Stories from Seoul · South Korea

Demolition work has commenced at a building damaged by fire to facilitate a forensic investigation. Safety engineers plan to move vehicles from the third floor and rooftop before proceeding with the removal. Police estimate the demolition process will take approximately 45 days. Due to collapse risks, forensic examination of the first floor will be decided based on the progress of the demolition. Investigators intend to use sky vehicles to observe the interior and conduct searches for remains and personal effects.

Former Ssangbangwool Chairman Kim Seong-tae appeared before a National Assembly special committee investigating allegations of manipulated indictments. Kim denied allegations of being an accomplice to President Lee Jae-myung. He refuted Democratic Party claims that $8 million sent to North Korea was for stock price manipulation or used for parties. Kim expressed emotion and apologized to the President during his testimony. Kim noted he had previously visited a police station following verbal abuse. He refused to answer most questions from the People Power Party, citing his ongoing trial. The hearing also faced disruptions regarding alleged contact with Seo Yong-gyo.

Fire authorities in Seoul conducted searches for several deer reported to have escaped from a farm. The Seoul Guro Fire Station responded to a report at approximately 6:00 PM today regarding the sighting. A similar report was received earlier at 1:00 PM, but the animals have not yet been located. The deer reportedly escaped from a farm located approximately 3km away from the mountain area.

South Korea and Ghana signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) covering climate change, artificial intelligence, and maritime security. This ruling more than doubled her previous sentence of 20 months handed down in January. An explosion occurred in South Korea involving the Democratic Party and Rebuilding Korea Party, resulting in five injuries. Five people were injured in the blast, according to the report. The incident follows political pressure from U.S. lawmakers regarding investigations into Coupang's data leak. This move is intended to support the country's petrochemical and oil-derived industries. Major firms in the sector are currently expanding plant operations to accommodate the inbound supplies. South Korea has already signed a deal to exchange 14 million barrels through a crude swap system to assist refiners.

An appellate court is scheduled to deliver a verdict regarding former President Yoon Suk Yeol at 3:00 PM on the 29th. The charges stem from his actions during a state of martial law, specifically regarding the drafting and destruction of martial law proclamations. The case is being heard separately from the main insurrection-related trial. Charges include infringing on the deliberation rights of cabinet members during an emergency meeting and obstructing the arrest of security personnel by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials. The court found that Yoon refused to comply with arrest warrants without justifiable cause and mobilized security personnel for private use. Yoon faces charges including investigation interference and bribery. Both former leaders are now facing prison terms. The court rejected all grounds for appeal submitted by the defense.

The court ruled that Kim had intent to participate in the crime rather than mere awareness of price manipulation. The ruling stated Kim used the funds specifically for Deutsche Motors stock trading without loss-guarantee agreements. The court viewed stock manipulation as a comprehensive crime and determined that the statute of limitations for prosecuting accomplices had not expired. Kim Gun-Hwi maintains his innocence, citing a lack of direct evidence of awareness. The court ruled that the receipt of a Chanel bag constituted a request for favors, a finding that differed from the first instance ruling. The prosecution's initial findings were upheld according to the report. The court determined that the public opinion polls were not commissioned by former President Yoon's side.

President Lee Jae-myung said the need for strategic and flexible diplomacy during his first cabinet meeting following a six-day trip to India and Vietnam. Lee also stressed the necessity of self-reliant national defense to reduce dependence on foreign military presence. The remarks come amid observations of potential friction in South Korea-US relations regarding regional security strategies. President Lee met with opposition parties and independent lawmakers for lunch at the National Assembly today. Lee noted that while domestic issues can be overcome internally, the external environment remains difficult. He specifically highlighted challenges in foreign policy and security, including US-Korea relations and the US-Iran conflict.

The Seoul High Court sentenced Kim Keon-hee, wife of former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, to four years in prison. The ruling comes amid reports of increasing social instability and economic hardship in the region. Some citizens are reportedly digging for gold to survive due to the closure of funding sources. The court ordered a 50 million won fine and the confiscation of high-priced gifts, alongside the recovery of 20.94 million won. The sentence increased from the initial 1 year and 8 months after the court found her guilty of involvement in the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation scheme. The court also found her guilty of bribery charges regarding an 8 million won Chanel bag, ruling that there was evidence of a quid pro quo. However, the court maintained her innocence regarding allegations of commissioning opinion polls due to insufficient evidence of direct financial gain.

SK Hynix shares rose 0.6% during intraday trading to reach a record high of 1,333,000 won. The stock price increase follows the KOSPI index breaking the 6,700 level for the second consecutive day. Samsung Electronics shares fell 1% during the same period. Market sentiment is being influenced by expectations that US-Iran negotiations will eventually lead to an end to conflict. SK Hynix shares rose 0.6 percent to reach a record intraday high of 133,300 won. This amount represents an increase of nearly 3% compared to the previous year. The United States, China, and Russia remain the top three spenders, collectively accounting for more than half of all global military expenditures. Despite this overall increase, American military spending saw a decline in 2025. The company achieved revenue of 52.6 trillion won and an operating profit of 37.6 trillion won.

A court in Seoul found a woman guilty of stock manipulation and bribery. Public opinion polls indicate President Trump's approval ratings have dropped to their lowest level since his re-election. The court also ordered a collection of 20.94 million won. The sentence was increased from the initial 1 year and 8 months due to the reversal of the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation charges. The court acknowledged the use of Kim's funds in the initial trial. The court determined that Kim must be viewed as having participated in price manipulation activities. The ruling, delivered by the 15th Criminal Division, increased the sentence from the initial trial. Kim left the courtroom with her head bowed but stated she would follow principles and file a formal appeal immediately.