KOREA
South Korean shares hit over 29-month high, Samsung Electronics shines
South Korean financial markets experience a surge, with shares hitting a 29-month high driven by Samsung Electronics' expected profit increase. Auto and financial sectors also see gains due to dividend policy measures. Bank of Korea suggests structural reforms for addressing high living costs. Foreign investors show interest with net share purchases. Market yields decline notably.
North Korea says tested missile capable of carrying super-large warhead
North Korea successfully tested a new tactical ballistic missile capable of carrying a super-large warhead, state media said Tuesday, with analysts suggesting the weapon could be nuclear-capable. Pyongyang's state media claimed it had successfully launched the Hwasongpho-11Da-4.5 missile, which it said was capable of carrying a 4.5 ton-class super-large warhead.
K-pop leads to death: North Korean youth publicly executed for listening to South Korean music
A 22-year-old man in North Korea was publicly executed in 2022 for listening to and sharing K-pop music and South Korean films, according to a South Korean human rights report. The report details how North Korean authorities enforce strict laws against "reactionary ideology and culture," targeting various forms of Western influence, including fashion and media. Despite these harsh measures, South Korean culture continues to influence North Korean youth.
North Korea says its recent missile tests involved new ballistic missile with 'super-large warhead'
North Korea announced Tuesday the successful test-firing of a new tactical ballistic missile, named Hwasongpho-11Da-4.5, capable of carrying a 4.5 ton-class "super-large warhead." The test aimed to verify flight stability and accuracy, with a range from 90 to 500 kilometers. South Korea reported two missiles launched, with differing flight paths: one reaching 600 kilometers and the other 120 kilometers. North Korea plans further tests in July. These developments follow heightened North Korean military activities since 2022, focusing on expanding its nuclear-capable arsenal amid regional tensions with the U.S., South Korea, and Japan.
N. Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles, one fails
North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles, with one launch failing, South Korea's military reported Monday. The launches followed North Korea's warning of "fatal consequences" after joint military exercises by South Korea, Japan, and the US. The first missile flew 600 km, while the second traveled 120 km and seemed to explode mid-air. The launches come amid tensions over accusations that North Korea supplied weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine and ongoing military activities in both Koreas.
North Korea test-launches 2 ballistic missiles, after end of new US-South Korea-Japan drill
North Korea test-fired two ballistic missiles on Monday, following a vow of "offensive and overwhelming" responses to recent US-South Korea-Japan military drills. The missiles were launched from Jangyon, with the first traveling 600 km and the second 120 km. The first missile landed in the waters off Chongjin, while the second likely crashed inland. The test comes amid heightened tensions, with North Korea condemning the "Freedom Edge" drill and asserting defensive measures against perceived threats from the trilateral alliance and regional pressures.
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N. Korea condemns drills by US, Japan, S. Korea as 'Asian NATO'
North Korea denounced on Sunday joint military drills by South Korea, Japan and the United States, calling them an "Asian version of NATO" and warning of "fatal consequences". "The US-Japan-ROK relations have taken on the full-fledged appearance of an Asian-version NATO," it said, warning of "fatal consequences".
North Korean officials sport Kim Jong Un pins for first time
North Korean officials publicly displayed pins with Kim Jong Un's portrait for the first time during a key meeting of the ruling party. The move symbolised the development of a cult of personality surrounding the leader, The 10th Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, chaired by Kim, reviewed the party's performance. North Korea's Kim dynasty has historically relied on building cults of personality for its leaders to maintain power.
N. Korea condemns drills by US, Japan, S. Korea as 'Asian NATO'
North Korea has condemned joint military exercises involving South Korea, Japan, and the United States, likening them to an "Asian version of NATO" and warning of severe consequences. The drills, named "Freedom Edge," focused on ballistic missile defense, anti-submarine warfare, and cyber defense. Pyongyang, through its foreign ministry, criticized these exercises as provocative and accused the US, Japan, and South Korea of forming a military bloc against North Korea. The North has historically viewed such drills as preparations for invasion, amid ongoing tensions and cross-border provocations with South Korea.
Are public executions on the rise in North Korea? The Hermit Kingdom seeks to curb cultural influence from South Korea
A report by the South Korean Ministry of Unification has pointed out that there are a growing number of public executions in North Korea. The hermit kingdom has actively sought to curb cultural influence from its southern neighbor and there are severe punishments to enforce these laws.
North Korea says it tested a new multiwarhead missile. South Korea says it's covering up a failure
North Korea announced a successful test of a multiwarhead missile aimed at enhancing its capability to overcome US and South Korean defenses. However, South Korea disputed this claim, asserting the missile launch had actually failed. North Korea's state media reported the test involved separating and guiding warheads accurately, showcasing progress in its missile development despite technical challenges. Analysts anticipate further tests to refine this technology, which includes decoys to evade missile defenses. The test coincides with heightened regional tensions, including North Korea's objections to US military presence and provocative actions toward South Korea.
N. Korea may have used hypersonic missile in failed launch, South's military says
North Korea's missile launch on Wednesday ended in failure as the device exploded mid-air, according to South Korea's military. Officials suspect that the failed launch involved a hypersonic missile.
North Korea fires suspected ballistic missile, says Japan; instructs for precaution
Japan issued an emergency alert after a suspected ballistic missile launch by North Korea on Tuesday. The Japan Prime Minister's Office quickly lifted the alert, stating the missile was not expected to reach Japan. Despite the false alarm, the PMO instructed officials to gather and analyze information, ensure the safety of aircraft and vessels, and prepare for contingencies. This incident follows increased missile activity by North Korea, leading the US, Japan, and South Korea to condemn such actions and enhance their strategic cooperation.
South Korea begins search for answers after battery plant fire kills 22
Following a devastating fire at a lithium battery factory in South Korea that claimed the lives of 22 workers with one still missing, urgent safety inspections have been ordered at high-risk industrial sites. The blaze, which erupted in a warehouse containing 35,000 lithium batteries, resulted in toxic smoke, likely causing the workers to lose consciousness and perish within seconds. The majority of the victims were temporary workers from China, prompting investigations into safety regulations and training practices for foreign laborers.
What is this defense deal between Russia and North Korea? Will it threaten China?
A top US defense official has said that a recently concluded defense deal between Russia and North Korea could threaten China. He added that any instability in the region could derail China’s economic and strategic objectives.
Fire at a lithium battery factory in South Korea kills 22
A fire at a manufacturing factory in South Korea, likely caused by exploding lithium batteries, resulted in the death of 22 workers, mostly Chinese migrants, and injured 8 others. The incident occurred during battery examination and packaging, with nationalities of the victims including Chinese, South Korean, and Laotian. Authorities are investigating the blaze, while efforts continue to locate a missing worker and treat the injured.
US aircraft carrier arrives in South Korea as a show of force against nuclear-armed North Korea
A U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, has arrived in South Korea for a joint exercise involving Japan, aimed at bolstering military readiness against North Korean threats. The exercise, called Freedom Edge, follows heightened tensions after a security pact between Russia and North Korea. The U.S., South Korea, and Japan are increasing military cooperation, with the USS Roosevelt strike group expected to participate in the drills. The group will later head to the Middle East to promote regional stability and protect commerce.
China watches cautiously as Russia and North Korea strengthen ties
China is closely watching as Russia and North Korea strengthen their relationship through a new defense pact, raising concerns about power dynamics. China faces a strategic dilemma, aiming to maintain peace on the Korean Peninsula while countering US influence. Its restrained response indicates uncertainty about how to navigate the situation. Experts suggest internal disagreements or difficulty assessing the situation may be hindering China's response. While some in China may see the pact as balancing US dominance, there is discomfort over potential outcomes.
Russia-North Korea pact could dent China's influence, but Beijing still holds sway over both
China appears concerned as Russia and North Korea strengthen ties through a new defence pact, potentially challenging China's influence over North Korea. Experts suggest China is struggling to respond due to conflicting goals of maintaining peace in Korea while countering the US. China's weak public response may indicate uncertainty on how to proceed. Concerns include Russia aiding North Korea's weapons program and the potential for a new Cold War alliance.
How did North Korean soldiers wander across the world's most heavily guarded border?
The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea is an intensely fortified strip of land, 248 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide, possibly the most heavily armed place on Earth. It features two million mines, barbed wire fences, tank traps, and tens of thousands of troops from both sides. Despite this, recent incidents of North Korean soldiers crossing into South Korea have been attributed to overgrown foliage obscuring the demarcation line markings.
South Korea blasts Russia-North Korea deal, says it will consider supplying arms to Ukraine
South Korea condemns Russia and North Korea's mutual defense agreement, reconsidering support to Ukraine. North Korea and Russia vow military assistance in case of war, causing concern. Seoul warns of negative consequences on relations with Moscow.
Why Russia’s bond with North Korea is a danger to the world
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit North Korea, strengthening ties with Kim Jong Un. The two countries have increased trade in commodities and arms, aiding Russia's war on Ukraine. The meeting could lead to further arms transfers, impacting the conflict and regional stability.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake in southwestern South Korea cracks walls and leaves other minor damage
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck Buan, a fishing community in southwestern South Korea, causing minor property damage but no injuries. The quake, with a depth of 8 kilometers, was the strongest in South Korea this year. It resulted in cracked walls, broken tiles, and items knocked off store shelves. The National Fire Agency reported eight cases of property damage in Buan and Iksan, and received nearly 80 calls from residents who felt the tremor.
Indonesia Open: PV Sindhu crashes out after losing in first round
Two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu faced a first-round exit at the Indonesia Open 2024, losing to Taiwan’s Wen Chi Hsu 21-15, 15-21, 21-14. The match lasted over an hour. This follows her second-round defeat at the Singapore Open against Carolina Marin. Sindhu, currently ranked 12th, has been struggling with recent performances. In women's doubles, Indian pair Rutaparna and Swetaparna Panda also faced a first-round defeat against South Korea's Kim So Yeong and Kong Hee Yong.
Dipa Karmakar scripts history, becomes first Indian gymnast to win gold in Asian Senior C'ships
Dipa, who had finished fourth in the vault final at the 2016 Rio Olympics, had won a bronze medal in the same event in the 2015 edition.
Deepak Punia's Paris Olympic qualification hangs by thread after early defeat
Deepak Punia faces Olympic qualification setback. Sujeet Kalkal and Jaideep Ahlawat progress in World Olympic Qualifiers, while Sumit Malik faces defeat.
China wins Uber Cup for 16th time, beats Indonesia 3-0 in final
China won the Uber Cup for the 16th time, defeating Indonesia 3-0. Olympic champion Chen Yu Fei and world No. 1 Chen Qing Chen and Jia Yi Fan led China to a commanding 2-0 lead. Indonesia's Ester Nurumi fought hard, but He Bing Jiao recovered to win 10-21, 21-15, 21-17. Both nations will meet in the Thomas Cup final, marking the first time since 2012 that the same countries will play in both finals.
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