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: Apr. 9.
S. Korea probes Chinese nationals for filming strategic military sites
Two Chinese high school students were apprehended near a South Korean airbase in Suwon for filming military aircraft, later telling police that one of their fathers works for China’s public security bureau. Investigators suspect the act was premeditated, noting the pair had also visited Osan Air Base to film U.S. F-35 stealth fighters and had train tickets to Busan, where a U.S. aircraft carrier was scheduled to dock. The case is one of at least five similar incidents over the past year involving Chinese nationals caught photographing or collecting data on South Korean military facilities, including drone activity near key defense sites and an attempted bribe to obtain military intelligence. However, under current South Korean law, espionage charges are limited to activities involving North Korea, making prosecution under national security statutes difficult. Efforts to expand the legal definition of “enemy” to include foreign states have stalled in the National Assembly due to political opposition.
North Korea seen building large-scale missile frigate, think tank reports
Satellite imagery analyzed by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) indicates that North Korea is constructing a new guided missile frigate (FFG) at the Nampo Shipyard, potentially the largest warship the country has ever built at an estimated 140 meters in length. The vessel, captured in Apr. 6 imagery and currently undergoing outfitting in a 120-meter floating drydock, is covered with camouflage netting, obscuring detailed features. CSIS noted the vessel could be the same one inspected by State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un in early March. While North Korea informed the International Maritime Organization in 2023 of plans to build two helicopter-capable frigates, it remains unclear if this ship is one of them. If capable of operating helicopters, it would be only the second such vessel in the North Korean Navy. The report was authored by CSIS Senior Fellow Joseph Bermudez and Associate Fellow Jennifer Jun.
Hyundai forms task force to build in-house EV batteries
South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group has launched a dedicated unit, the B Task Force (TFT), under its manufacturing division to accelerate in-house electric vehicle battery development amid rising concerns over global competition, particularly from China’s BYD. Formed on Apr. 7 and led by Executive Vice President Jung Jun-cheul, the team includes top battery experts and aims to build an integrated system to enhance long-term battery competitiveness. While Hyundai and Kia currently rely on external suppliers like LG Energy Solution and SK On, the move signals a strategic shift as rivals like BYD—originally a battery maker—gain ground with breakthrough technologies, such as its new “Super e-Platform” that enables over 400 kilometers of range with just five minutes of charging. BYD’s announcement in March triggered a 5.3% drop in Tesla’s stock and raised industry concerns over falling behind. Hyundai has co-developed some batteries with LG and launched a joint venture in Indonesia, but its internal battery division has so far played a limited role. The shift to in-house development is seen as essential for reducing procurement costs and offering more affordable EVs, a strategy already employed by BYD, which recently surpassed Tesla as the world’s top EV seller.
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