South Korea
The AI for All program is intended to provide citizens with free access to the premium features of local chatbots. Seoul seeks to reduce its dependence on the United States and China.
Brent prices rose 1. 6% after the U.S. strike on Iranian missile installations. Markets are anticipating a possible Federal Reserve rate hike.
In Nepal, 187 tourists have been found after the floods, but more than 3,000 people remain missing. The total death toll has exceeded 600.
Due to strikes on the Russian oil-refining network, Russia banned aviation fuel exports and imported 70,000 tonnes of Jet A-1 from Korea and Egypt, according to intelligence.
The Freedom Edge exercise will take place on September 9–11 in international waters near Jeju Island. The allies will test their readiness for threats from North Korea.
Flash floods have claimed the lives of at least 359 people, while more than 1,400 are missing. They include citizens of more than 30 countries.
89-year-old King Harald of Norway is being treated for a bacterial infection in his bloodstream. Due to his condition, his family and officials have canceled trips.
The Eagle Crest agreement will remain in effect until 2037 and covers the F-15EX, modernization, maintenance, and infrastructure. The initial contract is worth $343.7 million.
Seoul said that Pyongyang continues preparations to send troops to Russia, but there are no signs of an imminent deployment. North Korea is also supplying missiles.
Sweden tested the launch of Taurus from a Gripen C, accelerating the missile’s integration. This is important for future Ukrainian Gripens, but does not mean that Taurus will be transferred.
Congressman Rich McCormick called on Trump to resume full-scale U. S.–South Korean exercises. After the reduction, North Korea launched missiles.
The PanStar Acro set sail from Busan to Europe via the Northern Sea Route. The route cuts the journey by 7,000 km, but carries environmental and political risks.
The United States and South Korea ended the exercises six days early after North Korea launched about 10 ballistic missiles. Pyongyang rejected the reduction in the maneuvers.
The new wave of North Korean troops in Russia includes 400 drone operators capable of conducting reconnaissance and attacking targets in Ukraine. Pyongyang may be asked to send up to 50,000 more troops.
The U. S. Pacific Command stated that North Korea’s launches do not pose a threat to the United States or its allies. The EU called North Korea a serious threat.
Kim Yo Jong called the joint exercises provocative despite their reduction. She also denied contacts between Kim Jong Un and Trump.
A container ship from Busan will travel to Europe via the Arctic, with stops in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Poland. The journey will take 40–45 days.
Kim Yo Jong called Zelenskyy's statement about the possible deployment of 50,000 troops to Russia groundless. In 2024, North Korea sent approximately 14,000 military personnel.
Trump seeks to resume dialogue with Kim Jong Un and may meet with him in China in November. There is no official planning yet.
U. S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized CNN correspondent Kristen Holmes, calling her a "fake journalist" and urging her to shut up.
U. S. President Donald Trump said that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had responded to his recent message, calling the exchange “very positive.” This came after Trump ordered a reduction in military exercises with South Korea.
One person has died in South Korea due to torrential rains and landslides, and more than 130 residents have been evacuated. More than 800 mm of precipitation fell in South Gyeongsang Province, causing flooding and damage to infrastructure.
South Korea is reviewing Trump's comments about scaling back joint exercises, hoping for substantive negotiations. Pyongyang has not yet responded, while experts warn of possible high costs.
Lee Jae-myung called for talks with North Korea, proposing to replace the armistice with a peace regime. He also emphasized the need to prevent conflict and limit Pyongyang’s nuclear capabilities.
August 15 marks International Homeless Animals Day and World Honey Cake Day. Under the new calendar, Orthodox believers celebrate the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos.
U. S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on drones and their components. For aircraft weighing more than 25 kg and models with thermal imaging cameras, the tariff will be 100%; for smaller ones, 25%.
On August 12, North Korea launched a ballistic missile from the Wonsan area, marking the second test in a week. The launch took place amid preparations for joint U.S.–South Korean exercises.
The South Korean government maintains a cautious position regarding Ukraine's request for air defense support, emphasizing compliance with domestic law. Seoul continues to provide only humanitarian aid, refraining from supplying lethal weapons.
President Zelenskyy said that Russia had received additional ballistic missiles from North Korea and planned to deploy additional troops. He emphasized that this creates threats not only for Ukraine, but also for Japan and Korea.
An Austrian company from Vienna supplied equipment for the production of engines for Russian missiles and fighter jets by falsifying certificates. A 28-year-old Belarusian citizen has been detained; the damage amounts to €3.3 million.