Korea in Global Affairs

International news and analysis related to South Korea's role in global politics, trade, and diplomacy.

SpaceX, xAI Merger May Be Announced as Early as This Week

SpaceX and xAI have informed investors of a potential merger that could be announced this week, with Elon Musk appearing to confirm the discussions by commenting "Yes" on a related social media post....

Published 2026.02.03. 03:58:57 | By Kim Chang-young

Super Bowl Ad Rates Hit $10 Million for 30 Seconds, Drawing Advertisers Back to TV

** Super Bowl 30-second ad rates surpassed $10 million for the first time, with record viewership of 127.7 million driving advertisers back to TV from...

Published 2026.02.03. 03:01:05 | By Kim Yeo-jin

Iran Says It Is Reviewing Options to Resume Nuclear Talks with US

Iran's Foreign Ministry says it is reviewing options to resume nuclear talks with the US, aiming to lift sanctions in exchange for addressing nuclear ...

Published 2026.02.02. 22:49:46 | By Lee Wan-ki

Oil Prices Plunge as U.S.-Iran Tension Eases; WTI Down 5%

Oil prices fell sharply as U.S.-Iran tensions eased following Trump's comments on potential dialogue with Tehran. WTI dropped 5.5% to $61.61 and Brent...

Published 2026.02.02. 21:03:29 | By Lee Wan-ki

Russia's Medvedev Warns World Must Be Alert as US-Russia New START Expires

Russia's Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev warns the world should be alert as the New START nuclear treaty expires February 5, marking ...

Published 2026.02.02. 20:51:02 | By Lee Wan-ki

Xi Jinping Reiterates Call for Yuan to Become Global Reserve Currency

China has belatedly released remarks made two years ago by President Xi Jinping calling for the yuan to become a global reserve currency. Analysts say...

Published 2026.02.02. 18:03:02 |

AI Investment Boom Defies Tariff Pressures as 73% of Japanese Listed Companies Post Profit Growth

73% of major Japanese listed companies reported profit growth in fiscal April-December 2025, driven by AI investment boom in semiconductors and data c...

Published 2026.02.02. 17:45:00 | By Cho Yang-jun

Japan Election: LDP Headed for Landslide Victory, Possible Solo Majority

Japan's ruling LDP is projected to win 292 seats in the July 8 election, potentially securing a two-thirds supermajority with coalition partner Nippon...

Published 2026.02.02. 17:44:48 | By Cho Yang-jun

Bain Capital to Acquire Japan's Senka Maker Fine Today for 200 Billion Yen

Bain Capital acquires Fine Today Holdings, maker of Senka facial cleanser and Tsubaki hair care, from CVC Capital for 200 billion yen after the Japane...

Published 2026.02.02. 17:44:27 | By Lee Wan-ki

Republicans Lose Two Texas Special Elections, Threatening Trump's Governing Momentum

Republicans lost two Texas special elections, including a district Trump won by 17 points in 2024. The defeats threaten Trump's governing momentum ahe...

Published 2026.02.02. 17:39:53 | By Lee Tae-kyu, Washington Correspondent

Trump Family's UAE Crypto Deal Sparks Controversy Over AI Chip Export

A key member of the United Arab Emirates royal family who owns a UAE state-run artificial intelligence company acquired a 49 percent stake in a crypto...

Published 2026.02.02. 13:08:16 |

Japan Rides AI Investment Boom as 73% of Listed Firms Post Profit Growth

73% of major Japanese listed companies posted net profit growth in fiscal April-December 2025, the highest rate in four years, driven by AI investment...

Published 2026.02.02. 11:12:32 | By Cho Yang-jun

US Shutdown Drags On as Democrats Demand ICE Reform

A partial US federal government shutdown became inevitable as opposition to the Trump administration's immigration policies blocked budget approval. W...

Published 2026.02.02. 11:02:15 |

Epstein Files Reveal Russian Spy Claims, Links to Melania Documentary Director and Norwegian Crown Princess

Newly released U.S. Justice Department files on Jeffrey Epstein reveal possible Russian spy connections, with links to Melania Trump's documentary dir...

Published 2026.02.02. 10:12:28 | By Park Yoon-sun

Humanoid Robots to Cost Less Than Human Labor Within 4 Years; Baemin-Cheogajip Platform Competition Intensifies

Bain & Company projects humanoid robots will cost less than human labor by 2030. Baemin partners with Cheogajip for platform exclusivity, while KB Koo...

Published 2026.02.02. 07:20:15 | By Woo Seung-ho

Breaking News: K-pop Star KD Hyun's 'Golden' Wins Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media

K-pop artist KD Hyun's song "Golden" won the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media....

Published 2026.02.02. 06:44:42 |

Trump Suffers Crushing Defeat in Texas Stronghold; Concerns Rise Over Pressure on Korean Investment

Democrats won a Texas state senate race by 14 points in a district Trump carried by 17 points, raising concerns he may pressure Korea to accelerate U....

Published 2026.02.02. 06:22:36 | By Lee Tae-kyu, Washington Correspondent (Commentary)

Starbucks US Market Share Falls Below 50% Amid Rising Coffee Competition

** Starbucks' US market share dropped to 48% in 2024 amid fierce competition from Dunkin' and emerging brands, while South Korea became the third-larg...

Published 2026.02.02. 06:17:14 | By Nam Yun-jung

Silver, Bitcoin Rally Halts as New Fed Chair Nominee's Hawkish Record Spooks Markets

** Silver crashed over 30%, its worst drop in 46 years, while Bitcoin fell 10% as markets reacted to Kevin Warsh's nomination as new Fed Chair and mar...

Published 2026.02.02. 06:11:05 | By Cho Yang-jun

Nvidia Casts Doubt on OpenAI Investment as Google's Gemini Gains Ground

Nvidia's planned major investment in OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, is showing signs of wavering. The ambitious plan announced in September last ye...

Published 2026.02.02. 05:56:57 |