Stories from South Korea

The total market capitalization of companies listed in South Korea has increased by more than 45% this year. In contrast, the UK market capitalization has grown by only 3% during the same period. Bloomberg data indicates that the UK market size was approximately double that of South Korea at the end of 2024. This growth in South Korea is linked to a global pivot toward artificial intelligence. South Korea's total industrial production increased by 0.3% in March, marking the second consecutive month of growth following a 2.1% rise in February. According to March industrial activity trends, automotive production grew by 7.8% and machinery equipment rose by 4.6%. However, semiconductor production fell by 8.1%, following a 28.2% decline in the previous month. Mining and manufacturing production increased by 0.3%, while the service sector grew by 1.4%.

South Korea and Ghana signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to expand cooperation in climate change, artificial intelligence, and maritime security. South Korean authorities are investigating reports of syringe hoarding. The trend is reportedly linked to supply disruptions caused by conflicts in the Middle East affecting plastic manufacturers.

Google DeepMind co-founder Demis Hassabis met with President Lee Jae-myung to discuss opening a Google AI campus in Seoul within this year. The move follows Hassabis's visit to the Blue House. The expansion aims to establish the first facility of its kind in Seoul. The move occurs amid ongoing disputes regarding network usage fees between Korean providers and US big tech companies. Korean providers argue for fees due to lack of cost-sharing, while US firms claim such charges violate net neutrality principles. This tension is creating new friction in US-South Korea trade negotiations. The development occurs amidst trade friction regarding network usage fees between US tech firms and South Korea.

South Korean National Election Commission reported 5,355 requests to delete illegal deepfake posts as of April 23. This comes ahead of the June 3 local elections. The report noted that fake photos have already caused police resource diversion, with 71 officers responding to a single incident. The source stated that over 300,000 posts claiming manipulation have been made. The number of deepfake-related incidents rose 27 times compared to the previous year. Specifically, 35.2% of these cases involved deepfake-related falsehoods. The National Investigation Headquarters of the Korean National Police Agency recorded 4,413 cases of cyber sexual violence crimes between November 2024 and October 2025, representing a 35% increase from the same period last year. A study from the MIT Media Lab indicates that 7 out of 10 people cannot distinguish between real and fake videos.

Large crowds of people have gathered at a location in Yesan, South Chungcheong Province, to experience paranormal activities. People have been gathering at the location at night to experience what is described as a haunted setting from a popular horror film. The influx of visitors has led to the current situation requiring police intervention.

A 75-year-old woman in South Korea tested positive for Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) on April 24. This marks the second confirmed case in the country following a 70-year-old male infection in Ulsan on April 21. SFTS is a viral infection typically occurring between April and November when ticks are active. Symptoms include high fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and bleeding. The disease is transmitted via tick bites. The disease can affect the lungs and breathing or cause hemorrhagic fever. The British government is closely monitoring the reports.

Seoul mayoral candidate Jung Won-ho declared intentions to win the June 3 local elections during a campaign meeting in Jung-gu, Seoul. Jung stated the goal is to support the Lee Jae-myung administration by replacing local government leadership. He described the current era of the Seoul mayoral election as a need for an administrator who improves citizens' lives. The candidate also addressed the potential reinstatement of the Financial Investment Income Tax. A candidate for the Seoul mayoralty visited the Seoul 9988 Center, one of their key priority projects. The candidate proposed health as their primary campaign pledge, titled 'Strong Physicality, Seoul.' The platform aims to center urban competitiveness on the physical well-being of citizens. The candidate represents the People Power Party.

Local residents in the Bukchon Hanok Village district of Seoul are facing disruptions due to high volumes of tourists. Crowds are causing traffic congestion as buses become stuck in narrow streets. Additionally, local residents report that traditional souvenir shops are displacing essential services like supermarkets. The situation reflects a global trend of tension between tourism growth and local livability. The area contains approximately 900 traditional hanok houses that attract crowds of visitors dressed in traditional attire. The Bukchon Guardians politely ask tourists to leave the residential area starting at 5:00 PM each day to allow for peace. This initiative is in its early stages but may be adopted by other high-density tourist locations.

The Seoul High Court is scheduled to deliver an appellate verdict today at 3:00 PM regarding Kim Keon-hee. A court ruled to confiscate luxury items including designer bags valued over 80 million won and a Graff diamond necklace worth approximately 62.2 million won. Additionally, a Graff diamond necklace valued at approximately 62.2 million won was confiscated, with a further 20.94 million won in recovery ordered. The court noted that Kim failed to admit guilt and instead attempted to evade responsibility. The ruling said that public expectations for the conduct of a presidential spouse are equal to those of the president. The court is reviewing the case following previous indictments by prosecutors. Prosecutors are also filing an appeal because they claim the court's sentencing was insufficient. The sentence was broadcast by the YoHab Local News Agency and other local media.

The Korea e-Sports Association (KeSPA) has announced its withdrawal from the ENC Esports Championship.