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Oct 15, 2026

Seoul pushes back against US signal for OPCON transfer delay

The South Korean military said Thursday it would stick to an existing agreement on conditions for wartime operational control (OPCON) transfer from Washington to Seoul, despite a warning from the top U.S. commander in Korea that evolving security threats require new standards. It showed discomfort over U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson’s remarks on the need to change standards and conditions for the transition because “the transfer would never be possible” under the existing standards. The military said it has not decided whether to accept any new conditions proposed by the U.S. “The principle that OPCON will be transferred once the conditions mutually agreed upon by South Korea and the United States are met remains unchanged,” ministry spokesperson Chung Binna said at a briefing. Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul said Thursday that Seoul had already conveyed its concerns to the U.S. side over Bronson’s remarks. “We have already conveyed our position on that matter,” Kang said during a National Assembly audit, responding to a question from Rep. Son Sol

Oct 15, 2026

Seoul to maintain Ukraine support despite NK POW dispute

South Korea will continue supporting Ukraine “as a responsible member of the international community” despite a diplomatic dispute over the disclosure of two North Korean prisoners of war being repatriated to the South, a foreign ministry official said Thursday. The official said Seoul will treat its assistance to Ukraine separately from the dispute, while continuing bilateral consultations to resolve outstanding issues. The remarks came after South Korean Ambassador to Ukraine Park Ki-chang was recalled to Seoul on Saturday, following a spat over Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s public disclosure of the transfer during his U.N. General Assembly speech on Sept. 23. The ambassador’s recall was one of several options Seoul considered after the disclosure, which it says breached a confidentiality arrangement intended to protect the soldiers and their families in North Korea. President Lee Jae Myung has demanded that Kyiv acknowledge the agreement and publicly apologize, warning of “additional measures” if it refuses. Kyiv has denied such an understanding existed. Meanwhi

Oct 15, 2026

Lee calls for US firms to explore investment, biz opportunities in Korea

President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday called on a U.S. business council to actively explore new investment and business opportunities in Korea for mutually complementary cooperation between the two nations, the presidential office said. Lee made the remarks during a meeting with Evan G. Greenberg, chair of the U.S.-Korea Business Council (USKBC) and CEO of Chubb Group, at Cheong Wa Dae, according to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung. "Korea and the United States are developing into a future-oriented comprehensive strategic alliance encompassing the economy and advanced technologies, based on a robust security alliance," Lee said, expressing hope that Korea could also contribute to the development of U.S. industries. Stressing the need for active investment in both directions for "mutually complementary cooperation," Lee called on the USKBC to "actively explore new investment and business opportunities in Korea so that U.S. companies can expand their investment here alongside Korean companies' investments in the U.S." Lee also highlighted Korea's focus on investing in human resources a

Oct 15, 2026

Lee formally appoints inaugural chief of agency in charge of major investigations

President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday formally appointed the inaugural chief of the newly established Serious Crime Investigation Agency (SCIA), which is in charge of major investigations under the interior ministry. Lee approved the appointment after a parliamentary committee adopted a confirmation hearing report for longtime prosecutor Kim Ji-yong, 38 days after Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung recommended him for the post Sept. 7. Earlier in the day, the National Assembly's public administration and security committee adopted the confirmation hearing report, a day after holding Kim's confirmation hearing. The report included both favorable and unfavorable opinions on Kim's suitability for the post. Kim's nomination had drawn opposition from some lawmakers, including members of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), who argued that his appointment could set back prosecution reform, citing his background as a prosecutor under the former Yoon Suk Yeol administration. The Lee administration had ordered additional vetting, and the presidential office later said the allegations against him

Oct 15, 2026

Lee rejects reelection bid speculation, vows to continue reforms

President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday dismissed speculation that he would seek a constitutional revision to allow himself to serve another term, pledging to press ahead with reforms. "Though my methods and approaches have become more pragmatic and cautious, my goals have not changed," Lee wrote on X in response to a post expressing disappointment over concerns about a constitutional revision and the possibility that reforms could be weakened. Lee stressed that a constitutional revision requires the support of at least 200 lawmakers, including opposition lawmakers, and cannot be pursued at his discretion. "There is no need to be concerned about conspiracy theories about constitutional revision for reelection or political realignment," he said, adding that a parliamentary or semi-presidential system was not his preferred direction for constitutional reform. Lee has repeatedly denied any intention to seek reelection through a constitutional revision amid opposition accusations that he may push for a constitutional reform to extend his time in office. Lee also reaffirmed his commitment to refor

Oct 15, 2026

Lee rejects claims of wasteful spending on Brazil egg imports, defends move to curb prices

President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday dismissed criticism that the government wasted taxpayer money by importing eggs from Brazil at high cost, calling the allegations politically motivated falsehoods. Opposition lawmakers have accused the government of wasting 80 billion won ($59.51 million) in taxpayer money on the imports, pointing to the per-egg cost rising to 1,464 won from an initial purchase price of 178 won after airfreight, tariffs and other expenses were included. "Egg prices in Korea surged this summer, while supplies were insufficient ... so we conducted a trial import of a small quantity of eggs from Brazil to secure an additional source of supply, despite the high transportation costs," Lee said in a post on X. Lee said importing more expensive goods from overseas and supplying them domestically at lower prices is a common government measure to manage consumer prices when supply shortages drive up the cost of basic necessities. While acknowledging that airfreight and other associated expenses increased the final import cost, Lee stressed that the eggs accounted for just 0.8 p

Oct 15, 2026

Iranian film 'Midday Meal' wins top honor at 31st BIFF

Iranian director Majid Majidi's "Midday Meal" won the Best Film Award, a grand prize at the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) on Thursday, securing a direct entry for consideration at the upcoming Academy Awards. The top honor was announced during the closing ceremony at the Busan Cinema Center outdoor theater in Busan. Hosted solely by actor Yim Si-wan, the event wrapped up a 10-day festival run that began on Oct. 6. Jury President Zhang Yimou praised "Midday Meal" as the ideal film and noted that all seven jury members agreed unanimously on the selection. Starting this year, the grand prize winner under the Busan Award competition section automatically gains qualification to submit for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards. The Best Film Award also comes with a cash prize of 50 million won ($37,180). Receiving the award, Majidi expressed his gratitude to the festival. He said it was an honor to receive such a huge prize on his first visit to Busan, adding that the energy came from the love of his late mother. "This award means everything to my jo

Oct 15, 2026

China steps up efforts to build a Healthy China by 2035

China has outlined new priorities for its healthcare system as it works toward building a Healthy China by 2035, with a stronger focus on disease prevention, health management and medical innovation.

Oct 15, 2026

DJI Dock 4 draws praise overseas, but US market remains closed

Oct 15, 2026

Most Recent

Seoul pushes back against US signal for OPCON transfer delay

Seoul to maintain Ukraine support despite NK POW dispute

Lee calls for US firms to explore investment, biz opportunities in Korea

Lee formally appoints inaugural chief of agency in charge of major investigations

Lee rejects reelection bid speculation, vows to continue reforms

Lee rejects claims of wasteful spending on Brazil egg imports, defends move to curb prices

Iranian film 'Midday Meal' wins top honor at 31st BIFF

China steps up efforts to build a Healthy China by 2035

DJI Dock 4 draws praise overseas, but US market remains closed

Chinese researchers solve 3D Ghys conjecture with homegrown AI model