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: Mar. 27.
South Korea sees record wildfires spread south toward Busan
Wildfires that erupted across South Korea beginning on Mar. 21 have rapidly engulfed regions nationwide, fueled by strong dry winds and sparking simultaneous blazes. A major fire that started in Uiseong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, on Mar. 22 spread east through Andong, Cheongsong, and Yeongyang before reaching the coastal city of Yeongdeok by Mar. 25, traveling roughly 70 kilometers in just three days. Other fires in Sancheong, Gyeongsangnam-do, and Ulju, Ulsan, advanced into Jirisan National Park and toward Busan, respectively. Authorities estimate the total burned area at 65,000 hectares—likely the most extensive wildfire damage in South Korea’s history, surpassing the 23,794-hectare blaze recorded in 2000. As of Mar. 26, the death toll has climbed to 26, including 21 residents—many elderly—found in Uiseong and surrounding areas, four firefighters killed in Sancheong, and a helicopter pilot who died when his aircraft crashed during suppression efforts in Uiseong. More than 28,000 people have been forced to evacuate, with Cheongsong alone displacing nearly half its population. Fires also threatened historic sites, coming within two kilometers of Hahoe Folk Village and Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy, prompting emergency firefighting operations and evacuation alerts. In Cheongsong, monks at Daejeonsa Temple cleared nearby trees to slow the flames. The wildfires have also disrupted basic services, causing water outages in parts of Gyeongsangbuk-do and power failures in areas of Gyeongsangnam-do. Meanwhile, around 800 inmates at Andong Correctional Institution were relocated as the fires approached the facility.
Hyundai opens first U.S. EV-only plant in Georgia amid trade uncertainty
Hyundai Motor Group inaugurated its $7.6 billion EV plant in Georgia on Mar. 26, its first U.S. factory under Chairman Chung Eui-sun and a major step in expanding local production. Built in just two and a half years, the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) adds 300,000 units in annual capacity, expandable to 500,000. Combined with existing plants in Alabama and Georgia, Hyundai’s U.S. production now covers 70% of its American sales. While launched amid tariff concerns under the Trump administration, Chairman Chung emphasized the move reflects a long-term commitment to sustainability and U.S. partnerships. The smart factory will begin with Ioniq EVs, expand to hybrids by 2026, and features AI-driven automation and inspection robots. Four Hyundai affiliates operate on-site, and a separate battery plant is underway with SK On and LG Energy Solution. The ceremony drew U.S. and Korean dignitaries, highlighting the project’s economic and diplomatic significance.
NJZ denies outside pressure and says every decision was mutual
The members of NJZ, formerly known as NewJeans, have spoken out about their decision to suspend independent activities under the NJZ label following a court injunction that restricted their ability to operate without agency approval. In a Mar. 26 video released by BBC News Korea, the five members emphasized that every decision over the past year was made collectively after extensive internal discussion, stressing that no action was taken without full agreement among them. They expressed discomfort with public speculation, frustration over being underestimated due to their age, and concern about the long-term consequences of the legal dispute. Danielle recalled trying to remain silent during comeback preparations, while Hani shared fears about the possibility of no longer being able to perform. On Mar. 21, the Seoul Central District Court granted a provisional injunction filed by their agency, ADOR, barring the group from signing new advertising contracts or continuing activities under NJZ without the agency’s approval. In response, the group’s legal team filed an objection and announced plans to take legal action against those spreading false or defamatory content online.
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