Korea

U.S. has stepped back from all-cash, upfront payment demand, says Korea’s industry minister

South Korea’s industry minister says the U.S. has softened its demand for full upfront payment of Korea’s $350 billion investment package, signaling progress in ongoing tariff negotiations ahead of the APEC summit in Gyeongju.

Trips to Panmunjom to be suspended amid speculation over possible Trump-Kim talks

South Korea’s Unification Ministry will suspend Panmunjom trips from late October to early November, as speculation mounts over a possible Trump-Kim meeting during the APEC summit in Gyeongju.

North Korea operating 4 political prison camps with up to 65,000 detainees: Report

A new report by the Korea Institute for National Unification says North Korea is operating four political prison camps holding up to 65,000 detainees under forced labor.

’61 days in hell’: Korean man recounts being trafficked in Cambodia

A Korean man who was trafficked in Cambodia recounts 61 days of abuse, extortion, and detention after seeking help from police, highlighting the grim reality of cross-border crime victims.

Top Korean business leaders to play golf with Trump to support stalled tariff negotiations

Top Korean conglomerate chiefs including Lee Jae-yong, Chey Tae-won, and Chung Eui-sun will meet former President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago to discuss tariff issues and AI cooperation.

2,000 Korean nationals kept at 50 criminal compounds in Cambodia

A Busan police investigator says over 2,000 Koreans are being held in more than 50 criminal compounds in Cambodia, lured by fake job offers and forced into online scams.

North Korea unveils new Hwasong-20 ICBM capable of striking U.S. mainland

North Korea unveiled its new solid-fuel Hwasong-20 ICBM during a nighttime military parade in Pyongyang, marking its most advanced missile capable of reaching the U.S. mainland and highlighting growing ties with China and Russia.

North Korea stages nighttime parade marking party’s 80th anniversary, showcasing ties with China and Russia

North Korea held a nighttime military parade in Pyongyang to mark the Workers’ Party’s 80th anniversary, emphasizing closer ties with China and Russia and unveiling new strategic weapons.

Korean activist transferred to ‘notorious’ Israeli prison as Korean government advocates release

A Korean activist detained after a flotilla bound for Gaza was transferred to Ktzi’ot Prison, as Seoul urges Israel to ensure safety and a swift release.

Trump-Xi schedule clash threatens to derail South Korea’s APEC ambitions

Scheduling conflicts between Trump and Xi threaten to derail South Korea’s plans to make the APEC summit a global diplomatic milestone.