Stories from Seoul · South Korea

EBS FM Korea's weekend world music program is featuring songs about parents' unconditional love for their children. The first song played was John Lennon's 'Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)', performed by South African band Freshlyground.

Korean Air is banning the export of animals used for illegal cockfighting overseas. Animal welfare groups report that thousands of birds, specifically breeding roosters, are shipped abroad under the guise of agricultural or breeding stock to bypass scrutiny. While cockfighting is illegal in all 50 US states, investigators state the underground trade remains active. The airline's decision aims to cut off a major cargo route feeding the trade. Korean Air has implemented a ban on transporting roosters on flights between the United States and the Philippines. The decision follows public outcry regarding cockfighting activities.

South Korea aims to achieve self-reliance in nuclear fusion superconductor technology by 2035. The winning jump measured 18.81 meters, surpassing the previous record of 18.78 meters. The average gasoline price nationwide has risen to over 2,010 won per liter, with Seoul recording 2,048 won. This marks an increase of 39 won nationwide and 14 won in Seoul compared to the previous day. Diesel prices also increased by 31 won nationwide to over 2,004 won per liter. A hospital funded by Japan was targeted in an attack in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province. The event took place in 2026. Average gasoline prices nationwide increased by 39 won, with Seoul seeing a 14 won rise. The majority of disputes, 88.1%, focused on contract cancellations, penalties, and refunds.

A special prosecutor's office has banned Seoul Central District Prosecutor Lee Chang-soo and former Deputy Prosecutor Cho Sang-won from leaving the country.

South Korea and Ghana signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) covering climate change, artificial intelligence, and maritime security. The agreement includes cooperation through energy liquids such as liquid fuel, LNG, and condensates.

Bitcoin mining firm CleanSpark has acquired 3,273 BTC, valued at approximately 376 billion KRW. The company is reportedly pivoting its AI infrastructure business toward Bitcoin mining feeds.

A poll shows South Koreans are split on whether to end the conflict with Iran. The report notes that President Trump faces challenges regarding public dissatisfaction with the war and resistance to ineffective ceasefire efforts. 60% of respondents report increased recession risk due to war, with 44% reducing driving and 42% cutting living expenses due to fuel costs. South Korean police are investigating at least 30 social media accounts for spreading false information regarding Middle East tensions. The suspected misinformation includes claims about North Korean oil inflows, forced US dollar sales, and currency exchange regulations. Authorities are also warning against romance scams and smishing attempts targeting government relief funds. Police are working with information and credit card companies to address these threats.

The surge in electric vehicle demand is driving expansion at the SH Motors battery plant. SH Motors announced a $120 million investment to expand the production capacity of its lithium-ion battery facility.

The virtual group Blev has won a weekly music program in South Korea. The group's success is attributed to a growing fan community and their musical style. The broadcast featured the group's track titled 'Parting'.

The US Department of Defense said that security commitments to South Korea remain intact despite President Trump's announcement regarding US troop reductions in Germany. South Korea registered double digit growth for both exports and imports in April. As Asia's fourth largest economy, the country is considered a bellwether for global trade. The growth suggests underlying structural trends in the developed world. The group's success is attributed to a combination of Korean and American technology. This achievement marks a historical milestone in the South Korean music industry. The group's performance is forcing experts to redefine the concept of idol power in the digital era.