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On September 4, 2025, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted the largest single-site enforcement operation in its history at a Hyundai-LG battery plant near Savannah, Georgia, detaining 475 workers, over 300 of whom are South Korean nationals. The raid, part of a months-long investigation into unlawful employment practices, has sparked diplomatic tensions between Seoul and Washington.
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A surprise immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia has detained about 300 workers, prompting South Korea to dispatch its top diplomat. The incident threatens a major US investment plan and highlights ongoing visa challenges for foreign engineers vital to the project’s success.
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The US, South Korea, and North Korea are engaged in heightened military activities. The recent trilateral 'Freedom Edge' drills aimed at countering North Korea's threats have been met with North Korean denunciations and warnings of counteractions. The absence of US aircraft carriers in the latest exercise suggests a strategic shift to avoid provoking Pyongyang.
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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met in Beijing, emphasizing mutual trust, cooperation, and opposition to trade protectionism. Cho urged Beijing to help restart dialogue with North Korea. The visit aims to improve bilateral relations and facilitate Xi Jinping's potential South Korea trip for the Apec summit.
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A September 4 raid at a Hyundai-LG EV battery plant in Georgia detained nearly 500 workers, mostly South Koreans, amid visa violations. The incident caused delays in plant expansion, strained US-South Korea relations, and raised concerns over immigration enforcement and foreign investment in the US EV industry.
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As of late September 2025, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his refusal to denuclearize but expressed openness to talks with the US if Washington abandons its denuclearization demand. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung proposed a phased approach prioritizing exchanges and normalization before denuclearization, signaling a shift in Seoul's strategy amid rising regional tensions.
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On Monday night in New York, French President Emmanuel Macron was blocked by police while trying to cross a street due to President Donald Trump's motorcade. Macron called Trump directly, joking about the delay, then walked 30 minutes to the French consulate. The call included discussions on Gaza and Qatar amid France's recent recognition of Palestinian statehood at the UN.
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South Korea's National Assembly is expected to pass a bill allowing non-medical tattooing, ending a decades-long ban rooted in health and legal concerns. The law will introduce licensing and safety standards, reflecting changing public attitudes and the growth of tattoo culture in the country. The law will take effect after a two-year transition period.
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Recent US tariffs and trade negotiations are reshaping global supply chains. Europe and Southeast Asia face new barriers, while US allies like South Korea and Australia grapple with demands for large investment packages and tariffs on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. The impact on regional economies is significant today, October 6, 2025.
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On October 10, 2025, North Korea marked the 80th anniversary of its ruling Workers' Party with a military parade in Pyongyang, unveiling the Hwasong-20, a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) described as its "most powerful nuclear strategic weapon." The missile reportedly has a 15,000 km range, capable of striking the U.S. mainland, and may carry multiple warheads. Kim Jong Un emphasized military strength and called for an "invincible" army, while also engaging in diplomatic meetings with Chinese and Russian officials amid ongoing regional tensions.
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North Korea’s vice-foreign minister, Kim Son-gyong, visited New York last week to lead Pyongyang’s UN delegation, sparking speculation about renewed diplomatic talks with the US. While some officials see this as a positive sign, others remain cautious about the likelihood of a summit during upcoming regional events.
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Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung held their third and likely final summit in Busan, focusing on regional security, North Korea, and bilateral cooperation amid political transitions. Leaders reaffirmed commitments despite historical tensions, with discussions on future relations and shared challenges.
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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met in Busan for their third and likely last summit. They discussed bilateral issues including low birth rates, regional growth, and denuclearization, amid Ishiba's announced resignation following election setbacks. The meeting aimed to reinforce cooperation despite political changes.
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South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung emphasized self-reliance in defense during Armed Forces Day, citing increased military spending and technological investments. The focus is on strengthening national security and reducing dependence on the US, amid concerns over US commitment and North Korean threats. The move signals a shift toward greater independence.
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South Korea's government has issued a formal apology for human rights violations linked to decades of international adoption practices. An inquiry revealed fraud, identity switching, and neglect, prompting President Lee Jae-myung to acknowledge the state's failure and call for reforms. The country ratified the Hague Convention to improve safeguards.
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U.S. President Donald Trump is exploring the possibility of a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his upcoming Asia trip. While no formal plans are confirmed, regional tensions and diplomatic signals suggest a potential meeting, amid North Korea's strengthened alliances and nuclear posture.
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A North Korean soldier crossed the heavily mined Demilitarized Zone into South Korea on Sunday, seeking to defect. South Korean military tracked and secured him, marking the first such defection since August 2024. The incident highlights ongoing tensions and rare border crossings between the Koreas.
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On November 7, 2025, North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile into the sea off its east coast, following new U.S. sanctions targeting North Korean cybercrime-linked entities. The missile launch coincided with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's visit to South Korea and joint military drills. Pyongyang warned of more offensive actions against perceived threats, while Washington assessed no immediate danger to U.S. or allied territories.
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Japan's new prime minister, Takaichi, emphasizes the importance of South Korea as a partner, despite concerns over her nationalist stance. South Korea welcomes her, but worries about future shifts in policy. Leaders plan to meet at the upcoming Apec summit to strengthen cooperation amid regional security challenges.
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President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are set to meet in South Korea amid ongoing trade tensions, tariffs, and export restrictions. Both sides signal a tentative easing, with hopes for a short-term détente that could influence global markets and regional diplomacy. The meeting follows recent signals of cooperation and mutual interest.
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President Trump confirmed a trade agreement with South Korea during a dinner with President Lee Jae Myung in Gyeongju. The deal involves phased investments and a split of a $350 billion investment pledge, amid ongoing disagreements over structure and timing. The talks are part of broader diplomatic efforts during Trump’s Asia tour.
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President Trump announced U.S. approval for South Korea to build a nuclear-powered submarine, citing strengthened alliance and regional security concerns. The move follows South Korea's request for nuclear fuel support and signals deeper military cooperation amid rising tensions with North Korea and China. The timeline remains uncertain.
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President Trump and Xi Jinping held their first face-to-face talks since 2019 in Busan, South Korea, focusing on trade, tariffs, and strategic issues. Both leaders discussed upcoming summits, potential visits, and areas of cooperation, signaling a possible shift toward a more constructive relationship amid ongoing tensions.
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President Trump announced the US will restart nuclear testing, citing other countries' programs. The move follows recent Russian and Chinese nuclear developments and raises concerns about a potential arms race. The US has not conducted nuclear tests since 1992, and the decision has sparked bipartisan opposition.
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Japan's new prime minister, Takaichi, and South Korea's Lee met at the Apec summit, emphasizing future cooperation despite historical tensions. Both leaders avoided contentious issues, focusing on economic and security ties amid regional challenges and US involvement. The relationship remains pragmatic but cautious.
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During the APEC Summit 2025, Nvidia announced a major partnership with South Korea, supplying over 260,000 GPUs to enhance the country's AI infrastructure. The deal involves collaborations with Samsung, Hyundai, and other firms, aiming to advance manufacturing, autonomous mobility, and AI research. The move underscores South Korea's AI ambitions amid global tech competition.
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During a summit in Gyeongju, Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung exchanged jokes about the security of Xiaomi smartphones gifted to Lee. Xi's comment about checking for backdoors drew laughter, highlighting a moment of levity amid diplomatic talks. The phones may be used by Lee in future communications.
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The U.S. and South Korea are deepening military cooperation amid North Korean missile tests. The U.S. aims to modernize South Korea's military and increase regional stability, with South Korea pledging an 8.2% defense budget rise. The focus remains on deterring North Korea and managing regional threats.
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U.S. and South Korea are strengthening their military alliance amid regional tensions. The U.S. signals potential for more flexible troop deployment beyond Korea, including possible operations against China, while South Korea boosts defense spending and explores nuclear submarine development. The focus remains on North Korea's threats.
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At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to de-escalate their trade war, scaling back tariffs and securing supply chains. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met Xi to discuss denuclearization and economic ties amid Seoul's balancing act between Washington and Beijing.
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A steel structure at a decommissioned power plant in Ulsan, South Korea, collapsed during demolition, trapping multiple workers. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with concerns over further collapse hampering operations. One worker has died, and others remain trapped as authorities mobilize extensive resources. The incident is under investigation.
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South Korean authorities have detained former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn and ex-intelligence chief Cho Tae-yong on charges related to a plot to provoke conflict with North Korea and justify martial law. The arrests follow investigations into drone operations and political unrest linked to former President Yoon's failed attempt to impose military rule in late 2024. The story highlights ongoing political instability and regional security concerns.
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Following a September raid that detained 475 workers at a Hyundai-LG battery plant near Savannah, construction has resumed with a mix of new and returning workers. The raid, which targeted mostly South Korean nationals, sparked diplomatic tensions and questions over visa policies. Some detained workers plan to return, while others remain hesitant.
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South Korea has received U.S. approval to develop nuclear-powered attack submarines as part of a broader security and trade deal. The agreement includes U.S. support for Seoul's nuclear industry expansion and significant bilateral investments, with construction plans still under discussion and details to be finalized by January 2029.
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As of early December 2025, South Korea is progressing with plans to develop nuclear-powered submarines, backed by U.S. approval for fuel access. This move aims to counter North Korea's growing military threats, including drone and missile expansions. Meanwhile, South Korea's new president seeks dialogue with North Korea amid ongoing border tensions and military provocations.
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On December 3, 2024, South Korea declared martial law under then-President Yoon Suk Yeol, sparking a political crisis. The anniversary is marked by protests, legal proceedings, and reflections on the country's democratic resilience. President Yoon was impeached and is facing criminal charges, while current President Lee Jae Myung emphasizes the people's role in stopping the crisis.
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U.S. President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held their first call since the Sino-Japanese dispute escalated over two weeks ago. The call followed Trump's discussions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, focusing on Taiwan and regional stability. The summit in South Korea provides a diplomatic backdrop for potential high-level meetings.