Stories from South Korea

The preparatory team for the Major Crimes Investigation Agency established its office at the Seoul Government Complex Annex today. Vice Minister Kim Min-jae serves as the head of the team, with Deputy Prosecutor Lee Jin-yong serving as the deputy head.

South Korean labor laws currently prevent workers on short-term contracts of less than one year from receiving severance pay.

Samsung Electronics allocated 30 percent of its total research and development investment to specific areas last year. Chinese financial media reports that Trump is specifically conducting these negotiations via telephone. Analysts suggest that if President Trump initiates military operations, they may focus on attacking Iran's strategic assets to block the Strait of Hormuz. There are concerns regarding the depletion of US munitions and the potential impact on large-scale combat capabilities. The possibility of a full-scale war is currently assessed as low. No new specific facts added in this feed regarding the Trump-Putin dialogue. Donald Trump stated that his previous comments regarding the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman were intentional and not accidental.

The Korea Consumer Agency reported 94 suspected cases of poisonous plant ingestion over the last five years. The plants are often confused with edible varieties such as Deodeok due to similar appearances.

South Korea has begun a two-stage application process to distribute financial aid to citizens. For contracts lasting 11 months, workers may receive an amount equivalent to one month's salary. The system includes specific rates such as 8.5% for certain periods and a maximum payment of 2.49 million won for those with contracts under 12 months. The reporter noted the distinction between this and standard retirement pension calculations. This measure is part of a plan to improve treatment for non-regular workers in the public sector, with plans to expand to the private sector later. The allowance is distinct from standard severance pay due to different calculation methods and regulations. The South Korean government will begin including school bullying records in university entrance exam penalty standards starting in 2026.

Bitcoin reached 118,000 won on local exchanges, according to a report from YTN Radio. Bitcoin futures closed at 118.03 dollars on the i-C exchange, up 6.1 percent. WTI rose 7 percent to 106.88 dollars.

Thousands of bees gathered under a bicycle saddle near a subway station entrance within minutes. Authorities temporarily closed the subway entrance following reports of the swarm. Local beekeepers were called to carefully collect and relocate the bees to another location.

The KOSPI index closed at 6690.90, marking a 0.75% increase from the previous day. This performance continues a three-day streak of closing at record highs. The index has maintained this upward trend throughout April.

An appellate court reduced the sentence of a soldier who attempted sexual assault during his vacation from 20 years to 13 years in prison. The source noted that these specific sectors drove the record-breaking performance. South Korea's total stock market capitalization has surpassed the United Kingdom to become the 8th largest in the world. The total market cap grew by more than 45% this year, exceeding 4.18 trillion dollars. This growth follows the KOSPI index closing above the 6600 level on Monday. The value represents the total market value of all listed stocks converted to current market prices. The prosecution is seeking a reversal of the initial verdict after previously requesting a 10-year sentence. The Democratic Party is criticizing the People Power Party for nominating a candidate who previously faced a prison sentence and was later granted a pardon.

A magnitude 2.6 earthquake occurred in the Sinpyeong Bukjong area, approximately 6km from the center. The earthquake reached a depth of 8km. The Korea Meteorological Administration analyzed the event as a natural earthquake.