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: June 12.
North Korea quiet after South halts loudspeakers
North Korea has stopped its loudspeaker broadcasts along the border, South Korea’s military said on June 12, signaling a potential easing of tensions after a year of cross-border psychological warfare. The silence came just a day after South Korean President Lee Jae-myung ordered a halt to Seoul’s own anti-North propaganda broadcasts, citing the need to reduce military tensions and alleviate the burden on border residents. The North’s broadcasts—an unsettling mix of static, propaganda, and jamming signals—had continued up until late June 11 but have since gone quiet, raising hopes that both sides are stepping back from Cold War-style tactics and opening the door to a fragile detente.
Shipbuilders ride green wave with $8.3B in containership orders
South Korea’s leading shipbuilders—HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, and Samsung Heavy Industries—have secured containership orders worth 11.5 trillion won ($8.3 billion) so far in 2025, surpassing last year’s total in under six months. This marks a significant resurgence in a segment long overshadowed by China and by South Korea’s focus on high-value LNG carriers. The turnaround is fueled by stricter international emissions regulations and a surge in demand for eco-friendly, ultra-large containerships, whose prices have nearly doubled since 2020 and are now rivaling those of LNG vessels. South Korean yards, armed with dual-fuel technology and carbon-reducing systems, are regaining ground as global buyers shift away from Chinese-built ships amid rising U.S. tariffs and strategic rebalancing.
To NATO or not? Lee faces foreign policy crossroads
President Lee Jae-myung is weighing a last-minute decision on whether to attend the NATO summit in The Hague on June 24–25, following his appearance at the G7 summit. While concerns over the tight schedule and ongoing domestic issues have sparked hesitation, foreign policy experts argue that skipping the summit could send the wrong signal about South Korea’s global stance, particularly amid efforts to deepen Indo-Pacific cooperation with NATO. Lee’s decision is seen as a critical test of his pragmatic diplomatic approach, with analysts warning that inconsistency could undermine Seoul’s credibility. Despite some political pushback, experts note that South Korea’s engagement with NATO has been bipartisan, dating back to the Moon Jae-in administration.
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