Prosecutors Seek 30 Years for Yoon Suk Yeol Over Alleged Pyongyang Drone Operation A special prosecutor on Thursday sought a 30-year prison term for Yoon Suk Yeol, accused of ordering drones sent into Pyongyang to create a pretext for declaring martial law on Dec. 3. Prosecutors argued the operation aimed to manufacture wartime conditions and was linked to the broader martial law case. The special counsel team investigating the alleged insurrection, led by Special Prosecutor Cho Eun-seok, asked the Seoul Central District Court to sentence Yoon to 30 years and former Def April 24, 2026

Kakao Wraps Ad Conference, Unveils AI-Driven Integrated Advertising Strategy Kakao said it successfully wrapped up its “Kakao The Moment” advertising conference and outlined plans to expand an artificial intelligence-based ad platform. The company said about 1,000 people — including advertisers, agencies and media representatives — attended the April 23 event, where Kakao shared its advertising vision and strategy. Kakao said the conference was designed to review the present and future of its ad business and strengthen partnerships. Kakao presented a plan to expa April 24, 2026

Hyundai Motor Group vice chairman calls China toughest must-win market as CATL backs Ioniq V Hyundai Motor Group Vice Chairman Jang Jae-hoon met with CATL Chairman Zeng Yuqun in Beijing and reaffirmed their commitment to work together as Hyundai steps up its China strategy. Jang and Zeng met at the 2026 Beijing Auto China show, where Hyundai unveiled the China-focused electric vehicle Ioniq V. Jang made an unannounced visit to the show floor to view the Ioniq V, which Hyundai said it revealed for the first time in the world. Zeng also visited Hyundai’s booth to congratulate th April 24, 2026

Kia Says Raw Material Costs Rose From March, Keeps 10.2 Trillion Won Operating Profit Target Kim Seung-jun, an executive vice president and head of Kia’s finance division, said on an earnings conference call for the company’s first-quarter results that rising raw material prices, including aluminum, began affecting costs in March. He said oil prices could stay around $100 this year even if the war ends, adding that the company faces a clear risk of higher costs. Kim said Kia ships about 260,000 vehicles a year to the Asia and Middle East region, but he believes the company ha April 24, 2026

Coupang Denies Reports It Lobbied U.S. to Pressure South Korea Coupang on Thursday denied recent reports that it was pressuring the South Korean government through lobbying of the U.S. administration and Congress, calling the claims untrue. In a reference note, the company said assertions that there were discussions related to security were "clearly false." It said its lobbying has covered economic cooperation between the two countries, including expanding investment and trade involving South Korea, Taiwan and Japan, and broadening professional v April 24, 2026

Smilegate to Launch “Maid of the Storm” Globally on Steam The maid cafe management tycoon game “Maid of the Storm” is set for an official global release on PC platform Steam on the 24th. Published by Smilegate and developed by Burgerduck Games, the dot-graphics management simulation puts players in charge of running a maid cafe and growing the business. Players manage distinctive maid characters, expand the shop and face competitive elements designed to increase immersion. A key feature is a strategic staffing system that goes beyond basic ope April 24, 2026

Seoul, Southern Gyeonggi Apartment Prices Rise as Gains Spread Beyond Gangnam South Korea’s apartment market continued a mild uptrend, with gains spreading in areas with strong access to Seoul’s Gangnam district — notably southern Gyeonggi Province — and into Seoul’s outer districts, highlighting widening gaps by location. KB Real Estate said in its weekly report released April 23 that nationwide apartment sale prices rose 0.07% in the third week of April, while jeonse (lump-sum deposit) lease prices increased 0.11%. In the Seoul metropolitan area, prices rose i April 24, 2026

Reliance’s Jio Financial, Allianz to Form 50-50 General Insurance Venture in India India’s Jio Financial Services (JFSL), the financial arm of Reliance Industries (RIL), said on the 22nd it will set up a general insurance company with Germany’s Allianz Group, with each side taking a 50% stake. JFSL said it signed an agreement with Allianz on the 22nd to establish a joint venture that will offer property and casualty insurance and health insurance. The two companies are also preparing to sign an agreement covering life insurance operations in India. RIL Chairman Mukesh April 24, 2026

Banks Lift South Korea Growth Forecasts After Strong Q1, Fueling Rate-Hike Talk South Korea’s economy posted much stronger-than-expected growth in the first quarter, prompting major financial institutions at home and abroad to raise their full-year forecasts. Some global investment banks said the country’s fundamentals look firmer than expected, reviving speculation that the Bank of Korea could eventually shift toward rate increases. As of April 24, the financial industry said JPMorgan raised its 2026 annual gross domestic product growth forecast to 3.0% from 2.2%, a April 24, 2026

SK hynix posts 72% operating margin in Q1 on HBM boom and surging memory prices SK hynix’s first-quarter earnings beat pushed its operating margin into the 70% range, outpacing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. as well as Nvidia and Apple, the company said. The strong growth cycle is likely to continue for now. SK hynix reported an operating profit margin of 72% for the first quarter, it disclosed on April 23. That topped its previous record of 58% in the fourth quarter of last year. The figure implies more than 7,000 won in operating profit for every 10,000 wo April 24, 2026