KOREA

Footage of Kim Jong-un and his daughter Kim Ju-ae at a New Year’s event has drawn scrutiny from a Japan-based outlet, which described their public displays of closeness as unusual.

North Korea conducted a hypersonic missile drill as Kim Jong-un warned of “complicated international events,” remarks analysts say alluded to Venezuela and U.S. use of force abroad.

Korean and Japanese automakers are restructuring production to avoid U.S. tariffs, with Japan reimporting U.S.-built cars and Korea expanding local output.

Tempers flared at the National Assembly as Coupang executives faced intense scrutiny over a major data breach, labor allegations and a controversial compensation plan during a joint parliamentary hearing.

South Korea’s Defense Ministry has dismissed four Army generals for their involvement in the Dec. 3 martial law declaration, citing violations of legal compliance and duty of integrity.

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol faces a possible 10-year prison sentence after prosecutors sought consecutive terms for obstruction of justice and related charges tied to his martial law declaration.

Korean shipbuilders and defense firms are positioning themselves to join the U.S. Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative as Washington seeks rapid fleet expansion. Hanwha, HD Hyundai and Samsung Heavy are exploring partnerships, bids and technology cooperation under the Make American Shipbuilding Great Again push.

North Korea’s trade with China surged to a six-year high in November, following a rare summit between the two leaders, according to Chinese customs data.

South Korea’s government is considering whether Coupang could face a temporary business suspension after a massive personal data leak and a delayed response. Experts say a suspension may be difficult to apply in practice and could also harm consumers and Coupang’s workforce.

LG Energy Solution has canceled part of a major battery supply agreement with Ford, reflecting the automaker’s shift away from electric vehicles following U.S. subsidy cuts and weaker EV demand.