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The Bank of Japan increased its short-term policy rate to 0.75%, the highest since 1995, signaling a shift toward normalizing monetary policy amid rising inflation and a weakening yen. The move impacts markets, including a dip in bitcoin, and reflects confidence in economic recovery.
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Japan's total international arrivals in 2025 surpassed 39 million, driven by domestic travel and increased overseas trips, especially to Europe and Hawaii. Chinese visitor numbers grew slightly in November despite diplomatic disputes, while Vietnam set a new record for foreign arrivals. The travel industry remains resilient amid geopolitical tensions.
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South Korea's former President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing multiple criminal charges, including rebellion and obstruction of justice, following his martial law declaration and impeachment. An independent counsel has demanded a 10-year sentence amid ongoing legal proceedings, with verdicts expected early next year.
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As of early January 2026, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has praised the country's 2025 military and economic progress, including the near-completion of an 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine and multiple missile tests. He reaffirmed commitment to nuclear weapons development and sent New Year greetings to North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine, emphasizing the Pyongyang-Moscow alliance ahead of a key party congress.
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A fire in Guryong Village, a shanty town on Seoul's outskirts, was contained after about six hours. Over 1,200 personnel responded, with no reported injuries. The fire highlights ongoing issues of inequality and unsafe housing in the area, which has a history of recurrent fires due to combustible materials.
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As of January 14, 2026, gold, silver, and copper prices have surged to historic highs amid geopolitical tensions following the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Markets reacted with mixed moves: Asian stocks mostly rose, oil prices fluctuated, and precious metals soared due to safe-haven demand and expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts. Supply constraints and industrial demand linked to AI and electrification underpin metals' rallies.
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The US State Department has notified at least 29 ambassadors, mostly appointed during Biden's administration, that their postings will end in January. The move affects key countries in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, as part of a broader effort to align diplomacy with the current administration's priorities.
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China has reinforced its global influence through assertive trade policies, military displays, and diplomatic engagement. Despite economic challenges, Xi Jinping projects strength, while internal debates over population policies continue. Meanwhile, China's influence extends beyond borders, targeting dissent and shaping international relations.
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South Korea's former president Yoon Suk Yeol is facing multiple criminal charges, including obstruction, abuse of power, and falsification, following his impeachment and attempts to block investigations. His trials are ongoing, with a verdict expected soon, amid a deep political crisis.
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Recent stories highlight airline industry trends toward narrower seats, including WestJet's fixed recline design reducing legroom to industry standards, and safety investigations into crashes at Muan Airport and Houston. These developments raise questions about passenger comfort and safety amid ongoing industry cost-cutting measures.
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South Korea will end international adoptions by 2029, amid UN criticism over past abuses and systemic issues. The government aims to improve domestic care and address unresolved cases of falsified records and abuse, following pressure from UN investigators and victims' advocates.
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In 2025, K-pop's global influence was highlighted by a hit Netflix film and chart-topping songs, but industry disputes, notably involving NewJeans, reveal ongoing tensions between creative innovation and corporate control. Meanwhile, South Korea's gaming sector has rapidly expanded, transforming gaming into a legitimate and lucrative industry.
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South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is in China for a four-day trip, his first since June, aiming to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties. The visit occurs as North Korea tests hypersonic missiles and regional tensions rise over Taiwan and Japan. Leaders signed cooperation agreements on trade, technology, and regional security.
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Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is in China for a five-day trip, including meetings with Chinese leaders, to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties. The visit follows recent tensions over tariffs and trade disputes between China and the EU, with discussions focusing on trade issues like beef exports and dairy tariffs.
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North Korea launched several ballistic missiles early Sunday, flying about 560 miles toward eastern waters. The launches occurred ahead of its Workers' Party congress, with South Korea and the US closely monitoring. The event coincides with South Korea's president visiting China to seek regional stability.
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As of mid-January 2026, the FTSE 100 has surpassed 10,000 for the first time, capping a 21.5% gain in 2025 driven by mining, defence, and financial sectors. This milestone coincides with heightened geopolitical tensions following the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which has spurred investor interest in Venezuelan debt and defence stocks, while oil prices face downward pressure.
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South Korean President Lee's four-day trip to China marks his first visit since June, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties amid regional tensions. He will meet Xi Jinping to discuss security, economic cooperation, and peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula, amid ongoing US-China-Japan tensions over Taiwan and North Korea.
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North Korea launched multiple missile tests, including hypersonic weapons, just before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s visit to China. Kim Jong Un emphasized the tests as a demonstration of its nuclear deterrent amid regional and international crises. The tests follow recent provocations and regional tensions.
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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met in Nara for a summit, which included a surprise drum session symbolizing improved relations amid regional tensions. They discussed economic security, regional cooperation, and visited cultural sites, signaling a move toward closer ties.
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On January 27, 2026, North Korea launched two ballistic missiles into the East Sea, marking its second missile test this month amid rising tensions with South Korea. The launches followed accusations by Pyongyang of South Korean civilian drone incursions, which Seoul denies. South Korea and Japan have increased defense cooperation, while the U.S. urges Seoul to take a leading role in regional security.
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North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un condemned recent drone flights from South Korea, emphasizing that provocations will lead to severe consequences. South Korea denies military involvement, attributing the drones to civilians, and promises a thorough investigation amid ongoing tensions.
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Japanese and South Korean leaders meet in Nara to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, and regional disputes amid rising tensions involving China, Taiwan, and North Korea. The summit follows recent diplomatic visits and military drills, with a focus on stabilizing relations and addressing shared challenges.
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On January 16, 2026, former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was convicted by a Seoul court of obstructing justice and abusing power related to his failed December 2024 martial law declaration. The ruling is the first of eight trials, with a verdict on the more serious insurrection charge expected February 19. Prosecutors seek the death penalty for Yoon.
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BTS revealed plans for a new album releasing on March 20 and a global tour from April 2026 to March 2027. The tour includes over 70 dates across multiple continents, with UK shows scheduled for July. The group completed mandatory military service in South Korea, marking their return to music and live performances after a hiatus.
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President Trump continues to push for U.S. control of Greenland, provoking European and global criticism. At Davos, he heaps scorn on allies, while European leaders respond with veiled denunciations amid fears of escalating trade and military tensions. The story highlights shifting global alliances and rising geopolitical risks.
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Former South Korean president Yoon was found guilty of abusing presidential power to block arrest warrants during his attempt to impose martial law in December 2024. The court sentenced him on charges including rebellion and document fabrication, marking the first conviction in eight criminal trials related to his actions. Yoon plans to appeal.
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Atlanta Braves' shortstop Ha-seong Kim will miss four to five months after surgery for a torn tendon in his right middle finger. Kim was injured in South Korea after slipping on ice. The team now faces adjusting their infield plans for the upcoming season.
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In 2025, Aberdeen-based offshore services firm OEG expanded globally, acquiring Trinity Rental Services and opening a new wind farm monitoring facility. Lochlie Construction aims to double revenue, while Scottish Chambers appoints Charandeep Singh as CEO. Entrepreneur Peter Vardy hosts a leadership summit, and a new Edinburgh consultancy launches.
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Han Duck-soo, 76, was sentenced to 23 years for his role in facilitating South Korea's martial law declaration in December 2024. The court found him guilty of insurrection, perjury, and document falsification, marking a significant legal precedent for future trials related to the event. Han plans to appeal.
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Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee was briefly detained at Los Angeles International Airport due to missing documents from South Korea. The issue was quickly resolved, and he was cleared to continue his travel ahead of spring training. The incident drew attention amid broader immigration concerns.
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South Korea has repatriated 73 suspects from Cambodia, the largest group so far, linked to online scams defrauding Koreans of around $33 million. The suspects, including a couple using deepfake tech, are accused of operating scam centers in Southeast Asia. The move follows a deadly case involving a student in Cambodia.
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Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has dissolved Japan's lower house, calling a snap election on February 8. She aims to leverage her high approval ratings to strengthen her party and address economic and regional security issues amid regional tensions and economic concerns. The move delays a key budget vote, with uncertainties ahead.
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The Pentagon's new 2026 Defense Strategy emphasizes US homeland security and the Indo-Pacific, reducing commitments in Europe and Russia. It advocates for allies to take more responsibility for their defense, reflecting a broader shift towards prioritizing US interests and a softer stance on China and Russia.
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The Pentagon has published its first comprehensive strategy since 2022, emphasizing a shift towards burden-sharing with allies, focusing on deterring Russia and China, and asserting U.S. interests in the Western Hemisphere. The strategy criticizes allies for reliance on past U.S. support and calls for a more assertive approach.
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The Asian Winter Games scheduled for Saudi Arabia in 2029 have been postponed, with no new date announced. The delay follows issues with infrastructure projects and environmental concerns. Saudi Arabia will instead host standalone winter sports events to promote regional participation, as part of its broader sports ambitions.
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On February 2, 2026, the US government announced Project Vault, a $12 billion strategic stockpile of critical minerals funded by a $10 billion loan from the US Export-Import Bank and $1.67 billion in private capital. The initiative aims to reduce US dependence on China’s dominance in rare earth minerals, securing vital materials for manufacturing vehicles, electronics, and defense technologies. Over 55 countries are collaborating to diversify supply chains, while Japan pursues deep-sea mining innovations.
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BTS's upcoming world tour, starting in April 2026, has caused high demand with most shows selling out quickly. Fans in South Korea, Mexico, and globally are scrambling for tickets amid limited availability and resale market activity. The tour supports their new album 'ARIRANG' and marks their return after a three-year hiatus.
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President Trump announced plans to increase tariffs on South Korean goods from 15% to 25%, citing Seoul's failure to pass a trade deal. The move reverses recent tariff reductions and follows tense negotiations over investment commitments and legislative approval, risking trade disruptions and impacting South Korea's exports to the US.
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As of February 5, 2026, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is steering Canada to diversify trade away from the US amid President Trump's tariffs and sovereignty threats. Meanwhile, US officials have met multiple times with Alberta separatists seeking independence, sparking Canadian leaders' warnings. Carney aims to boost electric vehicle production and maintain Canadian sovereignty amid escalating US-Canada tensions.
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Recent US political developments and policy shifts have triggered a surge in gold prices and a decline in the dollar, impacting global markets. Investors are diversifying away from US assets amid concerns over Federal Reserve independence and geopolitical tensions, leading to increased gold trading and market volatility.
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K-pop's first Grammy win for 'Golden' from the film 'KPop Demon Hunters' marks a milestone for the genre. The song, performed by voices behind the film's soundtrack, won best song for visual media, boosting K-pop's global recognition amid debates over its genre classification. The film's success and the award highlight K-pop's rising influence in Western markets.
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Recent Cambodian efforts to dismantle online scam operations have led to a mass exodus of scam workers, creating a humanitarian crisis. Over 100,000 have fled, many traumatized and unsupported, as authorities intensify crackdowns following border clashes and international pressure. Shelters are overwhelmed, and victims struggle to return home.
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On January 26, 2026, President Trump announced via social media a tariff increase from 15% to 25% on South Korean goods, citing Seoul's failure to enact legislation tied to a $350 billion investment trade deal. South Korea insists the deal requires no parliamentary ratification and is working to pass related bills. Talks between officials continue to avoid escalation.
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The 2026 Winter Olympics officially opened on February 6, 2026, with ceremonies held simultaneously in Milan's San Siro stadium and Cortina d'Ampezzo. The Games span over 350 kilometers across northern Italy, featuring 2,900 athletes from 90+ countries. The event blends Italian culture with global performances amid protests over U.S. ICE agents' advisory role and political tensions.
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On February 4, 2026, Presidents Trump and Xi held a nearly two-hour virtual call covering trade, Taiwan, Iran, and global security. China pledged to increase U.S. soybean purchases to 20 million tons this season. Xi emphasized Taiwan as a core issue, warning against U.S. arms sales. Xi also spoke with Putin, reaffirming China-Russia ties amid global tensions.
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Investors and experts are warning of an impending market crash amid signs of a bubble in stocks and commodities. While some see opportunities in gold and bonds, others caution against speculative risks driven by AI hype and geopolitical tensions. The story highlights contrasting views on the outlook for 2026.
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Canadian curling teams faced a series of defeats at the 2026 Winter Olympics, with the mixed doubles pair Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant eliminated after five consecutive losses. The team struggled with ice conditions and tactical adjustments, raising questions about Canada's curling dominance and future prospects in the sport.
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Millions of Asians travel to their homelands for Lunar New Year, with record domestic trips in China and increased international travel to destinations like Australia and Russia. Meanwhile, Australian diaspora in China and Korea celebrate with gifts and food, highlighting cultural connections amid economic concerns.
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On February 10, 2026, South Korea announced a phased increase in medical school admissions from 3,058 in 2026 to 3,548 in 2027, reaching 3,871 by 2030. The plan aims to address regional healthcare shortages, especially in rural areas, following a healthcare crisis triggered by trainee doctor strikes in 2024-2025 over previous proposed increases.
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Australia and Nigeria celebrate cultural and diplomatic ties amid regional tensions. Australia’s Lunar New Year festivities highlight diaspora connections, while Nigeria reaffirms its diplomatic relationship with Iran, amid US-Iran tensions and regional instability. Both stories underscore ongoing international cooperation and cultural exchange.