Stories from Seoul · South Korea

A dog daycare operator has been fined for abusing a customer's 10-year-old poodle.

KB Financial Group has partnered with US-based Pantera Capital to accelerate investments in digital assets. This collaboration aims to leverage blockchain technology for financial services.

The Trump administration may use the current operation's legitimacy to request the deployment of forces to the Strait of Hormuz from South Korea and Japan. This potential move could increase pressure on regional allies to participate in maritime operations.

Parents can register their children's fingerprints through the Safe Dream app, the website www.safe182.go.kr, or at a local police station. A family relations certificate and ID are required for the registration.

Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Hong Ra-hee, and Lee Boo-jin and Lee Seo-hyun have completed a record $8 billion inheritance tax payment. This represents the largest such payment in history. Samsung has paid 12 trillion South Korean won in inheritance tax. The company's payment is among the highest in the world. Korean companies have previously resisted such payments, citing high inheritance tax rates. The payment was described as a reluctant one by sources. The specific amount of the tax bill was not disclosed in the report. The company had reportedly attempted to avoid the tax before proceeding with the payment. The company is currently managing the financial obligations following leadership transitions. Samsung's founding family heirs have paid an inheritance tax of approximately 11 trillion Korean won, which is equivalent to $8.1 billion USD.

South Korea and Vietnam have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for veterinary cooperation. The foreign ministries of Japan and Vietnam announced the exchange of six cooperation documents, indicating a strengthening of economic ties. This agreement aims to strengthen collaboration on animal health and disease control between the two nations. The signing ceremony took place in Seoul. This development follows a report of a ship explosion and fire that South Korean authorities are investigating. This development comes as global shipping costs rise due to strait disruptions. Two new marine water tankers have been added to a fleet, likely to address these logistical challenges. The agreement includes increased trade and investment opportunities. Both nations aim to strengthen their strategic partnership.

General Pak Chung-hee has taken power following a military coup. The takeover follows more than a year of violent anti-corruption protests and political instability. The new leader is reportedly wary of established business figures like B.C.

A court ordered a man, identified as A, to pay 10 million won in damages to bereaved families of the Itaewon tragedy.

South Korean star G-Dragon gifted multiple high-priced homes, totaling hundreds of millions of Korean won, to his long-term staff. This generous act has caused a stir in the entertainment industry.

President Yoon Suk Yeol urged farmers to remain rational amidst upcoming trade impacts and called for central and local governments to cooperate in protecting farmers' rights. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has addressed farmer concerns regarding trade agreements.