South Korea
During curling matches in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the lights went out at the Olympic Stadium, delaying the game for five minutes. The organizers did not name the cause of the incident.
Norway will purchase South Korean K239 Chunmoo MLRS for $2 billion. This will strengthen defense in the Arctic regions and deter Russian aggression.
General Motors Co. demonstrated impressive financial results for the fourth quarter, which sparked a wave of optimism among leading analysts. The company exceeded profit expectations and presented an ambitious development plan for 2026.
DPRK leader Kim Jong Un oversaw tests of a modernized multiple rocket launcher capable of selective strikes. Four missiles successfully hit a target in the sea at a distance of 358.5 km.
Donald Trump has raised import duties on goods from South Korea from 15% to 25% due to the non-ratification of the agreement. This decision caused Hyundai and Kia shares to plummet, which could cost them $3.5 billion annually.
Donald Trump has once again threatened tariffs on foreign films, while proposing "low-interest bonds" to support American film production. This initiative is a continuation of previous threats and plans to stimulate the industry.
US President Donald Trump announced an increase in tariffs for South Korea from 15 to 25% on cars, timber, and pharmaceutical products. This decision was made because the South Korean parliament did not approve the trade agreement concluded in 2025.
MHP became the first Ukrainian agricultural company to be an official partner of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
In 2026, Ukraine ranked 20th in the global military power rating among 145 countries, according to Global Firepower. The rating takes into account over 60 indicators, including army size and economic potential.
The US has published a new national defense strategy for 2026, with the main priority being the security of US territory and the Western Hemisphere. The strategy envisages limited support for allies and relations with China "based on strength."
The Pentagon plans to reduce its role in deterring North Korea, transferring primary responsibility to South Korea. This could lead to a reduction in American troops on the Korean Peninsula.
Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for his role in facilitating the declaration of martial law. The court found him guilty of sedition and perjury, which could impact the case of former President Yoon.
The man who killed Shinzo Abe in 2022 has been sentenced to life imprisonment. He pleaded guilty.
Donald Trump has invited a number of countries to his "Peace Council for Gaza" to implement a 20-point plan. The signing ceremony is scheduled for this Thursday in Davos.
China's population decreased by 3. 39 million in 2025, reaching 1.405 billion, while the birth rate fell to 7.92 million, an all-time low. The death rate rose to 11.31 million, the highest since 1968.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that Taiwan and South Korea would face 100% tariffs if they do not invest in semiconductor manufacturing in the US. This applies to Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and TSMC.
The Seoul Central District Court sentenced former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to five years in prison. He was accused of obstructing an arrest and destroying documents after the lifting of martial law, which was imposed in December 2024.
The US Department of Commerce and Taiwan have reached an agreement on tariff reduction and investment. Taiwan has pledged to invest $500 billion in the US technology sector.
A special prosecutor is demanding the death penalty for former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol. He is accused of attempting to remain in power by imposing martial law.
The Trump administration is finalizing negotiations with Taiwan to reduce tariffs by 5% in exchange for expanding semiconductor production. TSMC commits to building five new factories in Arizona.
Asian stock markets opened the week with gains due to positive US employment data. Oil prices are rising amid escalating protests in Iran.
Asian tech giants started 2026 with a strong surge, outperforming American competitors in the field of artificial intelligence. The region's key technology index rose by 6%, three times more than the Nasdaq 100.
South Korea refutes Pyongyang's claims of its drones violating its airspace. The South Korean military has no records of drone operations on the day specified by the DPRK.
North Korea accused the South of sending a reconnaissance drone to the DPRK's borders.
The leaders of China and South Korea have agreed to intensify trade cooperation and protect regional stability. The visit of South Korean leader Lee Jae-myung took place against the backdrop of North Korea's ballistic missile tests.
Mashable showed the first look at the foldable Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold phone in a video from CES 2026. This futuristic device is currently only available in Korea, with its US price expected to be around $2500.
One of the most legendary actors of South Korean cinema, Ahn Sung-ki, died at the age of 74 on January 5.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally observed the test of a new hypersonic missile on January 4. He emphasized the need to improve offensive weapons and nuclear deterrence.
K-pop group BTS will return to the stage as a full group on March 20, 2026. This will happen after an almost four-year hiatus, during which all members completed their military service.
The US Army deactivated the 5th Air Squadron of the 17th Regiment, based in South Korea, on December 15, 2025. This event is part of a global reform and does not involve a reduction in the US military presence in the region.