Stories from South Korea

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.

A young craftsman is revitalizing traditional silverware making. The craftsman's work is being celebrated for preserving traditional craftsmanship. This effort aims to bring new vitality to ancient crafts amidst economic challenges.

South Korean authorities are investigating reports of an explosion and fire aboard a South Korean vessel. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated that Israel has violated a ceasefire agreement thousands of times since late 2024, causing civilian casualties and displacement. The Israeli military announced it had begun striking Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Reports indicate an escalation in the Strait of Hormuz involving shots fired by both Iran and the United States at vessels. Emmanuel Macron has reportedly made a call regarding the situation. An American soldier denied claims of casualties involving US Navy vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM issued a categorical denial of the claim, stating no US naval personnel were injured. The US Treasury Secretary noted that Washington is maintaining full military focus on the Strait of Hormuz.

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.

The Shinxin Group has opened its 13th department store in the Daejeon region. The group is implementing a new retail model by integrating its online channels. This strategy aims to address connectivity issues seen in other retail groups like the Lele Group.

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

Lee Kang-in reportedly had a physical altercation with teammate Son Heung-min during a team gathering. The Nae Goyang team is scheduled to face Suwon. The North Korean women's football team will play against South Korea in the AFC Women's Champions League semi-finals. Their head coach is Hong Myung-bo, a renowned former defender who played in four World Cups. No new specific details provided in current feed. They are scheduled to compete in the AFC Women's Club Championship semi-finals. Northern and North-Central regions of Vietnam are experiencing cool weather, with minimum temperatures around 19-22 degrees Celsius, dropping below 19 in mountainous areas. Southern and Northeastern regions, from Quang Hoa to Hanoi, will face heavy rain and downpours, with rainfall between 10-30 millimeters. The North Central region will see temperatures between 20-23 degrees Celsius.