South Korea’s push into private orbital launch suffered a blow on Monday (December 22) night after Innospace’s Hanbit-Nano rocket failed shortly after liftoff, ending its maiden flight prematurely. The launch, carried out from Brazil’s Alcantara Space Centre, was poised to be a historic moment, the first attempt by a South Korean private firm to reach orbit. Instead, the 17-metre rocket lost stability roughly a minute into the flight and crashed back to Earth, according to independent tracking data.&nbsp;Hanbit-Nano lifted off at 8:13 pm EST, but soon encountered an unspecified anomaly. Innospace confirmed that the mission did not proceed as planned and abruptly ended its live broadcast, saying further details would be shared after an internal review. Developed for the booming small-satellite launch market, Hanbit-Nano is a two-stage vehicle. Its first stage uses liquid oxygen and paraffin, while the upper stage is designed to operate in two variants, one with the same propellants and another powered by liquid oxygen and liquid methane, a combination that is gaining traction due to its efficiency and lower environmental impact.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-files-justice-department-releases-8-000-documents-following-legal-pressure-1766486736519">Epstein Files: US Justice department releases 8,000+ new documents following legal pressure</a>&nbsp;The rocket is capable of deploying payloads of up to 90 kilograms into sun-synchronous orbit, a trajectory commonly used for Earth observation, environmental monitoring, and reconnaissance. On its debut mission, Hanbit-Nano was carrying five commercial small satellites from clients in India and Brazil, alongside three experimental payloads. The mix underlined the growing international appetite for affordable and adaptable launch services.<h2>Watch the video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">BREAKING: South Korean Rocket Erupts in Massive Blast After Launch Failure at Alcântara Space Center in Brazil <a href="https://t.co/6Ba3NEf96H">pic.twitter.com/6Ba3NEf96H</a>&mdash; Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheInsiderPaper/status/2003283870146601433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The mission had already faced several delays, pushed back from its original December 17 window due to technical challenges and changing weather conditions. Such interruptions are routine in orbital launches, particularly from equatorial sites like Alcantara, where weather patterns can change rapidly. Industry analysts point out that first launches are notoriously unforgiving, even for companies that later become industry leaders. Many successful launch providers have faced early failures before refining their systems.&nbsp;Despite the setback, Innospace’s long-term plans remain ambitious. The company is developing larger vehicles, Hanbit-Micro and Hanbit-Mini—to expand its launch capabilities and compete in a crowded global market. While Hanbit-Nano’s first flight ended unsuccessfully, it also marked South Korea’s arrival in the private launch arena. As demand for small satellite access to orbit continues to rise, the failed mission serves as a reminder that progress in spaceflight is often built on early losses.

WATCH | South Korea's Innospace’s Hanbit-Nano rocket crashes minutes after historic liftoff attempt

South Korea’s push into private orbital launch suffered a blow on Monday (December 22) night after Innospace’s Hanbit-Nano rocket failed shortly after liftoff, ending its maiden flight prematurely. The launch, carried out from Brazil’s Alcantara Space Centre, was poised to be a historic moment, the first attempt by a South Korean private firm to reach orbit. Instead, the 17-metre rocket lost stability roughly a minute into the flight and crashed back to Earth, according to independent tracking data. Hanbit-Nano lifted off at 8:13 pm EST, but soon encountered an unspecified anomaly. Innospace confirmed that the mission did not proceed as planned and abruptly ended its live broadcast, saying further details would be shared after an internal review. Developed for the booming small-satellite launch market, Hanbit-Nano is a two-stage vehicle. Its first stage uses liquid oxygen and paraffin, while the upper stage is designed to operate in two variants, one with the same propellants and another powered by liquid oxygen and liquid methane, a combination that is gaining traction due to its efficiency and lower environmental impact. Also Read: Epstein Files: US Justice department releases 8,000+ new documents following legal pressure The rocket is capable of deploying payloads of up to 90 kilograms into sun-synchronous orbit, a trajectory commonly used for Earth observation, environmental monitoring, and reconnaissance. On its debut mission, Hanbit-Nano was carrying five commercial small satellites from clients in India and Brazil, alongside three experimental payloads. The mix underlined the growing international appetite for affordable and adaptable launch services. Watch the video here

Innospace’s Hanbit-Nano rocket crashed minutes after launch, ending South Korea’s first private orbital attempt but marking a key step in its space journey

South Korea’s presidential office is returning to the Blue House, reclaiming its historic seat of power. The move marks a symbolic and administrative shift in the country’s governance. Stay updated on South Korea politics, presidential news, and government developments.

South Korea’s Presidential Office Moves Back to Blue House

Hair loss may be a painful experience for an individual, but for governments, it has not been a serious concern. Well, that is no more the case after South Korean president Lee Jae Myung described balding as 'a matter of survival' and argued that medical treatment for hair loss should be covered under the national health insurance scheme.&nbsp;President Myung made the suggestions during a meeting with senior officials, saying that the medical treatment for hair loss should not be seen as "cosmetic" as it is viewed in past, but should be considered as "a matter of survival."&nbsp;South Korea’s national health insurance scheme currently provides coverage for hair loss treatments linked to medical conditions. However, it does not extend this benefit to individuals with hereditary hair loss, as the condition does not pose a threat to life, Health Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong said at a meeting on Tuesday.<h2>Why is baldness a serious issue for Lee</h2>South Korea is known for its strict beauty standards, and baldness has become a stigma and can significantly hamper young people's lives. Out of 240,000 people in the country who visited hospitals for hair loss last year, 40% were in their 20s or 30s, according to authorities. The country's cosmetic and hair-loss treatment market is believed to be among the biggest around the world.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yunus-govt-condemns-lynching-of-hindu-man-says-violence-has-no-place-1766143705105">Yunus government condemns lynching of Hindu man, says violence has no place in New Bangladesh</a>&nbsp;The president first made this proposal during his unsuccessful 2022 presidential election campaign, but later dropped it following criticism over populist pandering. The move was based on feedback gathered by Lee's team, which found that the hair loss issue resonates with people, especially among the young adults.&nbsp;Lee's proposal put South Korea's intense cultural focus on Physical appearance. According to a 2024 survey of young adults found that 98 per cent of respondents believed that attractive people have social advantages in several domains.&nbsp;

South Korea’s strict beauty standards mean baldness carries a strong stigma, especially for young people, where hair loss is often linked to ageing and affects social and professional perceptions.

Hair loss may be a painful experience for an individual, but for governments, it has not been a serious concern. Well, that is no more the case after South Korean president Lee Jae Myung described balding as 'a matter of survival' and argued that medical treatment for hair loss should be covered under the national health insurance scheme. President Myung made the suggestions during a meeting with senior officials, saying that the medical treatment for hair loss should not be seen as "cosmetic" as it is viewed in past, but should be considered as "a matter of survival." South Korea’s national health insurance scheme currently provides coverage for hair loss treatments linked to medical conditions. However, it does not extend this benefit to individuals with hereditary hair loss, as the condition does not pose a threat to life, Health Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong said at a meeting on Tuesday. Why is baldness a serious issue for Lee South Korea is known for its strict beauty standards, and baldness has become a stigma and can significantly hamper young people's lives. Out of 240,000 people in the country who visited hospitals for hair loss last year, 40% were in their 20s or 30s, according to authorities. The country's cosmetic and hair-loss treatment market is believed to be among the biggest around the world. Also Read: Yunus government condemns lynching of Hindu man, says violence has no place in New Bangladesh The president first made this proposal during his unsuccessful 2022 presidential election campaign, but later dropped it following criticism over populist pandering. The move was based on feedback gathered by Lee's team, which found that the hair loss issue resonates with people, especially among the young adults. Lee's proposal put South Korea's intense cultural focus on Physical appearance. According to a 2024 survey of young adults found that 98 per cent of respondents believed that attractive people have social advantages in several domains.

South Korea’s strict beauty standards mean baldness carries a strong stigma, especially for young people, where hair loss is often linked to ageing and affects social and professional perceptions.

‘Matter of survival’: Why South Korean president seeks government funding for hair loss treatment

South African authorities have arrested seven Kenyan nationals in connection with visa abuse after discovering them working illegally at a centre processing refugee applications for the United States. The individuals had entered South Africa on tourist visas but were found to be employed at the facility, violating their visa conditions. 

South Africa: Seven Kenyans Arrested in South Africa for Visa Violations

South Korea is witnessing a tourism boom as Chinese travelers increasingly skip Japan and choose Seoul as their destination. This surge is influenced by factors such as travel policies, affordability, and cultural attractions. Watch to explore why South Korea is becoming the top choice for Chinese tourists.

South Korea Tourism: Chinese Tourists Skip Japan, Seoul Sees Tourism Boom 

A South Korean court has ruled that a spouse cannot be compelled to donate an organ, even in life-or-death circumstances, after a man sued his wife for “malicious abandonment” when she refused to donate part of her liver. Judges cited coercion and verbal abuse, reaffirming bodily autonomy as paramount. The case has sparked widespread debate on social media, raising difficult questions about consent, marriage, and where love ends and obligation begins.


South Korean man sues wife for refusing liver donation; court backs wife's bodily autonomy 

 South Korea's military announced that two Chinese and seven Russian military aircraft briefly entered the air-defense identification zone (ADIZ) of the country. Watch this report for more details!


Seoul: Russian, Chinese warplanes intruded air defence zone 

A woman in South Korea has been jailed for four years after she pretended to be pregnant with Son Heung-min’s baby and demanded millions to stay quiet. Another person involved in the threats was also sentenced.


Woman jailed for blackmailing Son Heung-Min over fake pregnancy claim

Yoon Suk Yeol's botched attempt to impose martial law last year plunged South Korea into its worst political crisis in decades, providing fertile ground for disinformation to grow. A common refrain, posted on right-wing forums, amplified by YouTubers and echoed by lawmakers: China was to blame. Yoon supporters claimed Beijing had infiltrated protests, funded his impeachment campaign and manipulated online opinion ahead of the June snap election that brought opposition leader Lee Jae Myung to power.&nbsp;Yoon himself fuelled the suspicion last December during televised remarks defending his failed decree, warning that "forces linked to North Korea and China are threatening our democracy from within". But an AFP Fact Check review of the most widespread claims, including alleged "spy arrests" and Chinese-backed protests, found no solid evidence to support them.Instead, experts say the narrative was a homegrown reflection of political rivalries and long-simmering anti-China sentiment."There used to be goodwill toward China, a sense of economic partnership," said Ha Nam-suk, a professor at the University of Seoul.&nbsp;"But as competition deepened and cultural disputes intensified, frustration turned into resentment. Politicians understood that, and some used it as a convenient rallying tool". Anger over China's purported meddling spilt over into the streets of Seoul this autumn, where groups waved flags and chanted slogans against "Chinese infiltration". AFP examined the origins of the disinformation onslaught.&nbsp;<h2>‘99 Chinese spies’</h2>&nbsp;Shortly after Yoon's impeachment, right-wing YouTubers claimed "99 Chinese spies" had been arrested at the National Election Commission (NEC) and flown to Okinawa by the US military. Users on forums such as Ilbe and DC Inside picked up the story, which was later reprinted by conservative media outlets and on Facebook. AFP found the corresponding photos were taken in 2016 of Chinese fishermen detained for illegal fishing. The NEC and US Forces Korea said the reports were "entirely false".&nbsp;Still, the claim spread through pro-Yoon networks, and his lawyer later mentioned it before the Constitutional Court. "Younger Koreans already had strong resentment toward China over cultural and historical issues," Ha said.&nbsp;"After Yoon's impeachment, online influencers weaponised that resentment, turning frustration into political identity". A video showing dozens of social media dashboards running on one screen later circulated as a "Chinese AI bot farm".AFP traced it to a developer demonstrating an AI agent.<h2>Courts and conspiracies</h2>&nbsp;As the Constitutional Court considered Yoon's removal from office in the spring, top judge Moon Hyung-bae was targeted by a doctored image showing him "swearing allegiance before a Chinese flag". The original Yonhap photograph showed South Korea's flag. Moon continued to face disinformation, and when the Court unanimously voted to oust Yoon in April, the rumour gained traction among supporters who believed the judiciary had been "compromised".&nbsp;Several surveys conducted early this year indicated public distrust in the court had risen beyond 40 percent. Anti-Yoon protests also became the target of falsehoods, with posts sharing a Chinese-language poster seen in Seoul after the president's removal.AFP geolocated it to Gwanghwamun Gate, where demonstrators informed tourists about ongoing protests. The awkward phrasing indicated it had been translated from Korean.&nbsp;<h2>‘Chinese influence’</h2>&nbsp;When Lee won the presidency, similar anti-China themes resurfaced, with posts falsely claiming The Guardian reported China helped Lee win. The article in question cited a White House official's concerns about Chinese influence in democracies -- without referring to South Korea's vote. But the distortion gained traction, with one post from conservative lawmaker Yoo Sang-bum claiming Chinese nationals "heavily participated in pro-impeachment rallies".&nbsp;Popular right-wing YouTuber Shin In-kyun said the election "proved how deeply Chinese influence runs in our politics"."Once those stories took hold, they became symbols of something larger," said Kim Hee-gyo, a professor at Kwangwoon University.&nbsp;<h2>Visas and voter fraud</h2>&nbsp;The Justice Ministry's introduction of a visa-free programme for Chinese group tourists in August further stoked tensions, with former prime minister Hwang Kyo-ahn claiming it was a plot to enable fraud in next year's elections. The NEC clarified that only foreigners with at least three years of permanent residency can vote in local elections.&nbsp;But soon after, a new falsehood spread that all Chinese nationals could enter South Korea without passports or health checks.Kim said with Yoon no longer a viable focal point, hard-liners needed a new rallying cry. "They filled the vacuum by constructing an external enemy, turning general anti-China feeling into ideological sinophobia," he said. The problem is not just happening in South Korea, Ha separately noted. "Across democracies, we're watching crusade-style politics take root -- where one side must die for the other to survive."&nbsp;&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Yoon supporters claimed Beijing had infiltrated protests, funded his impeachment campaign and manipulated online opinion ahead of the June snap election that brought opposition leader Lee Jae Myung to power.

Yoon Suk Yeol's botched attempt to impose martial law last year plunged South Korea into its worst political crisis in decades, providing fertile ground for disinformation to grow. A common refrain, posted on right-wing forums, amplified by YouTubers and echoed by lawmakers: China was to blame. Yoon supporters claimed Beijing had infiltrated protests, funded his impeachment campaign and manipulated online opinion ahead of the June snap election that brought opposition leader Lee Jae Myung to power. Yoon himself fuelled the suspicion last December during televised remarks defending his failed decree, warning that "forces linked to North Korea and China are threatening our democracy from within". But an AFP Fact Check review of the most widespread claims, including alleged "spy arrests" and Chinese-backed protests, found no solid evidence to support them. Instead, experts say the narrative was a homegrown reflection of political rivalries and long-simmering anti-China sentiment. "There used to be goodwill toward China, a sense of economic partnership," said Ha Nam-suk, a professor at the University of Seoul. "But as competition deepened and cultural disputes intensified, frustration turned into resentment. Politicians understood that, and some used it as a convenient rallying tool". Anger over China's purported meddling spilt over into the streets of Seoul this autumn, where groups waved flags and chanted slogans against "Chinese infiltration". AFP examined the origins of the disinformation onslaught. ‘99 Chinese spies’ Shortly after Yoon's impeachment, right-wing YouTubers claimed "99 Chinese spies" had been arrested at the National Election Commission (NEC) and flown to Okinawa by the US military. Users on forums such as Ilbe and DC Inside picked up the story, which was later reprinted by conservative media outlets and on Facebook. AFP found the corresponding photos were taken in 2016 of Chinese fishermen detained for illegal fishing. The NEC and US Forces Korea said the reports were "entirely false". Still, the claim spread through pro-Yoon networks, and his lawyer later mentioned it before the Constitutional Court. "Younger Koreans already had strong resentment toward China over cultural and historical issues," Ha said. "After Yoon's impeachment, online influencers weaponised that resentment, turning frustration into political identity". A video showing dozens of social media dashboards running on one screen later circulated as a "Chinese AI bot farm". AFP traced it to a developer demonstrating an AI agent. Courts and conspiracies As the Constitutional Court considered Yoon's removal from office in the spring, top judge Moon Hyung-bae was targeted by a doctored image showing him "swearing allegiance before a Chinese flag". The original Yonhap photograph showed South Korea's flag. Moon continued to face disinformation, and when the Court unanimously voted to oust Yoon in April, the rumour gained traction among supporters who believed the judiciary had been "compromised". Several surveys conducted early this year indicated public distrust in the court had risen beyond 40 percent. Anti-Yoon protests also became the target of falsehoods, with posts sharing a Chinese-language poster seen in Seoul after the president's removal. AFP geolocated it to Gwanghwamun Gate, where demonstrators informed tourists about ongoing protests. The awkward phrasing indicated it had been translated from Korean. ‘Chinese influence’ When Lee won the presidency, similar anti-China themes resurfaced, with posts falsely claiming The Guardian reported China helped Lee win. The article in question cited a White House official's concerns about Chinese influence in democracies -- without referring to South Korea's vote. But the distortion gained traction, with one post from conservative lawmaker Yoo Sang-bum claiming Chinese nationals "heavily participated in pro-impeachment rallies". Popular right-wing YouTuber Shin In-kyun said the election "proved how deeply Chinese influence runs in our politics". "Once those stories took hold, they became symbols of something larger," said Kim Hee-gyo, a professor at Kwangwoon University. Visas and voter fraud The Justice Ministry's introduction of a visa-free programme for Chinese group tourists in August further stoked tensions, with former prime minister Hwang Kyo-ahn claiming it was a plot to enable fraud in next year's elections. The NEC clarified that only foreigners with at least three years of permanent residency can vote in local elections. But soon after, a new falsehood spread that all Chinese nationals could enter South Korea without passports or health checks. Kim said with Yoon no longer a viable focal point, hard-liners needed a new rallying cry. "They filled the vacuum by constructing an external enemy, turning general anti-China feeling into ideological sinophobia," he said. The problem is not just happening in South Korea, Ha separately noted. "Across democracies, we're watching crusade-style politics take root -- where one side must die for the other to survive." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Yoon supporters claimed Beijing had infiltrated protests, funded his impeachment campaign and manipulated online opinion ahead of the June snap election that brought opposition leader Lee Jae Myung to power.

How anti-China disinformation shaped South Korea's year of crisis

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has expressed a desire to apologize to North Korea for alleged actions taken by his predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, including the dispatch of drones and propaganda leaflets across the border. Lee cited concerns that such an apology could be politicized domestically but emphasized his intention to help reduce inter-Korean tensions.

South Korea Leader Considers Apology for Predecessor's Actions

South Korean authorities said, a wildfire in Yangyang, Gangwon province, has been fully contained, after overnight evacuations in the country’s northeast. South Korea issued a level 1 forest fire response alert and evacuated hundreds of residents.


Korea Forest Service Mobilizes 26 Helicopters at Daybreak for Fire Response 

A South Korean ferry with 267 people on board ran aground after the first officer became distracted by his mobile phone, according to the coast guard. The ship hit an isolated island off the country’s southwest coast. All 246 passengers and 21 crew members were safely rescued, and the ferry was pulled to a nearby port on Thursday (Nov 20). According to reports, at least five people received minor injuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;The accident happened after 8 pm on Wednesday (Nov 19) while the ferry was traveling from Jeju Island to the port city of Mokpo.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-are-deliberately-triggering-earthquakes-in-alps-all-zero-magnitude-here-s-why-1763627832295">Scientists are deliberately triggering earthquakes, all 0 magnitude. Here's why</a>&nbsp;A coast guard official told AFP that early findings suggest the officer steering the ship was looking at his phone and left the vessel on autopilot in an area where manual control was required. Because of this, the ferry missed the right point to change direction and ended up running aground.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Thursday, the coast guard opened a formal investigation. They arrested the first officer and an Indonesian crew member on suspicion of serious negligence.&nbsp;&nbsp;Both were in charge of navigating and are believed to have delayed taking the ferry off autopilot, which allowed it to crash into the island in a busy route leading to Mokpo.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-wasn-t-on-my-charts-trump-to-help-solve-sudan-war-but-only-because-saudi-prince-told-him-to-act-1763619253947">'Wasn't on my charts': Trump to help solve Sudan war, but only because Saudi prince&nbsp;told&nbsp;him&nbsp;to&nbsp;act</a>&nbsp;Photos and videos shared online show that the 26,500-ton vessel appears to have damage along the bottom of its hull. The incident has reminded many people of South Korea's 2014 ferry disaster that claimed more than 300 lives.

On Thursday (Nov 20), the coast guard opened a formal investigation. They arrested the first officer and an Indonesian crew member on suspicion of serious negligence. 

A South Korean ferry with 267 people on board ran aground after the first officer became distracted by his mobile phone, according to the coast guard. The ship hit an isolated island off the country’s southwest coast. All 246 passengers and 21 crew members were safely rescued, and the ferry was pulled to a nearby port on Thursday (Nov 20). According to reports, at least five people received minor injuries. The accident happened after 8 pm on Wednesday (Nov 19) while the ferry was traveling from Jeju Island to the port city of Mokpo. Also Read - Scientists are deliberately triggering earthquakes, all 0 magnitude. Here's why A coast guard official told AFP that early findings suggest the officer steering the ship was looking at his phone and left the vessel on autopilot in an area where manual control was required. Because of this, the ferry missed the right point to change direction and ended up running aground. On Thursday, the coast guard opened a formal investigation. They arrested the first officer and an Indonesian crew member on suspicion of serious negligence. Both were in charge of navigating and are believed to have delayed taking the ferry off autopilot, which allowed it to crash into the island in a busy route leading to Mokpo. Also Read - 'Wasn't on my charts': Trump to help solve Sudan war, but only because Saudi prince told him to act Photos and videos shared online show that the 26,500-ton vessel appears to have damage along the bottom of its hull. The incident has reminded many people of South Korea's 2014 ferry disaster that claimed more than 300 lives.

On Thursday (Nov 20), the coast guard opened a formal investigation. They arrested the first officer and an Indonesian crew member on suspicion of serious negligence.&nbsp;

South Korean ferry with 267 aboard runs aground after helmsman reportedly distracted by phone

A passenger ferry carrying 267 people ran aground off the southwestern coast of South Korea near Sinan Island. All passengers and crew were safely rescued with no serious injuries reported. The 26,546-ton vessel struck submerged rocks, causing damage to its bow but no flooding.


South Korean Ferry Runs Aground: All 267 Rescued with No Serious Injuries

South Korean Ferry Runs Aground: A South Korean passenger ferry carrying 267 people ran aground near an uninhabited island off the southwestern coast, with all aboard safely rescued. The 26,546-ton vessel, traveling from Jeju Island to Mokpo, struck submerged rocks prompting a swift rescue involving coast guard vessels and aircraft. Though the ferry sustained damage at the bow, no flooding occurred, and there were no serious injuries reported. 

South Korean Ferry Runs Aground: All 267 Rescued with No Serious Injuries 

North Korea has strongly criticized the recent agreement between South Korea and the United States on nuclear-powered submarines. Officials warn that the deal could heighten regional tensions and even trigger a global arms race.

North Korea Condemns US-South Korea Nuclear Submarine Deal

South Korea's government has announced that it has finalised an agreement to build nuclear-powered submarines in partnership with the United States. The US has approved the "attack submarines" and agreed to cooperate in sourcing fuel, according to a fact sheet released by the White House 

North Korea says Seoul-US submarine deal to trigger 'nuclear domino' effect

Across South Korea, nearly 550,000 students will appear for the World's longest exam today. The infamous college entrance test runs for more than 12 hours. Shops are shut, flights are delayed to reduce the noise, daily commutes have slowed down, and the whole nation is at a halt. The Suneung or College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) is not only for admission into a great university, but also the gateway to job prospects, income, lifestyle and future relationships in South Korea.&nbsp;<h2>Suneung or College Scholastic Ability Test of South Korea</h2>The test contains approximately 200 questions from various subjects, including Korean, mathematics, English, Korean history, one elective from social or natural sciences or Vocational education, and a Second language and Hanja (classical Chinese characters used in Korean). The test continues for back-to-back eight hours, with 1.7 times the standard time allocated for the visually impaired or low vision students, which can last nearly 13 hours. The standard booklet for a paper is 16 pages long, and for braille script it's 100 pages. It begins around 08:40 and finishes around 17:40, and for visually impaired students it can last till 21:48, without any dinner or lunch breaks.&nbsp;"It's really exhausting because the exam is so long," said Dong-hyun, who was born without any sensitivity to light.Approximately 554,174 applicants applied in 2025, which is an increase of 31,500 from the previous year and the highest number of applicants in the last seven years. The marathon exam is open for high school graduates and final year students. A small number of visually impaired students also appear for the exam."…There's no special trick. I just follow my study schedule and try to manage my condition. That's the only way," said Dong-hyun. According to data from the Ministry of Education and the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation, in 2024, there were 99 students with low vision and 12 with severe visual impairments.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nearly 550,000 students across South Korea are appearing for the Suneung, or College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), a marathon 12-hour exam that halts the nation, decides careers, and shapes futures.

Across South Korea, nearly 550,000 students will appear for the World's longest exam today. The infamous college entrance test runs for more than 12 hours. Shops are shut, flights are delayed to reduce the noise, daily commutes have slowed down, and the whole nation is at a halt. The Suneung or College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) is not only for admission into a great university, but also the gateway to job prospects, income, lifestyle and future relationships in South Korea. Suneung or College Scholastic Ability Test of South Korea The test contains approximately 200 questions from various subjects, including Korean, mathematics, English, Korean history, one elective from social or natural sciences or Vocational education, and a Second language and Hanja (classical Chinese characters used in Korean). The test continues for back-to-back eight hours, with 1.7 times the standard time allocated for the visually impaired or low vision students, which can last nearly 13 hours. The standard booklet for a paper is 16 pages long, and for braille script it's 100 pages. It begins around 08:40 and finishes around 17:40, and for visually impaired students it can last till 21:48, without any dinner or lunch breaks. "It's really exhausting because the exam is so long," said Dong-hyun, who was born without any sensitivity to light. Approximately 554,174 applicants applied in 2025, which is an increase of 31,500 from the previous year and the highest number of applicants in the last seven years. The marathon exam is open for high school graduates and final year students. A small number of visually impaired students also appear for the exam. "…There's no special trick. I just follow my study schedule and try to manage my condition. That's the only way," said Dong-hyun. According to data from the Ministry of Education and the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation, in 2024, there were 99 students with low vision and 12 with severe visual impairments.

Nearly 550,000 students across South Korea are appearing for the Suneung, or College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), a marathon 12-hour exam that halts the nation, decides careers, and shapes futures.

World's longest exam: 550,000 students across South Korea appear for Suneung today

South Korea:  A major move from south Korea, the country is preparing to launch a new securities exchange with a twist. The planned bourse aims to attract younger, tech-savvy traders by offering fractional units of -Pop music copyrights, essentially turning pop culture into tradable tokens. 


South Korea: Investors Can Now Buy Fractional Shares of K-pop Revenues 

South Korea has warned that North Korea is fully prepared to conduct another nuclear test, awaiting only a final decision from leader Kim Jong Un. Intelligence sources indicate that Pyongyang has completed all necessary preparations at its nuclear test site. This move comes amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing military drills between South Korea, the United States, and Japan. A potential test would mark North Korea’s first in years, escalating fears of a new security crisis in East Asia.


South Korea warns North Korea ready for 7th nuclear test

#Gravitas In a recent bilateral meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung, Xi presented a pair of Xiaomi smartphones to his counterpart.

China Picks Homegrown Xiaomi Smartphones for Diplomatic Gifts

South Korea hosts Chinese President Xi Jinping as he meets with regional leaders, aiming to address and potentially ease long-standing tensions in diplomatic and economic relations. The visit highlights efforts to rekindle fraught ties amid regional security concerns and trade disputes.


South Korea hosts Xi Jinping as Chinese leader rekindles fraught ties

Leaders of 21 Asian and Pacific Rim nations are to set to wrap up their annual economic forum on Saturday after President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on a temporary truce on their trade war, generating relief around the world.


APEC summit: APEC closes with call for stronger regional trade unity 

APEC: At the 2025 APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung held their first official meeting.


APEC: Japan PM Sanae Takaichi﻿ Meets S Korean President for Historic Bilateral Talks

APEC 2025: At the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Gyeongju﻿, South Korea, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi﻿ met with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung﻿ in their first formal bilateral discussions. 


APEC: Japan PM Sanae Takaichi﻿ Meets South Korean President Lee Jae Myung﻿ for Bilateral Talks

APEC 2025: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held their first summit on Thursday (October 30, 2025), vowing to improve relations long strained by wartime disputes. 


APEC 2025: Japan PM Takaichi Meets S Korean President 

Global leaders are arriving in Gyeongju, the cultural hub of North Gyeongsang Province, as South Korea hosts the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.


APEC summit: Global leaders converge in South Korea's Gyeongju ahead of leaders' summit

President Donald Trump, who has often compared himself to a king, was literally crowned — sort of — during his visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Gyeongju. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung presented Trump with a replica of an ancient royal crown from the Silla Kingdom, one of Korea’s most treasured artifacts, symbolizing divine authority and peace. Trump also received the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea’s highest civilian honor, calling the gifts “very special.”

Trump Receives Golden Crown From South Korea’s President During APEC Visit 

US President Donald Trump was awarded South Korea’s highest honor, the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, by President Lee Jae Myung during a ceremony in Gyeongju on the final leg of Trump’s Asia tour. Alongside the medal, Trump received a replica golden crown inspired by the ancient Silla Kingdom, symbolizing peace and unity on the Korean Peninsula. 


South Korea Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Donald Trump

US-South Korea: US President Donald Trump was awarded South Korea's highest honor, the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, during a ceremony in Gyeongju. He also received a replica of a golden crown from Korea's ancient Silla Kingdom, symbolizing peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and marking a new 'golden age' in US-South Korea relations.


US-South Korea: Trump Receives South Korea’s Top Honor, the Grand Order of Mugunghwa

US President Donald Trump said that the timing did not work out for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. While earlier discussions hinted at a potential Trump-Kim summit, scheduling conflicts and diplomatic considerations have delayed the meeting.


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