KOSPI Hits Record High for First Time in Two Months on Chip Optimism, Foreign Buying South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI closed at a record high, lifted by expectations of a semiconductor upturn and renewed foreign inflows. The Korea Exchange said the KOSPI finished Monday at 6,388.47, setting new intraday and closing records for the first time since February. The previous closing high was 6,307.27 on Feb. 26. Market capitalization also hit an all-time high of 5,236 trillion won. The index had slid sharply in March amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions, but has rebounded this m April 21, 2026

People Power Party Pledges Free City Buses for Seniors 70 and Older South Korea’s People Power Party said it will push to make city buses free in part for seniors ages 70 and older, and to introduce a locally tailored ride-sharing system dubbed “rural Uber” in areas with few or no taxis. The party also plans to expand transit rebates by raising K-Pass refund rates. Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok announced the mobility welfare package at the National Assembly on the 21st, describing mobility as a universal right and pledging to ensure seniors and young peo April 21, 2026

New Bank of Korea Gov. Shin Hyun-song Faces Inflation Risks and Growth Headwinds Shin Hyun-song officially took office as Bank of Korea governor on April 21, beginning a four-year term after a contentious confirmation hearing process. He assumes the post as concerns rise over stubborn inflation and weakening growth. In his inaugural address, Shin said he would pursue “price stability and financial stability through cautious and flexible monetary policy,” signaling a calibrated approach as external conditions shift rapidly. The central bank has said it expects this April 21, 2026

Mercedes-Benz Unveils Updated S-Class in South Korea, Focuses on Gas Models Mercedes-Benz, marking the 140th anniversary of its brand, unveiled the updated “The New Mercedes-Benz S-Class” and “The New Mercedes-Maybach S-Class” in South Korea for the first time. The company said it plans to accelerate its push in the market with a broader rollout of new vehicles and changes to its sales system. Mercedes-Benz presented the models and its strategy at a media briefing on April 21 at the Maybach Brand Center Seoul in Seoul’s Gangnam district. The vehicles shown we April 21, 2026

Minimum Wage Talks Begin in South Korea, With Debate Over Piecework and Differentiated Rates Deliberations have begun at South Korea’s Minimum Wage Commission on next year’s minimum wage. This year’s talks are expected to feature sharp labor-management clashes not only over the size of any increase but also over who is covered and how the system is applied. Key issues include whether to extend minimum-wage protections to piecework-based workers and whether to set different rates by industry or region. ◆Will platform and nonstandard workers be covered? Labor minister asks for revi April 21, 2026

South Korea Minimum Wage Talks Begin as Labor, Business Clash Over 2027 Raise Labor and business in South Korea began formal negotiations over next year’s minimum wage, setting the stage for a sharp clash over how much it should rise. Labor groups say a sizable increase is needed after three years of raises below 3%. Business groups argue that growing uncertainty at home and abroad calls for a slower pace. The Ministry of Employment and Labor said the Minimum Wage Commission held its first plenary meeting Monday at the Government Complex Sejong. The commission selec April 21, 2026

NBC Poll: Trump Approval Hits Second-Term Low as Inflation, Iran War Weigh President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to its lowest level since the start of his second term, according to a new NBC News Decision Desk poll. The survey, released Sunday, put Trump’s job approval at 37%. That was down 2 percentage points from early February and down 8 points from April last year. His disapproval rating was 63%. Views were more negative on inflation and the cost of living. On Trump’s handling of rising prices and living costs, 32% approved and 68% disappr April 21, 2026

Si Woo Kim Rises to No. 26 in World Golf Ranking, Matching Career High Si Woo Kim climbed to No. 26 in the men’s world golf ranking after finishing third at the PGA Tour signature event RBC Heritage, which had a $20 million purse. In the rankings released on the 20th (Korean time), Kim rose four spots from No. 30 last week. Kim posted a 16-under 268 total at the RBC Heritage, which ended on the 20th, finishing behind winner Matt Fitzpatrick of England and runner-up Scottie Scheffler of the United States, who both finished at 18-under 266. It was Kim’s third April 21, 2026

Coupang Eats Says Cheongnyangni Market Sales Rose 54% After March Promotion Coupang Eats said a promotion it launched to help revitalize traditional markets is showing measurable results. The company said Tuesday that sales at participating merchants on its platform rose about 54% in March from February, based on orders, after about 100 shops at Cheongnyangni General Market joined its “Our Neighborhood Traditional Market” campaign. Coupang Eats said the campaign was designed to promote products from small merchants at traditional markets, which it described as a April 21, 2026

Iran Military Says It Is Ready to Respond Immediately to Any U.S. Hostile Acts Iran’s military warned it is prepared to respond immediately and forcefully if the United States resumes what it called hostile actions, as expectations rise for a possible second round of talks between the two countries. Iran’s semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported that Ali Abdollahi, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which coordinates Iran’s armed forces, said in a statement on 21 (local time) that Iran’s military, “united with the government and the people,” is April 21, 2026