South Korea
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.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the National Security and Defense Council's Center for Countering Disinformation, said that North Korea is interested in gaining experience from Russia's war against Ukraine in preparation for aggression on the Korean Peninsula. Pyongyang may also see opportunities arising from the confrontation between the United States and Iran.
The Kimsuky hacking group has created tools for running AI models locally and analyzing stolen data. They also use AI to create phishing campaigns and malware.
Zelenskyy said that Russia wants to deploy between 30,000 and 50,000 North Koreans on its territory. Pyongyang is studying Russia’s war against Ukraine, while Kyiv is calling on South Korea to strengthen cooperation.
Nearly 30,000 tonnes of refined fuel were shipped to Russia from South Korea in late July. This indicates growing demand for imports due to attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure.
According to Bloomberg, Kim Jong Un received up to $22 billion in foreign revenues from 2022 to 2025, four times more than in the previous period. This was made possible in part by supplying weapons and troops to Russia.
North Korean authorities recommend hot dishes, including dog meat soup, to combat the heat. Temperatures on the peninsula are reaching 40°C, while South Korea is recording fatalities.
The U. S. military said an investigation confirmed there had been no white phosphorus leak at Osan Air Base. The residue turned out to be harmless corrosion, and there were no injuries.
North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile near its east coast; the launch was detected by South Korea and Japan. South Korea's military has intensified surveillance and is coordinating actions with the United States and Japan.
U. S. President Donald Trump harshly criticized Canada during a speech in Las Vegas, calling it «disgusting» because of trade barriers. He also touched on talks with Iran, a possible increase in oil prices, and announced a «Big Healthcare Plan».
From May 15 to August 2, 2,025 people suffered from heat-related illnesses, and 16 died. The heat record was broken three times, with a maximum of 42.5°C in Yangsan.
Japan's Defense Minister stated the need to strengthen defense capabilities with a sense of urgency. The new "white paper" points to China's increased activity and Russia's cooperation with North Korea.
Korean cuisine combines simple ingredients, spicy seasonings and minimal heat treatment. Rice, kimchi and bulgogi are the basis of national cuisine.
In the city of Pyeongtaek, evacuation was announced due to a white phosphorus leak at the US Osan Air Base. The order was canceled after decontamination was completed; there are no casualties.
G7 central banks are preparing for interest rate decisions as oil prices approach $100 per barrel, increasing inflation risks. The US Federal Reserve, the Bank of England, and the Bank of Japan are likely to keep rates unchanged but may signal readiness to raise them in the fall.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee confirmed the status of three Ukrainian sites that are under threat due to the armed aggression of the Russian Federation. Among them are St. Sophia Cathedral, the historic center of Lviv, and Odesa.
The beta testing of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 starts on August 21 with early access for pre-order customers. The second open weekend for all platforms, including Nintendo Switch 2, will take place from August 28 to September 1.
ASEAN ministers expressed concern over the resumption of hostilities in the Middle East. The Houthis announced a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia, threatening global energy supplies.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Chinese leader Xi Jinping's visit to America will take place in September, despite Trump's accusations of Chinese interference in the election. Preparations for the trip are ongoing, and the parties remain in contact.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee is considering adding Chersonesus Taurica in occupied Crimea to the list of sites in danger. The landmark is threatened by illegal excavations and construction.
Next week, important economic data and central bank decisions from the US, China, and Japan are expected. The Fed is in a quiet period ahead of its July 28-29 meeting, while the People's Bank of China will announce its rate decision.
Greece has submitted an application for the inclusion of Mount Olympus in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a mixed cultural and natural heritage site. The application will be considered at the Committee meeting in Busan from July 20 to 29.
South Korea has asked North Korea for help in searching for a sailor who went missing near the inter-Korean maritime border. The request was conveyed through journalists, as there is no active communication channel.