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. 16.
South Korea left off US State Dept. Asia trip — again
Sean O’Neill, a senior U.S. State Department official, is making a trip to Asia this week with stops in Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, and Hawaii — but notably leaving out South Korea, fueling concerns that Seoul is being increasingly sidelined in U.S. regional diplomacy. The visit will focus on strengthening U.S. ties with Southeast Asia and Japan, while the omission of South Korea follows a similar move by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in March, amid what critics describe as a diplomatic leadership vacuum in Seoul since martial law was declared in December.
Samsung seals major MLCC deal with BYD after Lee’s China trip
Samsung Electro-Mechanics has secured a major deal to supply multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) to Chinese EV maker BYD and other local firms, marking a key step in expanding its presence in the automotive electronics market. The deal, worth several hundred billion won, is seen as a result of Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong’s recent China visit to strengthen ties with key partners amid growing demand for electric and autonomous vehicle components.
Kim Jong-un unveils 10,000 new homes in Pyongyang
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended a ceremony on April 15 marking the completion of the third stage of Pyongyang’s Hwasong District redevelopment, timed with the Day of the Sun, the country’s most important holiday. The project delivered 10,000 new apartment units as part of a five-year plan to build 50,000 homes in the capital. Kim, who has personally overseen the project with multiple visits, expressed regret over delays but praised the development’s impact on residents’ lives. Analysts say the event was a strategic move to rally public morale and reinforce internal unity.
One minute, that’s all it takes to know about Korea. Click here ☞ https://page.stibee.com/subscriptions/305897
