1 - First meeting between president Yoon and opposition leader :
President Yoon Suk Yeol and DPK Chairman Lee Jae-myung plan to discuss Lee's proposed 250,000 won ($180) citizen subsidy in their first formal meeting following the DPK's recent election win. They aim to address financial burdens and living costs but face disagreements, including Yoon's concerns over "indiscriminate cash handouts" and Lee's push for increased state spending
2 - POSCO’s decisions to counter slump in steel and battery market :
POSCO Group executives will return up to 20% of their wages this month to cut costs amidst global steel and battery industry slowdowns. The group may also eliminate stock grants for executive compensation. Chang aims to reform executive privileges and has outlined future strategies, including reducing production costs by 1 trillion won annually and investing in lithium resources amid declining global demand for electric vehicles.
3 - South Korea and USA’s cooperation on proliferation resistance :
South Korea and the U.S. will team up to improve nuclear proliferation resistance in Korean research reactors for export. This collaboration aims to enhance reactor designs under the U.S. NNSA's PRO-X program, helping prevent unauthorized nuclear material diversion. Additionally, the countries, along with Japan, plan to sign a memorandum for joint research and exchanges, building on last year's Camp David summit agreement.
4 - Sewol ferry tragedy 10th’s anniversary
On the 10th anniversary of the Sewol ferry tragedy, Korea held memorial events to honor the 304 lives lost. Gyeonggi Province Gov. Kim Dong-yeon called for accountability and safety improvements. Song Doo-hwan of the National Human Rights Commission urged a safer society and truth-seeking. Political leaders attended the Ansan memorial, while President Yoon Suk Yeol offered condolences on TV.
5 - South Korean Shipbuilding Stocks Surge Amid U.S.-China Trade Probes :
South Korean shipbuilding stocks soared on Apr. 18 following U.S. probes into China's trade practices. Samsung Heavy Industries led with a 12% surge and record foreign investment. Other major shipbuilders, including Hanwha Ocean and Hyundai Heavy Industries, also saw substantial gains. Analysts link the surge to escalating U.S.-China trade tensions expanding beyond semiconductors to the shipbuilding sector.
6 - South Korean doctors’ protests continue :
South Korea's doctors' association rejected the government's revised medical reform plan, continuing a strike by trainee doctors. The government reduced planned medical school admissions, but the Korean Medical Association demands full abandonment. The strike disrupts hospital services, with warnings of potential healthcare system collapse. Public sentiment has turned against the reform plan after President Yoon Suk Yeol's party's election defeat.
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