South Korea

Seoul stocks opened lower on Thursday amid prospects for U.S.-Iran peace talks. The KOSPI fell 80.19 points, or 1.42 percent, to 5,562.02.

25 Mwezi wa tatu, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

President Lee Jae Myung hailed the first mass-produced KF-21 fighter jet as a symbol of self-reliant defense during a ceremony on March 25 in Sacheon. He vowed to elevate South Korea to one of the world's top four defense powers. The Air Force plans to deploy 120 jets starting in September after evaluations.

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok announced on March 25 that two emergency economic teams will launch at Cheong Wa Dae and his office to address the Middle East crisis. The move responds to the widening impact of the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel and Iran. He stressed the need to bolster the government's preemptive response for prolonged scenarios, including worst-case ones.

24 Mwezi wa tatu, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

An investment firm backed by Japan's LY Corp. will invest 300 billion won to become Kakao Games' largest shareholder. The deal is set to close in May, pushing Kakao to second place. Kakao Games aims to use the funds to boost global competitiveness.

SK hynix Inc. said on Wednesday it has begun taking steps for a US stock market listing to improve access to global investors amid its AI drive. The chipmaker filed a confidential submission with the US Securities and Exchange Commission the previous day, aiming to list American depositary receipts on a US exchange within the year.

24 Mwezi wa tatu, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

As the 2026 MLB season begins this week, San Francisco Giants outfielder Lee Jung-hoo will be the only Korean on an Opening Day roster. He captained South Korea to the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals earlier this month and posted strong spring training numbers. Other Korean players will miss the start due to injuries or minor league assignments.