Stories from Seoul · South Korea

President Lee has instructed officials to review lifting restrictions on using high oil price subsidies at gas stations. Voice phishing damages in South Korea exceeded 1 trillion won for the first time in 2025. The scale of losses has increased significantly from approximately 470 billion won in 2013. The source noted that the methods used for deception are becoming more diverse and large-scale. The situation is described as a serious issue that anyone can fall victim to. The source noted that the use of AI has made these scams easier to execute. Scammers are utilizing various payment methods and social platforms, including in-app game purchases and family group chats, to facilitate fraud. The era of easily distinguishing between legitimate and fraudulent communications is ending due to these technological advancements.

The Democratic Party reported that tire production plants are facing difficulties due to rising raw material prices. These price increases are linked to disruptions in crude oil supply caused by the war in Iran. Specifically, the cost of petrochemical products such as synthetic rubber used in tire manufacturing has risen significantly. This has led to concerns regarding decreased operating profits. Manufacturers are expressing concerns regarding potential decreases in operating profits. Rising costs of petrochemical-based raw materials are impacting tire manufacturing plants. Synthetic rubber and carbon black, which comprise over half of a single tire's components, have seen price increases. The import price of synthetic rubber rose by 40% over a two-month period due to disruptions in crude oil supply caused by the war in Ukraine. One facility produces 140,000 tons of tires annually.

South Korean production banner Something Special has promoted InSoon Kim to co-chief executive and chief business officer.

The People Power Party announced it will accept candidate applications for nine by-election constituencies. Competition is expected between leading candidates from both ruling and opposition parties. Key areas of interest include Pyeongtaek in Gyeonggi Province and Busan Buk-gu, where a three-way contest is anticipated.

A woman underwent skin excision surgery after experiencing skin necrosis following a visit to a massage shop. The massage worker, a Chinese national working on a diaspora visa, allegedly removed a mole from the woman's back without consent while she was asleep. The worker performed the procedure without a medical license, which is illegal under current law. The massage shop initially offered 800,000 won in settlement but later stated they would take full responsibility after the incident gained media attention.

An iPad model normally priced at approximately 2.4 million won was listed on Coupang for roughly 800,000 won due to a system error. The price discrepancy triggered a surge in orders, with approximately 200 units sold within 10 minutes of the error appearing on online communities.

Property tax burdens in Seoul are expected to increase by approximately 50 percent in major complexes such as Seocho and Seongpa.

The Seoul High Court sentenced Kim No-kwan to life imprisonment for leading a criminal organization involved in sexual violence and the illegal production and distribution of sexual exploitation material.

Seondojeonki shares hit the daily upper limit on their first day of trading following a four-year suspension. The company reported a 15,000% surge in operating profit for Q4 2025, driven by demand for eco-friendly insulation technology and power infrastructure replacement.

Climate activist Kim Borim has been selected as the winner for the Asia region in an annual global awards program. This marks the first time a South Korean recipient has been chosen for this award in 31 years, since Choi Yeol of the Korea Environmental Foundation in 1995. The awards recognize activists across Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and various island nations. Kim filed a constitutional complaint in 2020, arguing that insufficient government measures against the climate crisis violated fundamental constitutional rights. In 2024, the Constitutional Court ruled in her favor, marking the first climate-related constitutional complaint in Asia. The award recognizes her consistent field activity over the past 31 years. The prize recognizes seeing landscapes through an artist's eyes, highlighting beauty in everyday scenes.