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Foreign investors to use won overseas without accounts at Korean banks

Korea will establish an offshore won settlement system and ease foreign-exchange regulations under a road map to internationalize the Korean won, officials said Sunday, as Seoul seeks to make the currency more widely usable overseas. The measures are designed to make it easier for foreign investors to buy, hold and use the won regardless of time or location, encouraging greater investment in won-denominated assets. Over the longer term, the government aims to boost potential growth by driving wider international use of the local currency. The road map, jointly announced by the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Bank of Korea (BOK), the Financial Services Commission and the Korea Securities Depository, seeks to turn the won from a restricted currency into a freely convertible currency, marking the biggest overhaul of the foreign-exchange regulatory framework established after the 1997 Asian financial crisis. A key part of the plan is launching an offshore won settlement system that will allow foreign investors to hold and settle won through designated overseas financial institutions wi

3 MIN READ
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Starbucks Korea workers form 1st coffee franchise union

Starbucks Korea workers have formed the first labor union at a domestic coffee franchise, joining the Korean Chemical, Textile & Food Workers' Union (KCTFU), an industrial union affiliated with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU). According to the KCTFU on Sunday, employees of Starbucks Korea, the local unit of the global coffee chain, joined the union on Thursday and established a Starbucks Korea chapter. Explaining the move, the union said the company had limited communication with employees through an employer-led consultation channel instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue, while addressing workplace issues with temporary fixes rather than fundamental solutions. It also accused the company of ignoring workers' demands while unilaterally rolling out increasingly burdensome promotions and operating policies. The union's establishment follows the company's controversial promotional campaign in May, which evoked memories of the military's deadly crackdown on the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy movement. The backlash prompted Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin to issue a pub

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World heritage representatives gather in Busan for UNESCO committee session

Thousands of global delegates gathered in Busan on Sunday as the UNESCO World Heritage Committee opened its annual session for the first time in the country with a ceremony attended by President Lee Jae Myung. Around 3,000 participants from 196 member states, international organizations and nongovernmental entities are expected to attend the 10-day meeting at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center in the port city, some 330 kilometers southeast of Seoul, according to organizers. It marks the first time Korea has hosted the meeting since joining the UNESCO World Heritage Convention in 1988. Key figures attending the ceremony also included UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany, Assistant Director-General for Culture Nayef Al-Fayez and Lazare Eloundou Assomo, director of the World Heritage Center. In a congratulatory address, President Lee emphasized that world heritage is not merely a legacy of the past but a symbol uniting humanity across borders, serving as a foundation for peace and cooperation. "The world can foster mutual respect for each other's history and strengthen trust and

3 MIN READ
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Evacuation ordered as firefighting continues at Coupang logistics center

INCHEON — The Incheon city government ordered the evacuation of nearby residents Sunday over concerns that a fire-damaged Coupang logistics center could collapse as firefighters battled for a second straight night to contain a massive blaze that remained uncontained nearly 40 hours after it broke out. The city said the evacuation order, effective from 11 p.m., covers areas within a 116-meter radius of the logistics center's loading ramp. The fire broke out on the sixth floor of the facility at 6:54 a.m. Saturday and remained uncontained as of 8 p.m. Sunday, fire authorities said. The fire prompted the evacuation of 121 people inside the facility, including logistics workers. Authorities issued a national firefighting mobilization order, mobilizing personnel and equipment from eight neighboring cities and provinces. A total of 228 vehicles and 721 firefighters and police officers have been deployed to the scene, while helicopters and ladder trucks sprayed water from the air and ground, but they have so far been unable to bring the blaze under control. Firefighters said poor visibility fro

2 MIN READ
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Heavy rain to return this week as scorching heat persists

A stationary monsoon front is expected to bring rain to much of Korea throughout this week, while sweltering heat will persist with daytime highs climbing to 36 degrees Celsius. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) on Sunday, monsoon rain is forecast to fall across most of the country, with the exception of Jeju Island, beginning Monday and continuing through the week. The heaviest rain is expected Monday, with up to 100 millimeters forecast for the Chungcheong region and up to 80 millimeters for southern Gyeonggi Province. Seoul, Incheon, northern Gyeonggi Province, Gangwon Province, Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province are expected to see 20 to 60 millimeters of rain, while Gwangju, South and North Jeolla provinces, Busan, Ulsan and South Gyeongsang Province are forecast to see 5 to 40 millimeters. Starting Wednesday, rain will be more concentrated over the Chungcheong region and the southern parts of the country before spreading again across most of the nation on Thursday and Friday. The KMA said the stationary front is expected to intensify particularly on Thurs

2 MIN READ
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Economic pressures fuel 'mom-obsessed' trend among Korean youth

There was a time when being called a "mama's boy" or "mama's girl" in Korea was an insult. Now, millions of young Koreans are voluntarily claiming a similar label and wearing it as a badge of honor. The term “eommisae,” referring to someone who is obsessed with their mom, went viral across social media as more young people say they would rather spend time with their mothers than with friends or partners. On platforms such as Instagram and YouTube, young Koreans share photos and videos of themselves shopping, traveling and dining with their mothers, proudly adopting the label. Many describe their mothers as their best friends, saying they spend more time talking to them than anyone else and express that they would rather enjoy a meal or a day out with their moms than socialize with peers. Unlike mama's boy and mama's girl, which implied excessive dependence, eommisae is largely self-described — a term people claim with pride rather than one imposed as criticism. The trend extends to K-pop as well, with idols openly showcasing close relationships with their parents. ILLIT member Wonh

2 MIN READ
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Chip boom puts Korea's per capita GDP within reach of $40,000

Korea’s per capita gross domestic product (GDP) is on track for its largest increase in five years this year amid the global semiconductor boom, bringing the country close to the $40,000 threshold, government data showed Sunday. If the average won-dollar exchange rate declines in the second half of the year, Korea’s per capita GDP could surpass $40,000 for the first time this year. According to data provided by the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the Bank of Korea, the country’s per capita GDP is projected to reach $39,164 this year, up $2,750, or 7.6 percent, from a year earlier, marking the largest annual increase since 2021, when it jumped 11.5 percent. The estimate is based on the government’s announcement last week that nominal GDP is expected to grow 12.3 percent this year, the fastest pace since 1996, driven by a semiconductor-led export surge. Based on the government’s 2025 nominal GDP estimate of 2,676.7 trillion won ($1.8 trillion), this year’s nominal GDP is projected to rise to 3,005.9 trillion won. Converted into U.S. dollars using the average won-dollar exch

3 MIN READ
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Abortion legislation returns to spotlight after 7-year limbo

Seven years after the Constitutional Court struck down the abortion ban in Korea, the country’s stalled effort to establish a new legal framework has returned to the spotlight following President Lee Jae Myung’s call to review the introduction of the abortion pill mifepristone. The issue stems from legislation left unresolved since the court ruled in 2019 that the criminal provision on abortion was incompatible with the Constitution and ordered lawmakers to revise it by the end of 2020. Although the criminal provision lost its legal effect after the deadline passed, the National Assembly has yet to pass replacement legislation defining when and under what conditions abortions are permitted. Lee reignited the issue during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, criticizing the government’s handling of mifepristone, commonly known overseas as Mifegyne or Mifeprex, which has not been approved in Korea. “Even if it creates some difficulties for the government, women should be able to receive the medication under appropriate medical supervision. Leaving the situation as it is now is irresponsib

2 MIN READ
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BTS draws French president to Paris concert ahead of World Cup halftime show

K-pop powerhouse BTS drew French President Emmanuel Macron and first lady Brigitte Macron to its stadium concert in Paris on Friday (local time), highlighting the global influence of the band ahead of its historic upcoming performance at the World Cup final. President Macron shared a video of the concert on his social media on Saturday with a message in French saying "Bienvenue a Paris," which means welcome to Paris. The K-pop band held the European finale of its world tour, titled "BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG,’” at the Stade de France from Friday to Saturday. During the first show on Friday, the French leader and the first lady surprised the audience by watching the performance from the stands. The presidential couple appeared on the stadium's giant screens during the concert while the band members were moving around the stage to interact with the crowd. The stadium instantly erupted into cheers as the screens showed the couple smiling and holding the official BTS glowing fan light sticks. French media observed the concert took place as Korea and France celebrate the 140th anniversary o

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North Korea courts China, Russia at once to build leverage against US, analysts say

North Korea is stepping up high-level diplomatic engagement with both China and Russia in what experts describe as a calculated effort to maximize its strategic value to both powers and strengthen its leverage against the United States amid intensifying geopolitical rivalry in Northeast Asia. The latest diplomatic flurry saw North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui arrive in Moscow on Friday at the invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, while senior North Korean official Pak Thae-song recently visited Beijing and China's fourth-ranking leader Wang Huning traveled to Pyongyang to mark the 65th anniversary of the Sino-North Korean Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance. The near-simultaneous exchanges reflect Pyongyang's broader effort to deepen ties with both traditional partners rather than relying exclusively on either, allowing the Kim Jong-un regime to extract greater political, economic and security benefits while maintaining room for diplomatic maneuver. "The current pattern should be viewed less as an urgent necessity than as an increasingly regul

3 MIN READ
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Hyundai Motor chief to raise Boston Dynamics stake, fueling Nasdaq IPO prospect

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun is set to increase his personal stake in Boston Dynamics to 25 percent by investing an additional 120 billion won ($80.5 million), a move that could accelerate the robotics firm's long-anticipated Nasdaq listing. Chung and other Boston Dynamics shareholders are considering acquiring the 9.65 percent stake held by SoftBank, after the Japanese investment firm exercised its put option. The shares would be divided among the existing shareholders in proportion to their current holdings. Under the current ownership structure, HMG Global owns 56.4 percent of Boston Dynamics, while Chung holds 22.6 percent, Hyundai Glovis owns 11.25 percent and SoftBank retains the remaining 9.65 percent. If the transaction is completed, HMG Global's stake would rise to 62.5 percent, Chung's to 25 percent and Hyundai Glovis' to 12.5 percent, effectively giving Hyundai Motor Group full ownership of the robotics company. Chung has consistently expanded his personal investment in Boston Dynamics since Hyundai Motor Group acquired a controlling stake in the company fr

2 MIN READ
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InterviewMalaysia eyes 600,000 Korean visitors annually with 'Surreal Experiences'

As Malaysia pushes to welcome 47 million international visitors under its Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, the country is setting its sights on bringing Korean arrivals back above prepandemic levels by promoting authentic local experiences beyond its well-known beach resorts and city attractions. "Korea is one of our priority markets," Kamilia Hani Abdul Halim, director of Tourism Malaysia Seoul, said in an interview with The Korea Times. Last year, about 558,000 Koreans visited Malaysia, making Korea the country's eighth-largest source market for international visitors. This year, Malaysia hopes to increase that figure to 600,000. "Our arrivals from Korea have yet to return to prepandemic levels," she said. "Before COVID-19, we welcomed more than 600,000 Korean visitors, so this is an important milestone for us." The tourism drive forms part of the government's global Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, which aims to attract 47 million international visitors despite growing uncertainties affecting the global travel industry. At the heart of the campaign is the theme "Surreal Experiences," reflect

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Jeju Olle founder posthumously awarded top cultural medal

The government posthumously awarded the Moran Medal of the Order of Civil Merit to the late Suh Myung-sook, the founding president of the Jeju Olle Foundation, in recognition of her pioneering contribution to eco-tourism and sustainable travel in Korea. On Saturday, Chae Hwi-young, minister of culture, sports and tourism, visited the Jeju Olle Traveler Center on Jeju Island to present the prestigious medal to her bereaved family. Suh died in April at the age of 68. "Through the medium of walking tours, the late president built a sustainable ecological and cultural space where nature, travelers and local residents harmoniously coexist," an official from the culture ministry said. Suh’s legacy dates back to 2007, when she established the nonprofit Jeju Olle Foundation and began creating and operating the very first trail on Korea's southern volcanic island. Inspired by her own journey along the famous Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, in Spain, the former journalist sought to create a trekking route that could help tired people from the city relax and enjoy the beautiful scene

3 MIN READ
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No. of unemployed college graduates hits 5-year high in Q2

The number of unemployed college graduates in Korea hit a five-year high in the second quarter amid a tightening job market for young adults, government data showed Sunday. The number of jobless people with a bachelor's degree and above reached 481,000 in the April-June period, up 39,000 from a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Data and Statistics. The figure marked the highest second-quarter level since 2021, when 521,000 graduates were out of work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those in their 20s and 30s accounted for 64.2 percent of all unemployed people with a college degree or higher, with a combined figure of 309,000. An official at the data ministry said the rise in the unemployment rate suggested that the labor market had been affected by the Middle East crisis in the second quarter. The total number of unemployed people reached 855,000 in the April-June period, up 11,000 from a year earlier.

1 MIN READ
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What to know about Koreans' favorite stamina-boosting summer dishes

As sweltering summer heat sets in, even light activity can leave people exhausted and drenched in sweat. Many people turn to traditional Korean stamina-boosting foods to recharge when their appetites diminish and they start to feel lethargic due to oppressive heat and humidity. Following Chobok on July 15, the first of the three days of summer traditionally regarded as the hottest, many are wondering what to eat to restore their strength. Samgyetang — a soup made with a whole chicken stuffed with ginseng and rice — and grilled eel have long been among Korea's favorite summer foods. Rich in protein and essential nutrients, they help replenish energy depleted by the heat and provide nutrients that are often lacking during the summer months. However, eating these dishes without moderation can place an unexpected burden on blood sugar levels. The main ingredients are not the problem. Rather, hidden sources of carbohydrates and sugar, such as glutinous rice and sweet sauces, can make a significant difference. Here are some tips for enjoying these seasonal favorites while keeping blood s

3 MIN READ
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Seoul's Han River pools open for night swimming as crowds surge

Summer evenings are becoming prime swimming hours in Seoul, where thousands of residents are heading to Han River pools after sunset as the city extends operating hours to help people beat the heat. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Ttukseom and Yeouido swimming pools, along with the Jamsil and Nanji water playgrounds, have been operating nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. since July 3 and will continue through Aug. 30 without closing days. The city said the nighttime program has proved popular as prolonged heat waves drive more people outdoors after dark. "The night openings have transformed these public spaces into accessible, budget-friendly evening retreats for citizens escaping the heat," a city official said, noting that the combination of upgraded water infrastructure and cultural programming has made the riverside pools a centerpiece of Seoul's summer nightlife. Since the facilities opened for the summer season on June 19, Han River swimming pools and water playgrounds have welcomed 149,988 visitors through Tuesday. Ttukseom Pool recorded the highest attendance with 50,819 visito

2 MIN READ
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Luxury travelers more captivated by Noryangjin fish market than fine dining

A decade ago, a foreign traveler made an unusual request while planning a trip to Korea. Money was no object. Rather than asking about the cost, he wanted to know what the finest travel experience Korea could offer would be. At the time, the request seemed unusual. In retrospect, however, it foreshadowed a question Korean tourism would eventually have to confront. In recent years, Korea has seen a steady increase in affluent travelers from overseas. Culinary tours and cooking classes organized by O'ngo Food Communications now attract visitors from a wide range of countries, some of whom arrive by private jet. Rather than fitting a few more famous attractions into their itineraries, these travelers seek to experience the country's culture and way of life on their own terms. They place a premium on distinctive experiences that cannot easily be found elsewhere. Last May, O'ngo Food Communications partnered with a global luxury travel network to organize a special culinary program showcasing Korea for travel industry professionals from around the world. Participants experienced traditional

3 MIN READ
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Why Korean men want G-Dragon to make parasols cool

Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com. Korea’s weather over the past few days could be described as turbulent, with record rainfall and scorching heat waves taking turns battering the peninsula. In a strange twist, Korean men are now turning to G-Dragon, a celebrity known for setting fashion trends, hoping he can make parasols fashionable. Korea’s first severe heat wave warning of the year was issued last Sunday, followed Tuesday by heavy rain warnings for the Seoul metropolitan area and Gangwon Province, with rainfall of more than 50 millimeters per hour. A day later, the Korea Meteorological Administration forecast another heat wave and tropical nights, a weather condition in which the overnight temperature does not fall below 25 degrees Celsius between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. the following day. Seoul was forecast to reach 30 degrees Celsius during the day, with humidity of up to 75 percent through the evening. A look at the comments under YouTube weather forecasts, meanwhile, finds them increasingly filled with calls for G-Dragon, a member of K-pop group BIGBANG, to use a parasol.

3 MIN READ
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Chinese film 'Kung Fu Soccer' sparks backlash over portrayal of Korean women's football team

A new film by Chinese actor and director Stephen Chow has sparked controversy for depicting a Korean women's football team as appearance-obsessed, violent and dishonest, drawing criticism that it insults not only Korean women but also Korean sports. Seo Kyoung-duk, a professor at Sungshin Women's University, criticized Chow's latest film, “Kung Fu Soccer,” saying it crossed the line from fictional exaggeration to disrespect. "No matter how fictional a movie may be, it is wrong to repeatedly insult Korean sports," Seo said. The film is a follow-up to Chow's 2001 hit “Shaolin Soccer.” This time, the comedy follows a group of martial arts-trained women who come together to form a football team. It premiered in China on July 11 and generated more than 600 million yuan ($84 million) in box office revenue within three days. The controversy centers on the film's depiction of a Korean team called "Ewha," a name widely seen as referencing Ewha Womans University. Players on the team are portrayed as being obsessed with makeup and cosmetic contact lenses rather than football. During matches,

2 MIN READ
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Korean parents welcome gov't move to curb minors' social media use

A new plan by Korea's media watchdog to curb social media use by minors drew mixed reactions from parents, with some cautiously optimistic and others raising concerns. On Thursday, the Korea Communications Commission said it was considering restricting children under 14 from creating social media accounts and limiting addictive platform features for users under 19. Hong Eun-hee, a parent of a middle school student in Seoul, welcomed the proposal, saying she hopes it will help her child and other teenagers spend less time on social media. "They watch [YouTube] Shorts and [Instagram] Reels whenever they have a spare moment. They say they will watch for 10 minutes, but it becomes 20 minutes or an hour," Hong said. "They have difficulty controlling it themselves." She said her child often checks her phone while doing homework and resists putting it away before bed. "When parents try to control it on their own, it ends in a fight," Hong added. Parents also cite sleep deprivation, declining concentration, cyberbullying and exposure to gambling, sexual content and other harmful material as major

3 MIN READ
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Editor's Pick

Inside Korea's fiercest football derbies: Local rivalries fuel K League's passion

Inside Korea's fiercest football derbies: Local rivalries fuel K League's passion

Everywhere this summer, the World Cup is turning football into a global obsession — and Korea is no exception. But inside the country, interest in the sport doesn't begin or end with the national team; it lives week in, week out in the K League, where, much like in Europe's traditional football heartlands, club rivalries, called "derbies," shape how fans see the game and themselves. Rival cities trade songs, banners and barbs, and even those who can’t explain the offside rule quickly understand what is at stake: pride, belonging and the right to say, “our side won.” For local fans who love their club, football is not just a game but a ritual where the city’s identity is tested and defended for ninety breathless minutes. With that in mind, The Korea Times mapped out four key K League derbies that, based on interviews with 12 devoted, lifelong fans who would do anything to see their club win, offer a vivid window into Korean football’s culture and dynamics. East coast derby: Ulsan vs. Pohang In the K League 1 with 12 teams, the east coast derby is a quintessential regional riva

8 MIN READ

Life in Korea

Seoul adds map of 422 water play spots to help families beat summer heat

Seoul adds map of 422 water play spots to help families beat summer heat

With the heavy heat of summer settling over the capital, finding a quick, budget-friendly escape for children has often meant navigating a frustrating patchwork of local district websites, social media channels and community blogs. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said it is streamlining this search with a centralized, interactive digital directory designed to help families stay cool without leaving the city. Starting Monday, the municipal Smart Seoul Map began offering a unified guide to 422 water facilities scattered across Seoul’s 25 districts, giving residents real-time access to operational hours, exact locations and nearby amenities on their smartphones. The database, which city officials say will be updated continuously by local district workers through August, maps out a diverse network of public urban oases. The list includes 103 traditional swimming pools, 97 playground water parks, 147 splash pads, and 66 decorative water features. Among the new highlights featured on the map is the newly opened water playground at Gwangnaru Hangang Park. "In the dead of summer, we wanted

2 MIN READ

Lifestyle

What happens if you copy Erling Haaland's 6,000-calorie diet?

Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com. After scoring seven goals in just four matches to lead Norway to its first-ever World Cup quarterfinal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, striker Erling Haaland has once again drawn global attention — this time not only for his performance on the field, but also for his extraordinary diet. The 25-year-old forward is said to consume around 6,000 calories a day spread across six meals, following what many describe as a "Viking diet" — a version of the paleo diet that emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods while avoiding processed products altogether. 6,000-calorie menu centered on whole foods Haaland reportedly starts his day with sourdough bread and eggs. He drinks coffee mixed with milk and maple syrup. Lunch typically consists of fish, egg fried rice and vegetables such as asparagus. Organ meats, including beef liver and heart, also appear regularly on his menu. For dinner, he reportedly eats more than 1 kilogram of fatty red meat, such as ribeye or tomahawk steak, accompanied by potatoes, salad and milk. One of the most distinctive features o

3 MIN READ
What happens if you copy Erling Haaland's 6,000-calorie diet?

K-Culture

ZEROBASEONE teases nostalgic Japan comeback with new concept photos

K-pop boy group ZEROBASEONE is building anticipation for its upcoming Japanese comeback by unveiling a second set of concept photos that embraces nostalgic summer vibes and youthful memories. The group — Sung Han-bin, Kim Ji-woong, Seok Matthew, Kim Tae-rae and Park Gun-wook — released individual concept images for its second Japanese EP, "Kaiki LOVE (回帰LOVE)," through its official social media accounts on Wednesday and Thursday. The new photos feature the members at a quiet countryside train station and aboard a vintage train, with each member portraying a different facet of youth. Dressed in classic outfits such as shirts, ties and denim, the members showcase relaxed, natural charms while warm film-inspired tones and scenic summer backdrops create a nostalgic atmosphere. The train station and railway imagery have also fueled fan speculation about the album's storyline, offering a distinctly different mood from the first concept photos released earlier and highlighting the group's versatility. "Kaiki LOVE" marks ZEROBASEONE's first Japanese release in about 10 months since the s

1 MIN READ
ZEROBASEONE teases nostalgic Japan comeback with new concept photos

Celebrities

Chinese TV personality Zhang Yuan resumes activity after 2-year hiatus over anti-Korea remarks

Chinese television personality Zhang Yuan has resumed social media activity two years after suspending his career following controversy over remarks widely criticized as anti-Korean. Zhang posted a new profile photo on his social media account Friday along with the Chinese greeting, "Long time no see." It was his first post in two years on the account he used while working in Korea. Zhang, a Chinese national and former Chinese-language instructor, rose to prominence through JTBC's variety show "Non-Summit" and later appeared on a number of Korean entertainment programs. His Korean career came to a halt in May 2024 after remarks from a personal livestream drew intense criticism. Zhang said Korea was "stealing Chinese culture," citing the Dano Festival, Confucius and Chinese characters, and said he planned to conduct street interviews to hear what Koreans thought. He also said he would wear clothing resembling that of an emperor from China's Ming or Song dynasty and visit a Korean palace, adding that it would feel as though "an emperor from the suzerain state had come to inspect a tributary

2 MIN READ
Chinese TV personality Zhang Yuan resumes activity after 2-year hiatus over anti-Korea remarks

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Opinion

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Top 10 Stories

  1. N. Korean state media confirms FM Choe's Russia visit

  2. Foreign investors to use won overseas without accounts at Korean banks

  3. Valuable lesson from lost submarine bid

  4. Heavy rain to return this week as scorching heat persists

  5. Seoul's Han River pools open for night swimming as crowds surge

  6. Chip boom puts Korea's per capita GDP within reach of $40,000

  7. Abortion legislation returns to spotlight after 7-year limbo

  8. North Korea courts China, Russia at once to build leverage against US, analysts say

  9. Starbucks Korea workers form 1st coffee franchise union

  10. Firefighters battle to contain fire at Coupang logistics center for 2nd day

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