Latest by
-
North Korea Launches Unidentified Projectile Eastward North Korea launched an unidentified projectile eastward on August 12. According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, this marks the second launch in six days if the projectile is confirmed to be a ballistic missile.Previously, on August 6, North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile into the East Sea around 5 p.m. from the Wonsan area.These two launches come ahead of the upcoming U.S.-South Korea joint military exercise, 'Ulchi Freedom Shield' (UFS), scheduled to begin on August 17. 2026-08-12 06:28:00 -
Iran Warns It Will Not Open Hormuz Strait Despite Oman Agreement Iran has warned that it will not open the Hormuz Strait even if an agreement is reached with Oman on shipping routes, unless the United States ends the war and returns frozen Iranian funds. On August 11, Mohsen Rezaei, the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), stated during a meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Iran, Chung Peiyou, that "the Hormuz Strait will not be opened unless the U.S. changes its stance and accepts Iran's conditions." Rezaei called on the U.S. to end the war and return the frozen funds. He also insisted that the U.S. must accept additional conditions related to the cessation of conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza, which were communicated through mediators. He emphasized that discussions between Iran and Oman regarding new shipping routes should be treated separately from the issue of access to the Hormuz Strait. Rezaei stated, "Even if Iran and Oman reach an agreement on shipping routes in the Hormuz Strait, it is a separate matter from the closure of the strait." Rezaei was appointed as the Secretary of the SNSC on August 9. He is a military figure who served as the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from 1981 to 1997.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 06:20:00
-
U.S. Intelligence: Iran Prioritizes Control of Hormuz Over Nuclear Program U.S. military intelligence has assessed that Iran considers control of the Hormuz Strait more important than its nuclear program. According to NBC News on August 11, multiple U.S. officials familiar with the matter stated, "U.S. military intelligence has recently reported that Iran's strategic priority has shifted from its nuclear program to the Hormuz Strait." The U.S. military has reportedly informed President Donald Trump that while it is possible to use force to seize control of the strait, success is not guaranteed. They warned that operations could become prolonged, resulting in significant casualties among U.S. forces. Similar concerns have emerged from European and Gulf officials. NBC reported that regional authorities conveyed to the U.S. that if the military were to forcibly open the strait, Iranian missile and drone attacks could pose risks to U.S. naval vessels, and a definitive victory would be difficult to achieve. European officials believe that Iran effectively controls the Hormuz Strait, giving it a favorable position in negotiations. They assess that the strait has become a more direct and powerful leverage point against the U.S. and the West than Iran's nuclear program. This perspective contrasts with President Trump's recent assertion that, "The only force currently controlling the Hormuz Strait is the U.S. Navy," emphasizing American dominance in the area. However, shipping traffic has not yet returned to normal levels. According to Reuters, only six vessels passed through the Hormuz Strait on August 10, with recent daily traffic significantly below pre-war levels. Iran is attempting to expand its influence in the strait by negotiating new shipping routes with Oman. It has also set conditions for normalizing traffic, including the cessation of U.S. military actions and the lifting of maritime blockades. Increasing military pressure from the U.S. is also becoming more challenging. With over five months of ongoing conflict raising concerns about the stockpiles of key air defense and precision-guided munitions, any attempt to seize control of the Hormuz Strait could further escalate the situation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 06:12:00
-
Arizona's First Elected Lieutenant Governor: Current Governor Picks Republican Running Mate In a notable move in the competitive state of Arizona, the Democratic incumbent governor has chosen a Republican to run as her lieutenant governor candidate. This decision is seen as a strategy to attract moderate right-leaning voters in a region known for its strong conservative presence, having produced figures like the late Senator John McCain.On August 10, Katie Hobbs, 57, announced that she has selected John Giles, 66, the former mayor of Mesa, as her running mate. Giles served as mayor from 2014 to 2025 in Mesa, a city located east of Phoenix, Arizona, with a significant Asian American population, including many of Korean descent.Axios Phoenix reported that while Giles spent most of his life as a Republican, he distanced himself from the party during Donald Trump's presidency. He supported Hobbs, the Democratic candidate for governor, in 2022 and endorsed Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential election, even speaking at the Democratic National Convention.According to local KTAR radio, Giles changed his party affiliation to independent on May 17, 2026, as recorded in the Maricopa County voter records. He had been registered as a Republican since 1986.Axios Phoenix analyzed Hobbs' choice of Giles as a move to strengthen her centrist image amid a tough re-election battle. The outlet noted that appealing to moderate right-leaning and independent voters is crucial for Hobbs, as there are significantly more registered Republicans than Democrats in Arizona. NBC News also highlighted that Hobbs narrowly defeated Republican candidate Kari Lake by less than 1% in the 2022 gubernatorial election and has recently formed alliances with current and former Republican and independent leaders to support her re-election.On the Republican side, Congressman Andy Biggs, a Trump supporter and activist, is running against Hobbs. Biggs secured the nomination by defeating his competitor, David Schweikert, decisively in the Republican primary. NBC reported that Biggs emphasizes his relationship with Trump while focusing on border issues and tax cuts.Biggs has chosen conservative former state senator Syne Kerr, an agricultural expert, as his running mate. Kerr opposes all forms of abortion and resigned from her position as the Arizona director of the USDA during the Trump administration to run in this election.This election marks the first time Arizona will elect a lieutenant governor, following the introduction of the elected lieutenant governor system through a voter referendum in 2022.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 05:00:20
-
President Yoon Expresses Condolences for Colombia Earthquake Victims President Lee Jae-myung expressed his condolences on August 11 for the victims of a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia, resulting in significant loss of life.In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Lee stated, "I feel deep sorrow upon hearing the news of the severe damage caused by the earthquake in Chocó, northwestern Colombia."He extended heartfelt condolences to the Colombian people who have lost family and neighbors due to this sudden disaster, saying, "I pray for the souls of all those who have perished."President Lee emphasized the ongoing search and rescue efforts, expressing hope that even one more person can be safely rescued and returned to their family. He also conveyed his wishes for the Colombian people to quickly regain their peaceful daily lives, alongside the people of South Korea.Earlier, on August 10 at 7:34 a.m. local time, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck near San José del Palmar in Chocó, along the Pacific coast. Strong tremors were felt in major western cities, including the capital Bogotá, as well as Cali, Pereira, Quibdó, and Manizales.As local authorities and foreign media continue to update their reports, the death toll has surpassed at least 132, with some reports indicating it could rise to 164.As of now, there have been no confirmed casualties among South Korean nationals. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "We have not received any reports of casualties among our citizens and are continuously checking for any impact through our local embassy."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 00:08:00
-
Blue House Dismisses Kim Sang-ho, Chief of the Press Center, After Unauthorized Expansion Controversy 청와대가 사직서 제출로 면직 절차를 밟고 있던 김상호 춘추관장(보도지원비서관)에게 별도의 징계 책임을 물은 뒤 면직했다. 자신이 소유한 다세대주택의 무단 증축 사실을 뒤늦게 알았지만 이를 바로잡지 않은 데 대해 고위 공직자로서 책임을 물은 조치로 해석된다. 청와대는 11일 언론 공지를 통해 “김 관장의 면직안이 최종 재가됐다”며 “무단 증축 논란과 관련해 김 관장을 징계한 뒤 면직한다는 방침에 따른 것”이라고 밝혔다. 청와대는 구체적인 징계 종류와 수위는 공개하지 않았다. 김 관장의 사의 표명 자체는 공교롭게도 무단 증축 논란이 불거지기 전에 이뤄졌다. 그는 지난 6월 청와대 홍보소통수석 교체 당시 홍보 라인 쇄신이 필요하다는 이유로 물러날 뜻을 밝힌 것으로 전해졌다. 이후 새 홍보수석 체제가 안정화됐다고 판단해 최근 정식 사직서를 제출했다. 청와대가 면직 절차와 후임 인선을 진행하던 중 김 관장이 소유한 서울 강남구 대치동 다세대주택의 무단 증축 문제가 보도됐다. 이에 따라 당초 사의에 따른 면직으로 마무리될 예정이었던 인사 절차에 징계 처분이 추가됐다. 앞서 SBS는 김 관장 부부가 소유한 대치동 5층짜리 다세대주택의 1층 일부가 건축물대장과 다르게 원룸으로 개조돼 임대되고 있다고 보도했다. 건축물대장에는 2층부터 5층까지 총 6가구가 등록돼 있지만, 주차장과 계단실로 표시된 1층 일부가 ‘101호’ 원룸으로 사용됐다는 내용이다. 김 관장은 해당 원룸을 통해 보증금과 월세를 받아온 것으로 전해졌다. 건축물대장에 등록되지 않은 공간을 주거용으로 사용해 임대수익을 얻었다는 점에서 고위공직자의 법규 준수와 재산 관리 문제가 제기됐다. 김 관장은 해명문을 통해 해당 건물이 2003년 준공됐고 자신은 세 번째 소유자라고 밝혔다. 2014년 건물을 매입했을 당시부터 주차장 일부가 원룸으로 바뀐 상태였으며, 자신이 직접 증축하거나 이를 지시하지 않았다는 입장이다. 매입 당시에는 해당 공간이 미등록 건축물이라는 사실을 알지 못했고, 이후 임차인을 구하는 과정에서 관련 사실을 인지했다고 설명했다. 다만 무단 증축 사실을 파악한 뒤에도 이를 원상 복구하거나 양성화하는 절차를 제때 밟지 않은 점은 인정했다. 언론인 출신인 김 관장은 이재명 정부 출범과 함께 초대 춘추관장에 임명돼 1년 2개월 동안 청와대의 언론 취재 지원과 출입기자단 관련 업무를 총괄해왔다. 청와대는 후임 춘추관장 인선을 진행하고 있으며, 인선이 마무리되는 대로 발표할 예정이다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 00:04:00
-
Democratic Party Calls for Limits on Financial CEOs' Reappointments, Regulators Respond Democratic Party Urges Measures to Limit Reappointments of Financial CEOs Ahead of the announcement of a plan to improve the governance of financial holding companies, some members of the Democratic Party have called on financial authorities to devise measures to restrict the reappointment of financial holding company chairs whose terms are expiring. However, the authorities have indicated that they lack legal means to directly prevent the reappointment of private financial holding company chairs without clear disqualifying reasons or severe penalties. As a result, political pressure appears to be subsiding for now. According to the financial sector on August 11, during a closed briefing held for members of the Democratic Party's Political Affairs Committee at the end of last month, some lawmakers requested that the Financial Supervisory Service prepare measures to limit reappointments. This demand coincides with discussions on improving the governance of financial holding companies that the authorities are currently pursuing. A related improvement plan is set to be announced this month, nine months after President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the need for advanced governance in the financial sector. However, it is challenging to apply the new standards immediately to the ongoing chair selection process. Minister Kim Yoon-deok Accelerates Housing Supply Plans Kim Yoon-deok, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, has announced plans to expedite the construction timelines for major housing districts, including the third new towns, and to increase housing supply in urban areas. With rising housing prices and rental costs in Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan area, the government has made expanding supply a key priority for the second half of the year. During a report to the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee on August 11, Minister Kim stated, "We will create a South Korea where everyone can live without worrying about housing," and added that the government would expand the conversion of non-residential land to residential use and identify new candidates for public housing complex projects in urban areas. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is pursuing plans to shorten the construction timelines for major public housing sites, including the third new towns, by one to two years. Additionally, the government aims to accelerate supply in urban areas such as Gwacheon and Taereung through intergovernmental cooperation and is considering support measures for relocation and streamlining procedures to assist construction projects. Samsung SDI Secures First Standalone Battery Plant in North America Samsung SDI has agreed to acquire the entire 49.99% stake held by General Motors (GM) in their joint venture, Synergy Cell, thereby gaining ownership of the first standalone battery plant in North America. On August 11, Samsung SDI announced that through the acquisition of Synergy Cell's shares, it plans to mass-produce advanced battery products for various applications, including next-generation electric vehicle prismatic batteries developed in collaboration with GM. Synergy Cell is an electric vehicle battery production company established by the two firms in 2024 in New Carlisle, Indiana, with a total investment of $3.5 billion and a production capacity of 27 GWh. The decision is aimed at responding flexibly to changes in the North American battery market, and both companies plan to maintain their strategic partnership even after the share acquisition. Extreme Heat Impacts Small Business Operations This year's severe heatwave has exacerbated the challenges faced by small business owners. Rising prices for ingredients, along with increased cooling and delivery costs, have been compounded by a decrease in foot traffic due to the heat. If extreme heat becomes a recurring issue, the operational difficulties for small businesses are expected to worsen. According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation's Agricultural Products Distribution Information System (KAMIS) on August 11, the retail price of cabbage was 3,509 won per head, a 28% increase from the previous month, while the price of cucumbers rose to 7,977 won for ten, marking a 38% increase. Prices for perilla leaves (50g) and lettuce (100g) also surged by 41% and 31%, respectively, compared to a month ago, with watermelons now costing 22,189 won each, an 11% increase over the past month. The extreme heat is cited as a fundamental cause of rising prices for agricultural and livestock products. The newly established heatwave warning system (for temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius) was first issued in Pohang and Gyeongsan on July 12 and was subsequently declared for all of Seoul on August 4, marking the first time such a warning has been issued nationwide. The number of tropical nights this year has also reached a record high of 14.2 days. KT to Announce AIDC Plans Without Creating a New Subsidiary KT plans to announce its hyper-scale artificial intelligence data center (AIDC) plans within the year. Instead of establishing a separate subsidiary, the company is considering operating only the AIDC management division of KT Cloud directly under its headquarters. According to the IT industry on August 11, KT is set to unveil its 1 gigawatt (GW) AIDC business plan this year. Unlike competitors who have opted to create separate subsidiaries or have group companies manage AIDC, KT plans to separate only the AIDC management portion from KT Cloud. KT Cloud will continue to handle the existing cloud business, while KT will directly oversee the AIDC operations, with construction targeted to begin next year. By investing directly in AIDC without establishing a separate subsidiary, KT may face increased financial burdens. To mitigate this, the company plans to increase the scale of overseas investment attraction and is reportedly in discussions with major foreign investors.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 21:52:00
-
Labor Unions of National Banks Hold Major Rally Against Relocation Members of labor unions from the Industrial Bank of Korea, Export-Import Bank of Korea, and IBK held a large joint rally on August 11 to oppose the relocation of national banks. They argue that the headquarters of these banks should remain in Seoul to ensure a smooth supply of policy financing, as discussions about relocating public institutions have recently emerged. The unions, affiliated with the National Financial Industry Labor Union, organized the "Rally to Oppose the Relocation of National Banks" in the Yeouido area of Seoul, near the headquarters of the Industrial Bank and Export-Import Bank. They read a resolution declaring their firm opposition to the government's unilateral relocation policy and their commitment to safeguarding the future of policy financing in South Korea. Notably, discussions about relocating the Industrial Bank to Busan occurred during the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. The bank's union strongly opposed the move, which was ultimately abandoned, but the instability within the organization led to a significant number of employees leaving. Kim Hyun-jun, the union leader of the Industrial Bank, encouraged members at the rally, stating, "During the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, we fought fiercely and achieved victory. Let’s hold on until the end." Also present at the rally was Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Hyun-jung, who emphasized, "What is needed in the regions is not merely the relocation of the national bank headquarters, but timely and sufficient low-interest policy funds for local businesses. Just as we opposed the relocation of the Industrial Bank, we will stand in solidarity again this time." Meanwhile, it is anticipated that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will announce the planned relocation sites for about 350 public institutions as early as next month. In this context, the financial union will conduct a vote on whether to engage in strike actions regarding the relocation and other issues on August 12.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 21:40:00
-
Jang Dong-hyuk: Lee Jae-myung Criticizes Himself, Kim Young-hoon Should Be Dismissed Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, criticized President Lee Jae-myung on August 11, stating, "Yesterday's Lee Jae-myung is criticizing today's Lee Jae-myung."Jang's remarks came in response to President Lee's statement during a Cabinet meeting that "the process of debate and adjustment leading to a conclusion is the most democratic." Jang argued that the president has only pushed for debate while trampling on adjustment.He pointed to several policies unilaterally enforced by the ruling party, including the three judicial laws (the establishment of a crime distortion law, the introduction of judicial review, and the increase of Supreme Court justices), the abolition of supplementary investigative powers, real estate policies, tax policies, and stock market policies. Jang remarked, "Even when the opposition party opposed and the public criticized, all he said was, 'What does that even mean?'" He emphasized that debate and adjustment should involve the opposition party, stating, "Fighting among departments without the opposition and the public is not democratic."Jang concluded by referencing President Lee's past comments about the abundance of 'hasty policies,' stating that the administration is not solving the people's problems or national issues but rather exacerbating them.He also criticized the Yellow Envelope Law (revised Labor Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act, Articles 2 and 3). In response to President Lee's remarks about disputes arising from the Yellow Envelope Law, Jang questioned, "Did you not anticipate this when creating the Yellow Envelope Law? Did everyone not oppose it?" He emphasized, "If you were unaware, that is sheer incompetence; if you knew and pushed it through, that is extreme irresponsibility."Jang asserted, "It is not the time to create enforcement decrees and rules; the Yellow Envelope Law itself must be abolished. The Yellow Envelope Law is driving businesses to the brink of collapse," and called for the dismissal of Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon, who is affiliated with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions.He claimed that Minister Kim rejected President Lee's directives, stating, "The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions has shown that it is above the president in a live broadcast. At this point, he is not the Minister of Employment and Labor but the Minister of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 21:20:00
-
President Lee Vows to Pursue Criminal Organizations to Justice President Lee Jae-myung emphasized on August 11 that he will pursue Korean nationals involved in overseas voice phishing crimes until they are brought to justice, regardless of where they hide.In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Lee stated, "Korean nationals who infiltrated Kazakhstan after passing through Cambodia and Vietnam to commit voice phishing crimes against our citizens have all been repatriated and are under police investigation."He warned, "There will be no exceptions for crimes that threaten the safety and peaceful daily lives of the people of the Republic of Korea."President Lee also expressed gratitude for the swift action in apprehending and repatriating the suspects, crediting the active support and cooperation of Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the National Security Committee of Kazakhstan.Meanwhile, the Busan District Court issued arrest warrants for four individuals, including a suspect named Kim, on August 7, who are accused of being part of a criminal organization. The group was apprehended in Kazakhstan last month while operating a voice phishing scheme and was repatriated to South Korea on August 5. This brings the total number of detained members to 14, including 10 previously arrested.According to police, the suspects established a call center in Almaty, Kazakhstan, impersonating government agencies such as the Financial Supervisory Service and the prosecution to defraud 16 victims in South Korea of approximately 600 million won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 20:52:00