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. 10.
Justice minister returns as South Korea court rejects removal
South Korea’s Constitutional Court on April 10 unanimously rejected the National Assembly’s impeachment motion against Justice Minister Park Sung-jae, allowing him to return to office after a 119-day suspension. While the court acknowledged some legal violations, including his refusal to submit certain documents to parliament, it ruled the breaches were not serious enough to warrant dismissal. The court also dismissed claims that Park supported or participated in former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s martial law declaration, and found no legal grounds for allegations related to a parliamentary walkout or the handling of prosecutors’ spending records.
Trump seeks one-stop deal with S. Korea on trade, tariffs, defense
U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed merging trade, tariffs, and defense cost-sharing negotiations with South Korea into a single comprehensive deal, branding it “ONE STOP SHOPPING” and throwing into question a recently signed defense agreement that runs through 2030. The move has sparked concern in Seoul that Trump may also undermine the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, prompting officials and analysts to advocate for a bold, strategic package deal that could involve Seoul covering the full cost of U.S. troops in exchange for stronger security guarantees and potential revisions to its nuclear pact with Washington. Experts stress the need for a unified negotiating approach and warn against focusing solely on costs, emphasizing the broader strategic value of the U.S.-Korea alliance amid rising regional tensions with China.
KOSPI jumps, sidecar triggered as US tariff pause lifts sentiment
South Korea’s stock market surged on April 10, with the KOSPI jumping over 5% shortly after opening, prompting a temporary trading halt known as a buy-side sidecar to curb volatility. The rally mirrored Wall Street’s sharp gains after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 90-day suspension of new tariffs for all countries except China, boosting global investor sentiment. Major Korean stocks including SK hynix, Samsung Electronics, and Hyundai Motor saw strong gains, while tech and battery shares also rose. Analysts cited improved valuation levels and a weaker won as supportive factors for the rally.
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