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| ▲ President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a press conference for the new year held at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Jan. 21, 2026. (Yonhap) |
Yonhap News Summary
Yonhap News Summary
The following is the first summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday.
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■ (2nd LD) Lee vows diplomatic efforts for resumption of N. Korea-U.S. talks, creating conditions for inter-Korean dialogue
SEOUL -- President Lee Jae Myung said Wednesday he will make diplomatic efforts to help North Korea and the United States swiftly resume bilateral talks while implementing measures to create conditions for a resumption of inter-Korean dialogue.
"As a pacemaker, we will make diplomatic efforts to ensure that North Korea-U.S. dialogue will soon take place and create conditions for the resumption of inter-Korean dialogue," Lee said in a nationally televised press conference for the new year.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260121003752315
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■ Lee says authorities expect won to strengthen to around 1,400 level in 1 or 2 months
SEOUL -- President Lee Jae Myung said Wednesday that financial authorities expect the won to strengthen to around the 1,400 level in one or two months, vowing to take measures to stabilize the foreign exchange market.
Lee made the remarks at a New Year's press conference amid growing economic concerns as the Korean currency's prolonged weakness has strained the economy.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260121004100315
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■ Court set to deliver verdict on ex-PM Han's insurrection charges
SEOUL -- A court is set to deliver a verdict Wednesday on charges former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo played a key role in an insurrection by abetting former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed imposition of martial law.
Han will be the first member of Yoon's Cabinet to be sentenced over the Dec. 3, 2024, emergency order, which was brought to an end after six hours by the National Assembly's vote to lift the decree.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260121001200315
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■ Hanwha appoints ex-Canadian Navy officer to lead Ottawa submarine project bid
SEOUL -- Hanwha Ocean Co. has appointed Glenn Copeland, a former Royal Canadian Navy officer, as chief executive officer (CEO) of its newly established Canadian unit to lead a bid to secure a major Ottawa submarine project, the company said Wednesday.
According to the maritime subsidiary of South Korea's Hanwha Group, Copeland will lead Hanwha Defence Canada, headquartered in Ottawa, to oversee local defense and naval business operations as the company pursues the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project bid.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260121002800320
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■ (2nd LD) PM to visit U.S. this week to meet with senior officials, possibly Vance
SEOUL -- Prime Minister Kim Min-seok will visit the United States this week to meet with senior U.S. officials and lawmakers, his office said Wednesday, including a possible meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.
Kim will visit Washington and New York from Thursday to Monday on his first overseas trip as prime minister and also meet with Korean residents in the country.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260121002252315
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■ BTS wins nod for filming at historic sites for Gwanghwamun show
SEOUL -- Cultural heritage authorities have granted conditional approval for K-pop megastar BTS to film at major historic sites in central Seoul, as the band plans a major performance in the Gwanghwamun area to promote its long-awaited comeback in March.
The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) said Tuesday its Cultural Heritage Committee reviewed and conditionally approved a request by Hybe, the K-pop company behind BTS, to use Gyeongbok Palace and the Sungnyemun gate for the project. The approval requires a subcommittee to assess the project's impact on cultural assets, according to the KHS.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260121002500315
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