Energy or ally? Seoul faces pressure to choose as Trump issues Hormuz ultimatum.

President Donald Trump's ultimatum to Iran over the Strait of Hormuz pressures Korea, which seeks to balance dialogue with Tehran against U.S. demands for regional security support, amid rising tensions.

2026-03-23

Trump raises idea of shifting responsibility for Hormuz Strait to countries using it

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday floated the idea of shifting responsibility for securing the crucial Strait of Hormuz to countries that use the waterway, saying it would put some "non-responsive" allies "in gear."

2026-03-19

As food fads come and go, small businesses trying to catch the latest wave end up drowning in debt

Low barriers to entry and loan-heavy government support are fueling a cycle of trend-driven “blind startups” among small business owners, leaving many buried in debt when short-lived food fads fade and closures follow.

2026-02-03

School's out for good, but repurposing plans are getting held back

The number of permanently closed schools is on the rise with shrinking student populations, but repurposing the buildings is running into snags for some, while others have found new use by their communities.

2025-05-16

Trump eyes closure of U.S. consulate in Busan along with 26 other diplomatic facilities

U.S. President Donald Trump is looking to close the U.S. consulate in Korea along with 26 other embassies and consulates around the world, CNN reported Tuesday.

2025-04-16

Major supermarkets gain weekend trading freedom in gov't overhaul

The government will scrap mandatory closure days imposed on large supermarket chains on public holidays alongside the regulation limiting the amount of subsidies on the purchase of smartphones.

2024-01-22

[NEWS IN FOCUS] Supermarkets move contentious mandatory closure days to weekdays

More supermarkets in Korea are opting to close on a weekday to avoid mandatory closure on Sundays.

2024-01-15

North Korean embassy closures continue, this time in Spain

North Korea is set to close its embassy in Spain due to difficulties arising from international sanctions, marking the third closure made public since last week.

2023-11-01

[Editorial] An unhealthy obsession with school subsidies (KOR)

Education offices should not be obsessed with defending their budget. They must work with the education ministry to draw up a long-term plan to reflect the demographic change to minimize the side effects.

2023-02-16

[Editorial] An unhealthy obsession with school subsidies