A global survey of experts revealed a significant increase in expectations that South Korea will develop nuclear weapons within the next decade. The Atlantic Council’s survey of 357 strategists from 60 countries found that 40.2 percent believed South Korea was likely to acquire nuclear weapons. This places it just behind Iran (72.8 percent) and Saudi Arabia (41.6 percent) in terms of nuclear weapon acquisition potential. The figure marks a sharp rise from last year’s 25.4 percent. The growing ex

According to recent data from Altrata, the global billionaire population has shifted with the rise of “superbillionaires” — individuals whose net worth exceeds $50 billion. The top of the list is dominated by tech moguls, with Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos holding the first two spots. Other sectors, such as fashion, manufacturing and telecommunications, are also represented in the group of 24. These exceptional wealthholders now make up a significant portion of global billionaire wealth. In early Feb

South Korea’s exports of auto parts to the United States hit a record high last year, data showed, as experts weigh the potential impact of incoming auto tariffs from the United States. Exports of automotive parts to the US totaled $8.22 billion in 2024, up from $8.08 billion the previous year, according to data compiled by the Korea Auto Industries Cooperative Association. The figure has been on a steady increase from $6.91 billion in 2021 and $8.03 billion in 2022. In 2024, shipments to the US

Apple has maintained its position as the most admired company in the world for the 18th year running, according to Fortune’s annual ranking. Based on a survey of over 3,000 executives, directors and analysts, the list highlights the world’s most respected firms. Microsoft and Amazon keep hold of their second and third positions, respectively, for a sixth consecutive year. Nvidia, at fourth place, continues to rise thanks to its role in advancing artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Alphabet, Goog

Nearly 6 out of 10 South Koreans support impeaching suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol over his Dec. 3 botched martial law declaration, a survey showed, as the Constitutional Court began deliberations to decide whether to uphold his impeachment or reinstate him. According to the survey conducted by Gallup of 1,000 adults aged over 18 Feb. 25-27, 59 percent said they supported Yoon’s impeachment, down 1 percentage point from a week earlier. Thirty-five percent said they were against Yoon’s impeach

A recent study reveals that the world generates 52 million metric tons of plastic pollution each year, with a significant portion coming from countries in the Global South. This staggering amount could fill New York City’s Central Park to the height of the Empire State Building. The study, led by the University of Leeds, examined waste production across more than 50,000 cities and towns globally. More than two-thirds of this pollution comes from countries with poor waste collection servi

The time high in the first half of this year, exceeding 200,000. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, 204,000 people visited for such purposes — a 50.6 percent increase from the same period last year. This growth is largely attributed to global interest in Korean culture, with visitors from China leading the way at 112,724 (55.2 percent). Other top countries include Vietnam, Japan, Mongolia and Uzbekistan. Experts credit the surge to the worldwide popularity of Korean music, film

Photo-sharing app Instagram overtook Naver, the nation’s leading internet portal, as the third most popular mobile app in South Korea in terms of usage time last month, industry data showed. South Koreans spent a combined 20.9 billion minutes on Instagram in April, according to data from mobile market research firm Wiseapp Retail Goods. It marked the first time Instagram outstripped Naver to become the third most used smartphone app here since Wiseapp began compiling such data in March 2016. Peo

Illegal trafficking of plant and animal wildlife remains stubbornly prevalent, according to a UN report, and it is critical governments focus on more than just “iconic” species like elephants, where progress has been made. While seizures reported in 2020 and 2021 were around half that of previous reports, that could be attributed to pandemic-linked disruptions rather than a decline in actual trafficking, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime World Wildlife Crime Report said. Wildlife crim

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the highest-paid athlete over the past year, according to the Forbes article, “The World’s 10 Highest-Paid Athletes 2024.” The Portuguese soccer superstar earned $260 million between May 1, 2023 and May 1, 2024. Spanish golfer Jon Rahm, who made headlines with his move from the PGA Tour to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf in December 2023, ranked second with $218 million in earnings. In third place was Argentina’s Lionel Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, with $13