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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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President Trump is in South Korea for the APEC summit, where he expects to meet Xi Jinping to de-escalate trade tensions. Talks focus on tariffs, export controls, and US-China relations amid ongoing disputes over trade practices, rare earths, and technology restrictions. The outcome remains uncertain but signals a potential easing of tensions.
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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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The Queen Jenuvia 2 ferry ran aground near Jindo, South Korea, with 267 onboard. All passengers and crew were rescued, and authorities are investigating the cause, which remains unclear. The incident follows a history of ferry accidents in the region.
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The ex-president's move was meant to create justification for the December 2024 martial law, special prosecutor Cho Eun-seok says.
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Recent diplomatic efforts have led to a temporary easing of trade tensions between the US and China, with preliminary agreements and high-level meetings in Asia. Leaders from South Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia also made progress, boosting regional markets and optimism for future cooperation amid slowing regional growth forecasts.
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Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong pro-democracy activist and founder of Apple Daily, faces a deteriorating health condition while awaiting trial under national security law. US lawmakers and international diplomats urge his release, citing health concerns and political persecution amid rising US-China tensions.
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U.S. officials, including Hegseth, visited Japan to discuss increasing Japan's defense spending and military capabilities amid regional threats. Japan plans to raise its defense budget to 2% of GDP earlier than scheduled, with the U.S. supporting this shift. The talks also covered military cooperation and regional security concerns.
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The US and China have agreed on a one-year trade truce during a summit in South Korea, involving tariffs, agricultural purchases, and critical mineral exports. The deal aims to de-escalate tensions, though key issues like technology and AI remain unaddressed. The agreement is seen as a cautious step forward amid ongoing disputes.
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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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The US and China agreed on a one-year truce in South Korea, stabilizing relations but not resolving core issues. Both sides aim to reduce dependence in strategic areas, with China gaining leverage over US export controls and tariffs. The deal signals cautious de-escalation amid ongoing tensions.
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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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On November 6, 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney privately apologized to U.S. President Donald Trump for an Ontario-produced political ad criticizing Trump's tariffs, which Trump deemed false. The ad, featuring Ronald Reagan's 1987 speech warning against tariffs, led Trump to suspend trade talks and increase tariffs on Canadian goods. Carney opposed the ad and urged Ontario Premier Doug Ford not to air it. Despite tensions, Carney and Trump maintained a cordial relationship during a recent Asia-Pacific summit.
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As of November 2025, China has suspended key export restrictions on rare earth metals and critical minerals for one year following a trade truce with the US. The move includes suspending controls on gallium, germanium, and antimony exports to North America and issuing general licenses for approved US civilian firms. This aims to stabilize global supply chains amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
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In interviews following a recent summit with Xi Jinping, Trump claimed Taiwan was not discussed with China and expressed confidence that China would not take military action on Taiwan during his presidency. He also highlighted ongoing US-China trade negotiations and military communication efforts, amid tensions over Taiwan's status.
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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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Kim Yong Nam, North Korea's former ceremonial head of state and longtime diplomat, died Monday at 97 from multiple organ failure related to cancer. He served under three leaders and was known for his loyalty to the Kim family. Kim Jong Un visited his bier Tuesday to express condolences. Kim retired in 2019 after leading the Supreme People's Assembly for over two decades.
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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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The US is increasing investments in rare earth mineral companies amid ongoing tensions with China over export restrictions. Central Asian nations are key to diversifying supply chains, with recent diplomatic efforts highlighting US interest in regional cooperation and resource development. President Trump’s administration emphasizes strengthening critical mineral and military capabilities.
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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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The FBI director, Christopher Patel, visited Beijing to negotiate China's commitment to control fentanyl precursor chemicals, marking the first such visit in over a decade. The trip coincides with ongoing US-China talks on tariffs, trade, and drug enforcement, amid scrutiny over his frequent use of government jets.
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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 December 8, 2025, Airbus has completed software updates on the vast majority of its 6,000 affected A320-family jets worldwide following a recall triggered by a JetBlue flight incident in late October. The fix, primarily a rollback to earlier software versions, addresses data corruption caused by intense solar radiation affecting flight controls. Most aircraft are back in service, with fewer than 100 still pending updates. Separately, Airbus identified a quality issue with metal panels on some A320s, leading to delivery delays and inspections but no immediate safety risk.
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As of late November 2025, severe flooding and landslides triggered by relentless rains have killed 91 people and left 11 missing across Vietnam's central provinces, especially Dak Lak. Over 235,000 homes flooded, crops submerged, and infrastructure damaged, with economic losses estimated at $500 million. Neighboring Thailand and Malaysia also face heavy rains and flooding, affecting millions.
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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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Recent remarks by Japan's new leader have heightened diplomatic tensions, prompting Chinese cruise ships and tourists to avoid Japanese ports and favor South Korea. This shift benefits South Korea's tourism industry but raises concerns about long-term regional stability.
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Recent reports reveal a surge in online sextortion targeting UK teenagers, with two boys taking their own lives after being blackmailed. Parents and authorities express concern over tech companies' insufficient protections and the need for better education and communication about online risks.
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U.S. and Chinese leaders held a call discussing Taiwan, Ukraine, and trade, with Xi reaffirming Taiwan as part of China. Japan's military comments on Taiwan drew Chinese condemnation. The story highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions and recent diplomatic exchanges.
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Scotland is positioning itself as a key player in Europe's space sector, with new launch capabilities, government support, and a growing industry ecosystem. Meanwhile, South Korea successfully launched its domestically assembled Nuri rocket, marking a milestone in its space independence and technological progress.
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Aiden Torres De Paz, 11, was fatally struck by Hector Balderas-Aheelor in Escondido, California, on Nov. 26. Balderas-Aheelor, an illegal immigrant deported multiple times, fled the scene and was charged with felony hit-and-run. The case raises ongoing debates over immigration enforcement and local safety.
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As of late 2025, the world's top 100 arms manufacturers reported record revenues of $679 billion in 2024, a 5.9% increase driven mainly by European and U.S. companies amid wars in Ukraine and Gaza. However, Asia and Oceania saw a slight decline due to corruption scandals delaying Chinese arms contracts, raising doubts about China's military modernization.
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Multiple arrests have uncovered a network of online predators using gaming sites and messaging apps to target children as young as 11. The group, known as '764' and linked to 'Greggy’s Cult,' engaged in child exploitation, blackmail, and distribution of illegal content. Authorities are actively dismantling these networks today.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw has been finalized, revealing group placements for 48 teams across North America. Key details include host country allocations, seedings, and match schedules, with the tournament set to begin on June 11, 2026, in Canada, Mexico, and the US. The draw determines group compositions and knockout matchups.
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Russian and Chinese military aircraft entered South Korea’s Air Defence Identification Zone (KADIZ) on Tuesday, prompting South Korea to deploy fighter jets. Japan also responded with military measures amid joint Russian-Chinese air drills, which China and Russia say are routine exercises. The incident highlights ongoing regional military activity.
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Recent days have seen increased military activity in East Asia, with US, Chinese, and Russian forces conducting joint and unilateral strategic bomber flights near Japan. Japan and South Korea responded with fighter jet scrambles amid regional tensions over Taiwan and China's assertiveness.
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On December 10, 2025, US Customs and Border Protection proposed mandatory collection of five years of social media data, phone numbers, emails, and biometric information from travelers under the Visa Waiver Program. This expands existing social media screening to visa-exempt visitors from 42 countries, including the UK, France, Australia, Japan, and Israel, aiming to enhance national security ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Public comments are open for 60 days.
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South Korea will enforce new regulations on AI-generated ads, requiring labels and stricter monitoring to combat false advertising and deepfake health videos. The government aims to protect consumers, especially vulnerable groups, amid rising AI misuse across social media platforms.
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U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer sentenced Kwon to prison for orchestrating a $40 billion crypto collapse involving TerraUSD and Luna. Kwon, who pleaded guilty, was ordered to forfeit over $19 million. The case highlights ongoing regulatory scrutiny of cryptocurrencies following the 2022 market crash.
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North Korea deployed over 12,000 troops to assist Russia in Ukraine, focusing on mine clearing in Kursk. Kim Jong-un praised their heroism, honoring nine soldiers killed during the 120-day mission. The deployment highlights North Korea's close military ties with Russia amid ongoing conflict.