South Korea
Koreans express high expectations for APEC summit
Raj Patel Image generated by AI
A Korea Times-commissioned poll shows South Koreans expect the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju to boost diplomatic prestige and cultural promotion. Many view the Trump-Xi meeting as key to easing trade tensions, with potential gains for the Lee government. Yet, concerns persist that without tangible economic results, the event could backfire.
Posco International expands partnership with Norwegian firm in energy
Posco International, the trading arm of Posco Group, announced it will expand its partnership with a Norwegian energy company in offshore wind power, steel supply, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) delivery. The two firms signed an agreement to jointly develop offshore wind projects, supply steel products, and cooperate in LNG trading. This builds on an initial partnership agreement signed in 2023.
China's Xi arrives in Busan for talks with Trump
Raj Patel Image generated by AI
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in South Korea for the first time in 11 years to attend the APEC summit and discuss trade and security with U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump also traveled to Busan for their first in-person meeting in six years. The summit draws attention amid the U.S.-China trade war and tensions over Korean Peninsula security.
Lutnick to meet Korean and US business leaders at APEC in Gyeongju
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will hold a business roundtable with leaders of major Korean and American companies in Gyeongju on October 29, 2025. The event, a sideline to the summit between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump, is set to discuss industrial cooperation amid a pledged $350 billion investment from Seoul. The two countries are negotiating details of a potential bilateral trade agreement.
SK hynix posts record q3 operating profit of 11.38 trillion won
Raj Patel Image generated by AI
SK hynix achieved a record quarterly performance in the third quarter, fueled by surging demand for AI chips. Operating profit reached 11.38 trillion won, up significantly from the previous year, with revenue hitting 24.44 trillion won. The results were driven by strong sales of high-bandwidth memory and other high-performance products.
Trump arrives in South Korea for summits with Lee and Xi
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to arrive in South Korea on Wednesday from Japan for high-stakes summits with President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering in Gyeongju. This marks Trump's first Asia trip in his second term, focused on securing trade and investment deals amid market turmoil and tariff threats. The Korea-U.S. summit will center on finalizing a July framework trade agreement.
South Korea and US to sign AI cooperation deal
Raj Patel Image generated by AI
South Korea and the United States are set to sign a deal on October 29 to enhance cooperation in AI and advanced technologies during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The agreement accompanies a meeting between the two presidents and focuses on strengthening AI export controls and easing data regulations. It aims to foster comprehensive collaboration in science and technology for future prosperity.
Apec ceo summit opens in gyeongju focusing on ai and soft power
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit opened in Gyeongju, South Korea, on October 29. Addressing key issues like artificial intelligence (AI), energy transition, and Korean soft power, the event runs through Friday with attendees including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and BTS member RM. Hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), it is the largest APEC business gathering ever, with 1,700 global leaders participating.
Leaders and officials of 10 APEC economies arrive in Gyeongju
Raj Patel Image generated by AI
Leaders and top delegates from 10 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies have arrived in Gyeongju, South Korea, ahead of the 2025 summit. U.S. President Donald Trump's visit highlights bilateral talks and a special banquet hosted by President Lee Jae Myung. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon plans to honor Korean War veterans at the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan.
LG Electronics and KT to pursue joint quantum communication research
LG Electronics announced on October 29 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with KT, South Korea's No. 2 mobile carrier, to conduct joint research on advanced secure communication technology. The companies will focus on in-depth studies of quantum direct communication amid rising needs for hyper-secure networks. The technology is expected to bolster data security for AI-powered services.
North Korea test-fires cruise missiles ahead of Trump's South Korea visit
Raj Patel Image generated by AI
North Korea announced on Wednesday that it test-fired sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles in the Yellow Sea the previous day, a provocation timed just before U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Trump expressed a desire to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his October 29-30 trip, but North Korea's silence has fueled speculation that such a meeting is unlikely.
Apec business leaders gather in Gyeongju for AI and energy transition talks
Preliminary proceedings of the APEC CEO Summit began Tuesday in Gyeongju, South Korea. Around 1,700 participants from across the globe are engaging in discussions on artificial intelligence and energy transition, among other topics. The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted a welcome reception for global business leaders.
Apec ministers' meeting highlights open plurilateralism and AI cooperation
Raj Patel Image generated by AI
South Korea's Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo emphasized open plurilateralism and AI cooperation at the APEC Ministerial Meeting in Gyeongju on October 30 amid global economic shifts. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun urged partners to keep the Asia-Pacific region 'open and connected' to jointly address economic and geopolitical challenges. The meeting serves as a final preparation for the leaders' summit on November 1 and 2.
Hanwha Eagles pull off dramatic comeback in Korean Series Game 3
The Hanwha Eagles staged a six-run comeback in the eighth inning to defeat the LG Twins 7-3, securing their first win in the Korean Series. Trailing 3-1 after closer Kim Seo-hyeon's wild pitch, Sim Woo-jun's go-ahead two-run double proved pivotal. The victory narrows the series deficit to 1-2 after dropping the first two games.
Samsung Electronics Q3 net profit rises 21% on chip sales
Raj Patel Image generated by AI
Samsung Electronics reported a 21% increase in third-quarter net profit to 12.22 trillion won on October 30. The semiconductor division's record performance, driven by the AI boom, led the gains. Operating profit surged 32.5% to 12.16 trillion won, beating market expectations.
Seoul stocks retreat from record streak ahead of major events
South Korean stocks paused their stellar run on October 28, as investors cashed in gains ahead of major events like the Trump-Xi meeting and the Federal Reserve's rate decision. The KOSPI index slid 0.8 percent to close at 4,010.41. The local currency weakened against the U.S. dollar.
South Korea and US finalize trade deal at APEC summit
Raj Patel Image generated by AI
At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, Presidents Lee Jae Myung of South Korea and Donald Trump of the United States finalized details of a $350 billion Korean investment pledge. The deal includes tariff cuts on automobiles and shipbuilding cooperation, along with U.S. approval for South Korea to build nuclear-powered submarines. It marks a new chapter in bilateral industrial and economic ties.
Criminal investigations falter before prosecutors' office closure
South Korea's capacity to investigate major crimes is weakening sharply ahead of the prosecutors' office dismantlement. With prosecutors dispatched to special counsel teams and others resigning, key divisions have seen staff halved, and regional offices lost about one-third of dedicated personnel. Despite the Democratic Party's reform bill passing, unresolved details are already causing investigative gaps.
Hegseth calls South Korea's OPCON transfer push 'great'
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth positively assessed South Korea's push to retake wartime operational control from the United States, calling it a 'great' endeavor. He depicted South Korea as a 'combat credible partner' during a press meeting on a plane en route to Malaysia. The remarks underscore the U.S. emphasis on allies assuming greater security responsibilities.
Trump arrives in Busan for summit with Xi
U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Busan on Thursday, October 30, ahead of a highly anticipated summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He had arrived in South Korea the previous day to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering and hold talks with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. The meeting marks the first summit between Trump and Xi in six years.