South Korea
Hungary’s flagship battery sector racks up $112mn losses amid demand slump
Hungary’s battery manufacturing sector, heralded as a pillar of the manufacturing sector, has posted combined annual losses of nearly $112mn, as weakening global demand and shifting trade dynamics hit the industry hard.
COMMENT: Asian unity in a fragmenting world boosted by the RCEP
In the face of renewed US protectionism and the use of tariffs as economic weapons, RCEP offers the Indo-Pacific region something far more strategic: a framework for resilience, integration and independence.
Czech Supreme Court lifts blocking of Dukovany nuclear contract
The Czech Supreme Administrative Court has lifted the blocking of the contract between the South Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and the Czech side for the major €16bn Dukovany nuclear power plant enhancement.
COMMENT: Asia's team lists in the Washington VS Beijing bout
While fewer in number, some Asian nations have displayed clear signs of alignment or strategic proximity to China.
Lee Jae-myung takes office as South Korean president after snap election
He stepped into the role at 6:21 am local time, immediately succeeding acting President Lee Ju-ho without a transition period, due to the abrupt election triggered by the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
South Korea votes in pivotal election after martial law crisis
The election, held six months after Yoon’s controversial move, has attracted immense public interest. By 9 am, over 4mn people - roughly 9.2% of the 44.39mn registered voters - had already cast their votes across more than 14,000 polling stations.
COMMENT: US Defence Secretary Hegseth tells Asian countries war with China “could be imminent”
US Secretary for Defence Pete Hegseth put the cat amongst the pigeons during a speech at the at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31, by telling the leading Asian countries they should join with the US and get ready for war with China.
Harvard ban fallout: international students face a new era of uncertainty
While framed as a matter of national security, the decision has left over 7,000 international students scrambling for clarity, stability, and their futures.
Combined effort to tackle Asian climate change gaining momentum
Over the past five years Asia has witnessed unprecedented heatwaves, with countries like Bangladesh recording temperatures up to 43.8°C in 2024, leading to nationwide school closures affecting tens of millions of children
Inside Malaysia’s $107bn semiconductor gamble
By betting big on chips, Malaysia is not just investing in factories and engineers, it’s investing in long-term technological sovereignty. As the global race for semiconductors accelerates, Malaysia is proving it intends to play for keeps.
Czech PM Fiala admits cabinet may not be able to sign Dukovany nuclear contract
The contract with South Korean Hydro and Nuclear Power faces extended delays after one of the two unsuccessful bidders, French Électricité de France, filed a lawsuit against the selection of KHNP.
South Korea and Japan eye strategic icebreaker advantage in US tariff talks
Japan’s Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, has signalled interest in positioning icebreaker cooperation as a key point in negotiations with President Donald Trump, scheduled for final talks during the G7 summit in Canada this June.
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South Korean consumer confidence up as optimism over new government kicks in, rate cuts expected
The boost in sentiment is being attributed to growing expectations that the incoming government, set to be formed after the June 3 election, will deliver economic support and policy stability.
Czechia gets nuclear fuel delivery from Westinghouse as it moves away from Russian supplies
Prague is pushing to replace the Russian state agency Rosatom and its TVEL arm, on which Czech nuclear power plants relied for years.
Lee VS Kim; a look at South Korea’s leading presidential candidates on foreign policy issues
Whichever way it goes, the result of the presidential election in Korea will play a crucial role in shaping both South Korea and the wider East Asia region’s geopolitical landscape for the foreseeable future.
US panel's ruling clears path for hefty tariffs on solar imports
As a result of the ITC’s decision, the Department of Commerce will now issue orders enforcing countervailing and anti-dumping duties on those solar products. These tariffs were finalised by the department last month.
COMMENT: Vying for influence in Southeast Asia – Russia VS America
Although both nations have engaged with the region historically and continue to do so in the present day, their roles, influence, and staying power differ markedly.
ASIA BLOG: South Korea needs political stability now more than ever
iKorea's current political crisis is deeply troubling. The ongoing impeachment proceedings against the disgraced former president Yoon Suk Yeol, regardless of one’s political leanings, are not merely a domestic affair.
South Korea, ASEAN launch first joint economic think-tank talks
ASEAN, comprising Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, has become an increasingly vital partner for Korea in recent years.
EU Commissioner asks Czechs to wait to sign Dukovany nuclear contract
Czech media speculated that the European Commission could take action over the Dukovany nuclear tender, including a possible review of the selection of KHNP.