The Minute to Read (Weekdays) series provides a quick overview of significant events in Korea everyday, conveniently condensed into a one-minute read. Here’s a recap of what happened yesterday: Oct. 17.

The Hyundai Casper. /News1

Hyundai and Kia push for battery-swappable EVs

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia have requested approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport to separate battery ownership from electric vehicles (EVs), allowing consumers to purchase EVs without integrated batteries. If approved, EV owners will be able to replace batteries via a battery-swapping service without having to charge them. Currently, EVs are sold with integrated batteries under the Motor Vehicle Management Act. The proposed system will initially target cost-sensitive sectors like taxis, buses, and logistics. Hyundai has already begun trials for detachable EVs and is preparing test vehicles, batteries, and battery-swapping stations.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaking at the Economic Club of Chicago on Oct. 15. / Yonhap

Trump says ‘money machine’ Korea should pay $10 billion a year for US troops

Former U.S. President Donald Trump called South Korea a “money machine” and said the long-time U.S. ally would be paying $10 billion every year for U.S. troops stationed in Korea if he were in the White House. The Republican presidential candidate’s remarks come two weeks after Korea and the U.S. reached a new five-year defense cost deal, known as the Special Measures Agreement (SMA). Under the deal, Seoul will pay 1.52 trillion won ($1.1 billion) in 2026, up 8.3% from the 1.4 trillion won in 2025. Trump’s remark has sparked concerns over a potential renegotiation of defense costs if he were to be re-elected in the upcoming U.S. presidential election next month.

Yeong Bin Gwan at The Shilla Seoul, often referred to as the "dream wedding venue."/The Shilla Seoul

The rise of luxury weddings in South Korea and the quiet rebellion against them

Young couples in Korea are flocking to Seoul’s luxury hotel wedding venues for a once-in-a-lifetime wedding ceremony. Weddings at top Seoul hotels like The Shilla, Signiel Seoul, and The Westin Josun Seoul can cost up to 100 million won ($74,000) during peak wedding seasons. Many young couples, driven by societal pressure or personal dreams, are willing to take on debt to afford these luxury weddings. A representative from The Westin Josun Seoul noted that venues are fully booked until next year. Despite this trend, some couples are opting for smaller, more intimate ceremonies or skipping weddings entirely, citing high costs and a preference to invest in property.

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