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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.
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.
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.
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.
Korea Requests Unlimited Currency Swap from U.S. Government, and the implications are significant. This request, a demand for a potentially massive currency swap agreement, immediately raises eyebrows, as these kinds of arrangements are typically reserved for times of extreme financial distress, much like the 2008 global financial crisis or the more recent challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The fact that South Korea is seeking this now suggests they’re facing some significant hurdles in their plans to invest heavily in the United States.
At its core, the issue revolves around South Korea’s commitment to invest a substantial sum, reportedly around $350 billion, in the U.S.… Continue reading
Following a raid at a US electric vehicle battery plant in Georgia, the South Korean government is investigating potential human rights violations against its citizens. More than 300 South Korean workers, detained for a week, have returned home, prompting South Korea to express “strong regret” to the US. The South Korean government is working with relevant companies to investigate the matter, as the incident strains relations between the two countries. President Lee Jae-myung warned that this raid may discourage foreign investment in the US and called for an official apology.
Following a raid on a Hyundai Motor-LG Energy battery joint venture plant in Georgia, the South Korean government secured the release of approximately 300 detained nationals. The workers, primarily LG Energy staff and engineers, were taken into custody by ICE and other agencies for allegedly working without proper permits. The detained employees are scheduled to return to South Korea on a chartered flight through a “voluntary departure” process, avoiding deportation records. This incident has raised concerns about the potential impact on major Korean investment projects in the US, and has led to a freeze on travel plans by other companies.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood