Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Over 70% apply for oil price relief just four days after launch

More than 70 percent of people eligible for financial assistance related to high oil prices have applied for the benefits, just four days after the program was launched, government data showed Friday.

2026-05-01

Korean vessels remain stuck in Strait of Hormuz despite special envoy's efforts

The fate of 26 Korea-linked vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain despite the government's efforts of sending a special envoy to Iran.

2026-04-30

Seoul navigates dual blockade in Strait of Hormuz as special envoy returns from rare Tehran mission

Korea’s special envoy to Tehran secured a direct line to the Iranian leadership but left without a deal to free 26 Korean-linked vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, officials said Thursday.

2026-04-30

USFK troop drawdown not being discussed: Defense Ministry

South Korea and the United States are not discussing a drawdown of the 28,500-strong U.S. forces stationed in Korea, a Ministry of National Defense official said Thursday.

2026-04-30

Trump signals possible reduction of U.S. troops in Germany

U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States is weighing a possible reduction of U.S. troops in Germany, with a decision to be made over “the next short period of time” after he decried European allies over a lack of support for the Iran war.

2026-04-30

Hegseth calls North Korea's nuclear program 'lesson' as he defends Iran operation

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday described North Korea's menacing nuclear program as a "lesson" to learn, as he defended the U.S. military operation against Iran, which a Pentagon official said has cost an estimated $25 billion.

2026-04-30

Seoul in 'consultations' with Tehran over Korean vessels stranded in Strait of Hormuz

Korea is actively seeking ways to resolve the issue of its ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, including consultations with Iran, a presidential spokesperson said Wednesday.

2026-04-29

Eximbank, officials from 11 embassies strategize on critical mineral supply chains

Officials from 11 embassies gathered at the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank) on Monday for the Critical Minerals Roundtable to strategize on ways to secure the supply chains of critical minerals amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

2026-04-28

Police investigate four companies for hoarding medical syringes amid ongoing shortage

Police announced on Monday that they have launched an investigation into four companies suspected of hoarding medical syringes in violation of a government ban amid a shortage caused by the Middle East conflict.

2026-04-27

Lee's six-day state visit abroad sees success, but issues still exist at home

President Lee Jae Myung, back from a six-day state visit that delivered economic gains abroad, is now facing mounting challenges at home, including a tightening housing market and rising uncertainty over global energy supplies.

2026-04-26