Ian Werther

Iran has begun laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway where about 20% of the world’s crude oil shipments pass. Analysts say once sea mines are deployed, they are extremely difficult to remove during an ongoing conflict, potentially giving Iran a powerful lever over global energy

In Seoul, Kim Hak-gyun, chairman of the Korea Venture Capital Association, argued that Korea’s stock market for growth companies, the KOSDAQ, must change its framework to attract long-term capital rather than rely mainly on retail investors. Speaking at a press briefing at the Westin Seoul in Gangnam on March

A South Korean radiologist has spotlighted everyday Korean foods that he says can harm pancreatic health, warning that excessive sugar intake is linked not only to diabetes but potentially to pancreatic cancer. The comments came in a YouTube video on a channel run by Dr. Lee Won-kyung, titled with a

Suncheon City in South Jeolla Province announced an investment agreement on the 13th with Genesis BBQ and the Jeollanam-do provincial government to develop a high-end hotel and related facilities near Suncheonman National Garden. The agreement is part of Suncheon’s strategy to boost stay-type tourism and build a global business

KFC Korea has raised prices on 23 menu items, including an increase of 300 won for Original Chicken. The changes, covering chicken and burger products, were announced on the 13th. The company cited unfavorable exchange-rate conditions, higher raw-material costs, and rising operating expenses as the main reasons for the price

Lotte Shopping’s home shopping unit is locked in a governance dispute with its second-largest shareholder, Taekwang Industry, as the company reported a shift in its board balance at its 25th annual general meeting. The meeting, held on the 13th, approved expanding outside directors, reshaping the board's composition

Gunsan’s mayoral candidate Kang Im-joon welcomed a memorandum of understanding on the asset transfer of Gunsan Shipyard, signed by Eco Prime Marine Pacific, described as the largest shareholder of Hyundai Heavy Industries and HJ Heavy Industries. The agreement concerns the transfer of the shipyard’s assets as part of

A leading candidate for Busan mayor in the June 3 local elections has entered the race. Jeon Jae-su, a member of South Korea’s ruling Democratic Party (Minjoo) who represents Busan North District, is regarded as one of the frontrunners in the contest. In a post on his Facebook page

Land Power, by Michael Alberts and translated by No Seung-Young, surveys how land has underpinned political and economic power from the 19th century to today, arguing that who owns land helps determine who holds influence in world affairs. The book positions land as a strategic resource whose control can reshape

Seoul’s main opposition party, the People Power Party (PPP), is roiled by internal upheaval as the nomination process for upcoming local elections unfolds. The party’s nomination committee chair, Lee Jung-hyun, abruptly expressed his intention to resign today, less than a month after he urged a party-wide turnover to