South Korea

China dominates global watermelon production, accounting for 60% of global output. This contrasts sharply with South Korea, where watermelons are considered a luxury. Recent heatwaves in South Korea have caused watermelon prices to surge, reaching approximately $22 USD each, a 36.5% increase year-over-year. Analysts predict further price increases, highlighting the disparity in watermelon affordability and availability between the two countries and raising questions about trade and climate change impacts on agricultural markets.

A South Korean BBQ restaurant on Ulleung Island is facing backlash after a blogger revealed alleged price gouging, charging a premium for fatty pork belly. The video went viral, sparking outrage among locals and tourists who accuse the restaurant of exploiting visitors. This incident highlights the need for tourists to be cautious, verify prices, and clarify fees before ordering to avoid negative experiences on the otherwise scenic island destination.

South Korea’s UNESCO cultural heritage nominations, including Kimchi and the Gangneung Danoje Festival, face setbacks. Five nominations are on a “pending withdrawal” list due to insufficient evidence of unique Korean origin. China has challenged these claims, presenting historical evidence suggesting earlier origins for practices like pickling, Danoje rituals, and traditional carpentry. UNESCO has requested South Korea provide independent evidence, but reportedly, the submitted documentation was inadequate. This development raises questions about South Korea’s cultural origin claims.

A heatwave in South Korea is causing agricultural devastation, leading to soaring prices for essential produce like watermelons, napa cabbage, and radishes. Watermelon prices have jumped 36.5% year-on-year and 22.5% in one week. Napa cabbage prices are up 27.4% weekly, and radishes 15.9%. Insufficient sunlight in June compounded the problem. The government plans to implement measures to stabilize supply and demand to address potential crop losses and control rising prices. Online, consumers are reacting to the increased prices.

China trailed Japan 0–2 at halftime in their EAFF Championship match on July 12, despite coach Jankovic starting offensive players like Wei Shihao and Wang Yudong. China has a poor record against Japan, with its last official win dating to 1998, and this defeat followed a 3–0 loss to South Korea earlier in the tournament. (60 words)

After China’s men’s football team lost 3-0 to South Korea in the East Asian Cup, social media attention shifted to their extensive luggage upon arrival. Responding to scrutiny, the Chinese Football Association clarified that the 51-member delegation carried 140 checked bags: 84 personal items and 56 essential equipment pieces (training, match, recovery gear). All were deemed necessary, and players assisted staff by carrying equipment to ease transit. This logistics effort was cited as routine for elite teams ensuring peak preparation and performance during international tournaments.

**Summary:** The US will impose 25% tariffs on all Japanese and South Korean imports starting August 1. This threatens global tech supply chains, especially memory chips where both nations dominate. Key exporters like Samsung, SK Hynix, Canon, Tokyo Electron, Renesas, and operations of US firms Micron/Western Digital face significant impact. Strict anti-circumvention rules and warnings against retaliation were issued. Companies manufacturing these goods within the US gain tariff exemption via expedited approvals.

China’s men’s national football team opened the EAFF E-1 Championship with a 0-3 loss to South Korea. Observers criticized China’s performance, citing superior skill from South Korea and disappointing defensive tactics. China faces Japan next, with concerns about a repeat of their previous seven-goal defeat.

Xiaomi has launched its first physical store, “Xiaomi Home,” in Seoul, South Korea, marking a key expansion in its global retail strategy. Offering a range of products and after-sales support, the store mirrors its domestic counterparts. The company is incentivizing purchases with free delivery and installation services. This move, part of Xiaomi’s “New Retail” strategy, aims to expand internationally, with plans for 10,000 Mi Homes and a doubling of international revenue within the next few years.

South Korea is implementing major labor reforms, including a 4.5-day workweek with no pay cuts, reducing weekly work hours from 52 to 48. The government aims to lower average annual working hours to below the OECD average by 2030. Other changes include expanded annual leave eligibility and promoting flexible work arrangements like adjusted schedules and remote work, with incentives for businesses. These policies aim to improve work-life balance and align with international standards.