During his visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meetings, President Trump was presented with a golden crown, a gesture aimed at finalizing a $350 billion trade deal. This seems to have worked as Washington and Seoul reached a broad trade agreement. The focus of the trip shifted to Trump’s meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The South Korean leg of Trump’s Asia tour follows his visit to Japan where he signed a rare-earths deal and announced several important energy and technology projects in the US to be funded by Japan.
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On a recent weekend, approximately 20 North Korean soldiers briefly crossed the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) into South Korea, prompting the South Korean military to fire warning shots until the soldiers retreated. This incursion occurred near Paju, where the North Korean troops were believed to be engaged in border work. The incident followed South Korea’s announcement of a new missile plan aimed at deterring North Korea and coincided with a North Korean missile test. As tensions continue, President Trump is expected to meet with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the upcoming APEC summit.
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South Korea’s Ministry of Data and Statistics will now recognize same-sex couples in the national census, allowing them to identify as “spouse” or “cohabiting partner.” This change marks a significant first step in reflecting LGBTQ+ citizens in national data, as previous censuses rejected these options. While same-sex marriage remains illegal in South Korea, this move follows a 2024 ruling that granted same-sex couples access to health insurance benefits. However, LGBTQ+ rights face ongoing challenges, including bans on adoption and military service, alongside a lack of hate crime protections, despite some public support.
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South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has ordered all-out diplomatic efforts to protect South Korean citizens in Cambodia following the alleged torture and death of a university student lured by a scam ring. The surge in kidnappings of South Koreans in Cambodia, fueled by promises of high-paying jobs that lead to forced participation in online fraud, has prompted an emergency task force for repatriation. Three Chinese nationals have been charged with murder in connection to the student’s death, while South Korea seeks a joint autopsy and plans to establish a direct police desk within Cambodia. Reported cases of kidnapping have increased significantly, leading to heightened travel advisories and growing diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
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858TB of government data may be lost for good after South Korea data center fire. This is a monumental loss, and frankly, a bit mind-boggling. It’s the kind of story that makes you shake your head and wonder how this could happen in this day and age. We’re talking about almost a petabyte of data potentially gone forever due to a data center fire.
The initial report states that the G-Drive couldn’t have a backup system because of its large capacity. That’s the excuse, and it’s simply not good enough. The capacity isn’t an issue. You can absolutely back up that much data.… Continue reading
South Korea cannot pay $350 billion to the US for a tariff deal, according to the assessment, and this is a pivotal starting point to dissect what’s really going on. The sheer magnitude of that number is enough to make anyone pause, especially when considering the realities of international trade and economic negotiation. It’s not just a simple exchange; it’s a complex web of agreements, regulations, and, well, sometimes, pressure tactics.
This brings us to the core of the issue: the suggestion of a $350 billion payment for a tariff deal is viewed by many as a form of extortion. Think of it as a demand rather than a negotiation, a scenario where one party is essentially holding the other’s access to a market hostage.… Continue reading
South Korean investment projects in the US face significant delays due to unresolved visa issues, according to the nation’s Prime Minister. He emphasized that meaningful progress is unlikely until the US addresses concerns about Korean workers being detained. The Prime Minister urged Washington to take swift action to reassure investors. This interview with Bloomberg News also touched upon defense spending and North Korea.
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The leader of the Unification Church has been arrested in South Korea on charges of bribing the former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, with luxury gifts, as well as allegedly bribing a lawmaker. These actions were allegedly intended to secure political and business favors. The church has denied these allegations, and the leader insists she has no interest in politics. Several individuals involved, including a former church official and the lawmaker, have also been arrested or indicted in relation to the case.
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South Korea is currently investigating reports of Russia supplying North Korea with nuclear submarine reactor modules, a move that experts believe is highly plausible. According to reports, Moscow allegedly provided two or three modules, including reactor cores and turbines, removed from decommissioned Russian submarines earlier this year. While South Korean officials have not confirmed the intelligence, analysts suggest the transfer is realistic given the strengthening military ties between the two nations. This development would significantly advance North Korea’s long-term goal of establishing a nuclear-powered navy.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood