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Son Heung-min named to lead South Korea as coach Hong Myung-bo unveils 26 man World Cup squad

Son Heung-min named to lead South Korea as coach Hong Myung-bo unveils 26 man World Cup squad

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo has named a 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, handing captaincy expectations to Son Heung-min as the tournament begins in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The squad marks Son’s fourth World Cup and extends Korea’s streak of successive appearances to 11, since 1986. Coach Hong’s primary target is reaching the round of 32, with Hwang In-beom called up despite an ankle injury. Korea opens in Mexico on June 11 vs the Czech Republic.

Summarised by Beize from a story on Republic on 16 May 2026
Kospi tumbles 6% after record rally as AI chip bets unwind in minutes

Kospi tumbles 6% after record rally as AI chip bets unwind in minutes

South Korea’s Kospi plunged 6% on Friday after a historic rally pushed valuations and positioning to extremes, briefly topping 8,000 for the first time. The rebound had been powered by AI-linked memory-chip demand, concentrated in Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Once foreign investors began booking profits, the decline accelerated because the index’s gains depended heavily on those same stocks. Samsung fell nearly 9% and SK Hynix slid 8%, while global risk concerns and higher bond yields added pressure.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 15 May 2026

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Kospi collapses 6% after 8,000 breakout as Samsung strike fears trigger fast unwind

Kospi collapses 6% after 8,000 breakout as Samsung strike fears trigger fast unwind

South Korea’s Kospi whipsawed sharply, briefly crossing the historic 8,000 level before plunging more than 6% as tech stocks sold off and foreign investors exited. The index erased its early gains to close at 7,493.18, while the Kosdaq fell over 5%. Samsung Electronics became the focal point after its union approved an 18-day strike starting May 21, even as the company offered fresh wage talks. The shock spread across Asian markets amid geopolitical noise and renewed US Iran pressure.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 15 May 2026
Samsung shares plunge 9% as 18-day strike threat spooks investors over billions in chip profit risk

Samsung shares plunge 9% as 18-day strike threat spooks investors over billions in chip profit risk

Samsung Electronics shares sank more than 9% on Friday after a labour dispute escalated at the world’s biggest memory chipmaker. An 18-day strike starting May 21 remains on the table even as Samsung offered unconditional talks, following failed government-mediated negotiations over 2026 wages and bonuses. Reuters reports union participation could involve over 50,000 workers, heightening fears of disruptions to chip production and deliveries. JPMorgan estimates operating profit impact could reach 21 trillion to 31 trillion won.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 15 May 2026
Rare North Korea vs South Korea women’s football match sells out fast as fans rush for semi-final

Rare North Korea vs South Korea women’s football match sells out fast as fans rush for semi-final

Tickets for a rare women’s football semi-final between South Korea’s Suwon FC Women and North Korea’s Naegohyang Women’s FC sold out in about 12 hours after going on sale, the Korea Football Association said. The May 20 match in Suwon marks the first time a North Korean sports team has played in the South since 2018. Seoul will also provide 300 million won to civic groups planning to cheer both teams, with North Korean clubs arriving from Beijing on Sunday.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 15 May 2026
Samsung union rejects pay talks as an 18 day strike threat escalates

Samsung union rejects pay talks as an 18 day strike threat escalates

Samsung Electronics’ labour union has refused to restart pay negotiations, insisting on transparency in the company’s bonus scheme. The standoff could trigger an 18-day strike if demands aren’t met. South Korea’s government is urging both sides to negotiate, warning that disruptions could harm the country’s chip export engine.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 14 May 2026

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AI neckband translates silent mouth movements into speech using your own voice

AI neckband translates silent mouth movements into speech using your own voice

South Korean researchers say they’ve built a wearable neckband that converts silent mouth movements into intelligible speech using the user’s own voice. Because it doesn’t rely on audible input, it could help communication in extremely noisy settings and support medical use cases. The technology is early-stage, but the approach could redefine how we “speak” without speaking.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 13 May 2026
South Korea floats AI profit tax citizen dividend as markets wobble then rebound

South Korea floats AI profit tax citizen dividend as markets wobble then rebound

A top South Korean policymaker floated the idea of a citizen dividend funded by AI profit taxes, triggering sharp market volatility. Traders feared a fresh corporate levy on AI companies. The proposal was quickly clarified to target excess tax revenue rather than imposing a new charge, helping stocks recover partially. The episode highlights how AI-linked fiscal ideas can move markets fast.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 12 May 2026
South Korea weighs AI profit tax to fund a national dividend for society

South Korea weighs AI profit tax to fund a national dividend for society

South Korea’s top official has floated a “national dividend” model that would tax AI-related profits from major tech firms and redistribute the excess to society. The move comes as a semiconductor boom has pushed earnings higher for companies such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, fueling debate over how AI gains should be shared.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 12 May 2026
Samsung union threatens pay talk walkout as bonuses lag SK Hynix amid AI boom

Samsung union threatens pay talk walkout as bonuses lag SK Hynix amid AI boom

Samsung Electronics’ South Korea labour union is threatening to stop pay negotiations unless a mediation proposal is put forward. The union is pressing for a larger share of operating profit to boost performance bonuses, arguing payouts are smaller than rival SK Hynix. The dispute intensifies despite Samsung’s record profits fueled by the AI chip boom.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 12 May 2026

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South Korean startup builds robot brains by recording workers real-life techniques

South Korean startup builds robot brains by recording workers real-life techniques

South Korean startup RLWRLD is training robots by capturing skilled workers’ real-world actions, from hotel staff folding napkins to logistics workers handling goods. The company is assembling a large human-expertise library that helps robots learn complex physical tasks. Its goal: turn humanoids into practical tools for next-generation factories and everyday homes.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 12 May 2026
Korea’s robot powerhouses back Config to become the data TSMC for learning machines

Korea’s robot powerhouses back Config to become the data TSMC for learning machines

Korea’s biggest manufacturers are backing Config, positioning the startup as the “TSMC of robot data.” Instead of building robots, Config focuses on providing the high-quality training and operational data robots need to learn, adapt, and function reliably. The backers argue that better data—not just better hardware—is the fastest path to making robots truly useful.

Summarised by Beize from a story on TechCrunch on 12 May 2026
South Korea weighs an AI dividend to share chip profits widening public wealth inequality fears

South Korea weighs an AI dividend to share chip profits widening public wealth inequality fears

South Korea is debating an “AI dividend,” a proposal to distribute some of the wealth generated by artificial intelligence. The idea sparked market buzz after a government official floated sharing AI profits amid soaring earnings from major chip makers like Samsung and SK Hynix. Supporters argue it can curb wealth concentration, while critics worry it could unsettle markets and business incentives.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 12 May 2026
Hedge funds surge into Asia tech stocks as Korea Japan Taiwan buying hits decade high

Hedge funds surge into Asia tech stocks as Korea Japan Taiwan buying hits decade high

Global hedge funds are piling into Asian equities with a weekly buying pace not seen in a decade, led by South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. The rush is concentrated in technology firms, as investors chase exposure to artificial intelligence beneficiaries. Chipmakers across the region appear to be the key drivers, reflecting how money is flowing into Asia’s tech supply chain.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 12 May 2026

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China and US to hold trade talks in South Korea next week amid Xi Trump summit plans

China and US to hold trade talks in South Korea next week amid Xi Trump summit plans

China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng will meet US officials for trade consultations in South Korea next week, Chinese state media reported. The talks are set for Tuesday and Wednesday and aim to address “mutual trade issues.” The announcement follows expectations of a separate summit between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, heightening focus on the next round of negotiations.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 10 May 2026
South Korea says unidentified aircraft hit cargo ship in Hormuz sparking flames and smoke

South Korea says unidentified aircraft hit cargo ship in Hormuz sparking flames and smoke

South Korea says two unidentified aircraft struck the HMM Namu cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, causing flames and smoke. Seoul’s foreign ministry made the claim on Sunday, after the fire-damaged vessel reached Dubai. The ministry says the aircraft hit the port-side ballast tank’s outer plate at roughly one-minute intervals, escalating concerns over maritime security.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 10 May 2026
North Korea readies long range Seoul artillery and commissions first destroyer under tougher constitution

North Korea readies long range Seoul artillery and commissions first destroyer under tougher constitution

North Korea says it will deploy new long range artillery systems that can strike Seoul and commission its first naval destroyer. The announcements come after Pyongyang revised its constitution, removing unification references and cementing a two state framework, a move seen as part of Kim Jong Un’s more hardened posture toward South Korea and escalating pressure in the region.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 8 May 2026
South Korea unveils humanoid robot monk Gabi mimicking Buddhist rituals ahead of Buddha’s birthday

South Korea unveils humanoid robot monk Gabi mimicking Buddhist rituals ahead of Buddha’s birthday

South Korea has introduced Gabi, its first humanoid robot monk, at Seoul’s Jogye Temple ahead of Buddha’s birthday. The 130-centimetre robot appeared in traditional attire and performed gestures including folding its hands and bowing before Buddhist monks, closely matching ritual customs. The unusual mix of spirituality and AI has drawn widespread attention online.

Summarised by Beize from a story on Republic on 7 May 2026

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North Korea rewrites constitution removing unification references and adding territorial clause

North Korea rewrites constitution removing unification references and adding territorial clause

North Korea has revised its constitution by removing references to unifying the Korean Peninsula and introducing a new territorial clause. The changes, reportedly adopted during a March meeting of the Supreme People’s Assembly, mark a first for Pyongyang by explicitly defining territory in the constitution, according to a Seoul National University professor briefing South Korea’s Unification Ministry.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 6 May 2026
India and South Korea to review FTA May 25 as trade gap widens

India and South Korea to review FTA May 25 as trade gap widens

India and South Korea are set to meet on May 25 to review their economic partnership agreement amid a growing trade deficit. India has proposed negotiating a new bilateral trade deal to make trade more balanced and tackle the widening gap. Both sides also aim to double bilateral commerce by 2030, turning the review into a possible reset for negotiations.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 6 May 2026
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