, young people and newlyweds amid rising home prices in the greater Seoul area. Under the plan, the government aims to supply an average of about 240,000 homes annually, totaling 1.19 million units through 2030. About 77 percent will be concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area, where housing demand remains particularly high. The planned supply is equivalent to about 13.6 percent of the country's 8.71 million rental housing units as of 2024. The homes will be supplied through various programs, including new construction on public land, purchases of privately built homes for conversion into public rental housing and programs utilizing existing private-sector housing. The ministry said the measures are aimed at expanding affordable housi

1 MIN READ
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Korea to expand 3,000-ton Coast Guard patrol fleet in West Sea to 17 by 2030

The government will expand its fleet of 3,000-ton-class patrol vessels to 17 from the current 11 by 2030 in the West Sea as it moves to strengthen maritime sovereignty in key areas and step up efforts to counter illegal foreign fishing vessels, the Ministry of Planning and Budget said Monday. The ministry said the budget proposal for the Coast Guard for next year, which includes the fleet expansion, stands at 2.23 trillion won ($1.6 billion), representing a 6.7 percent increase from this year’s 2.09 trillion won. The buildup is designed to bolster the Coast Guard’s ability to conduct longer-range and longer-duration patrols in the wider waters of the West Sea and other areas with unsettled maritime boundaries, including the Korea-China Provisional Measures Zone. The government has traditionally focused on replacing aging vessels when adding large patrol ships, but the latest plan puts greater emphasis on expanding operational capabilities to safeguard maritime security and national sovereignty. Under the plan, 51.2 billion won has been set aside in next year’s budget to launch cons

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Korea expands fast-track visas to spread medical tourism beyond Seoul

Korea is expanding its roster of government-certified medical tourism facilitators to 112 agencies starting Oct. 1, seeking to channel a record-breaking surge in foreign patient visits into regional economies beyond the capital. The Ministry of Justice said Monday that it added 22 institutions to its "Outstanding Facilitator for Foreign Patients" program, reflecting a concerted effort to broaden the economic benefits of K-medical tourism across the country. The policy shift comes after foreign patient visits to Korea topped 2 million for the first time in 2025, according to the Industrial Research Institute. Those 2.01 million medical tourists generated an estimated 22.8 trillion won ($17 billion) in total economic impact. On average, medical visitors spent 6.73 million won per trip, compared to 2.57 million won spent by conventional tourists. Under the expanded program, 89 medical facilities and 23 private agencies hold the official seal of approval. While 90 of these entities remain in the greater Seoul area, the government boosted nonmetropolitan representation from 14 to 22 by revis

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Editor's Pick

[COVER STORY] Korea-US $200 bil. investment talks hit last-stage hurdles over 'commercial viability'

COVER STORY Korea-US $200 bil. investment talks hit last-stage hurdles over 'commercial viability'

Korea’s negotiations with the United States over a $200 billion investment package have run into last-stage hurdles, with the two sides disagreeing over nuclear reactors, energy projects and funding terms. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources postponed a parliamentary briefing initially scheduled for Thursday, which had been expected to clear the way for signing of a memorandum of understanding for the first project as early as Friday. The briefing is now expected to take place Monday or Tuesday, although the timing will depend on progress in the negotiations. President Lee Jae Myung acknowledged that some provisions remained difficult to accept despite the negotiations being close to an agreement. “After reviewing the details, there are parts that are not easy to agree to,” Lee said during a press conference at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, Friday. “We are discussing them again.” Lee said the investment negotiations had broad, complex implications for Korea-U.S. relations and that disagreements emerged as the talks moved into specific projects. “There were several points o

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Life in Korea

Seongbuk District hosts Latin American Festival

Seongbuk District hosts Latin American Festival

The 13th Latin American Festival was held with the participation of 15 Central and South American countries' embassies on Saturday at the Baram Madang plaza area of Seongbuk District Office in northeastern Seoul. Launched in 2011 and marking its 13th edition this year, the festival was organized by Seongbuk District Office. About 22 booths offered sales and hands-on experiences, inviting visitors to enjoy Latin American foods such as arepas, empanadas, tacos and pupusas — as well as traditional hats, musical instruments, accessories and local specialties. A variety of cultural performances, including traditional Mexican Jalisco dance, Argentine tango, Ecuadorian traditional and popular music, Salvadoran traditional dance, Peruvian Latin music and Colombian traditional dance also provided entertainment during the festival. Angie Shakira Martinez Tejera, ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Korea, said the event offered an opportunity to introduce different sides of her country. The embassy brought her country's music, dance, food, crafts and baseball culture to Seoul as part of the

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Lifestyle

Favorite K-drama scenes become real-life vacation spots

Long after the final credits roll, the emotional pull of a beloved television show can leave viewers yearning to step into its world. A new exhibition in the heart of Seoul is turning that impulse into a blueprint for exploration, inviting fans to translate their screen time into real-world adventures across Korea. The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has partnered with production studio Studio Dragon to host an interactive showcase called Scenes to Destinations. Open through Nov. 19 at HiKR Ground — the KTO's multistory tourism innovation hall in downtown Seoul known for its immersive tech and K-content zones — the exhibition aims to convert international fandom into actual foot traffic by mapping famous television moments directly onto physical geography. The event features iconic dialogue, original soundtracks, props and location guides from over 40 hit series, including global phenomena like "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God," "Crash Landing on You," "Mr. Sunshine," "Hotel Del Luna," "Vincenzo," "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha," "Queen of Tears" and "The Tyrant’s Chef." Rather than se

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Favorite K-drama scenes become real-life vacation spots

K-Culture

INSPIRE to host inaugural Sunset Wine & Beer Festival

INSPIRE Entertainment Resort in Incheon will host its inaugural Sunset Wine & Beer Festival on Oct. 9 and 10, transforming the venue into a lively autumn haven for foodies, culture seekers and families. Running from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. both days at the outdoor grounds of Brasserie 1783, the event is designed to highlight the resort’s expanding culinary portfolio while offering a premium seasonal getaway. The festival seamlessly brings together international beverage selections, signature restaurant offerings and live entertainment. The festival grounds will be divided into three core zones — Wine, Beer and Food — blending gourmet dining, live music, and interactive activities into a complete weekend escape. In the Wine Zone, 10 domestic importers will feature approximately 260 labels originating from 11 countries. Participating booths will offer tastings of six to 10 varieties, spanning champagnes, sparkling options, whites and reds, as well as low- and non-alcoholic choices. The Beer Zone will feature 20 varieties across international, domestic classic and craft labels, including sel

2 MIN READ
INSPIRE to host inaugural Sunset Wine & Beer Festival

Celebrities

Suzy's bold slicked-back look divides fans

Singer and actor Suzy, long known in South Korea for her soft, youthful image, has sparked divided reactions online after stepping out with a dramatically different slicked-back hairstyle. Suzy attended an event for a skin care brand in Seoul's Seongdong District on Friday, wearing a crisp white shirt paired with understated jewelry. But it was her hair that drew the most attention. Instead of the softer hairstyles she is usually seen with, Suzy wore her hair completely swept back from her face. The style fully exposed her facial contours and highlighted her small face and defined features. Suzy has been celebrated for her looks since early in her career and became widely known in Korea as the "nation's first love," a nickname that took hold following her appearance in the hit 2012 romance film "Architecture 101." Her latest transformation, however, prompted unusually mixed reactions online. "She looks beautiful no matter what she does," one commenter said. Others said, "She even pulls off slicked-back hair," "Everything suits her" and "I'm tired of even saying how pretty she is." Some, how

2 MIN READ
Suzy's bold slicked-back look divides fans

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Opinion

Top 10 Stories

  1. COVER STORY Middle-aged Koreans largely look to national pension for post-retirement safety net

  2. Suicides account for 1 in 5 international student deaths in Korea, spurring mental health calls

  3. FTC unfazed by US pressure over Coupang: chairman

  4. Over 1,300 overseas Koreans to gather in Songdo for World Korean Week

  5. Ex-military commanders get severe prison terms for martial law roles

  6. Korea, US, Japan reaffirm commitment to N. Korea's complete denuclearization

  7. 3 military officers injured in suspected landmine explosion during operation at DMZ

  8. President faces another setback as chief of staff offers to resign

  9. Presley Gerber, son of Cindy Crawford and model, dies at 27

  10. Lips sealed, but youth impossible to hide: NK athletes show 2 faces at Asian Games

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