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. 21.
Beijing’s Yellow Sea platform mirrors South China Sea tactics, alarming Seoul
On Apr. 20, it was confirmed that China installed a large fixed structure in the Yellow Sea’s Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ) using a decommissioned oil rig built in France in 1982 and retired in 2016. China modified the rig and placed it in the PMZ in Oct. 2022 as a “fish farm support facility,” despite restrictions on non-fishing activities. Experts call it a mini artificial island that could impact the undefined maritime boundary with South Korea. Satellite imagery shows the platform is 100 meters wide, 80 meters long, and features a helipad and bridges, with another Chinese facility—Shenlan-2—3 kilometers away. Along with Shenlan-1, both are semi-submersible and possibly mobile, unlike the fixed platform, which remains anchored and can accommodate about 100 people. Analysts see this as part of China’s strategy to assert control, echoing its 2014 oil rig standoff with Vietnam. Since Xi Jinping’s 2013 pledge to build maritime power, China has expanded its presence in disputed seas, bolstered by its 2021 Coast Guard Law. In Feb. 2025, a South Korean inspection attempt triggered a two-hour standoff with Chinese armed personnel.
South Korea faces historic fourth quarter of near-zero growth
South Korea is facing an unprecedented stretch of economic stagnation, with first-quarter growth in 2025 expected to come in at 0.1% or less for a fourth consecutive quarter—a pattern not seen even during past crises like the 1997 Asian financial meltdown or the 2008 global crash. The Bank of Korea attributes the slowdown to political instability following the martial law crisis and declining business confidence amid U.S. tariff threats under President Donald Trump. Economists warn that the prolonged stagnation signals deeper structural issues, including weak domestic demand, an aging population, and delayed reforms, with South Korea’s potential growth rate now near 2%. While the government has unveiled a 12 trillion won ($8.4 billion) extra budget, critics say more aggressive measures, including interest rate cuts and at least 30 trillion won ($21 billion) in additional fiscal support, are needed to reach even modest growth targets. However, rising national debt, projected to hit 885.4 trillion won this year, poses a challenge to expansive stimulus efforts.
Lee Jung-hoo emerges as MLB star with strong start for Giants
Lee Jung-hoo, a 27-year-old outfielder for the San Francisco Giants, is gaining widespread attention in South Korea, the U.S., and Japan with a stellar start to his Major League Baseball season. As of Apr. 20, he has hit safely in 17 of 20 games, including a five-game streak, and is batting .355 with a 1.044 OPS—ranking among the top hitters in both the National League and all of MLB. Dubbed the “Grandson of the Wind,” he’s been hailed by U.S. media as a potential batting title contender and compared by Angels manager Ron Washington to a young Ichiro. Lee’s breakout series against the Yankees and strong performance have made him a fan favorite in San Francisco, where supporters known as the “Hoo Lee Gans” fill a special cheering section at Oracle Park. His rise is also making waves in Japan, where media call him “Korea’s Ichiro” and note his birth in Nagoya while his father played in Nippon Professional Baseball, with fans jokingly calling for him to join Japan’s national team.
One minute, that’s all it takes to know about Korea. Click here ☞ https://page.stibee.com/subscriptions/305897
