JP Morgan Chase, HSBC, Deutsche Bank, SC fined for forex rigging

The antitrust regulator has fined four global banks for illegally sharing information and colluding in price bids to win foreign exchange derivatives contracts from companies, according to the Fair Trade Commission (FTC), Sunday. Those companies or exporters launched the bids to tap investment banks that can help them hedge risks against currency swings and volatility through those contracts including currency swaps. JPMorgan Chase has been slapped with the biggest fine of 251 million won ($223,000), followed by HSBC with a 225 million won fine.

'World's oldest man' dies in Japan at 113 [PHOTOS]

The world's oldest man has died at his home -- a hot springs inn -- in northern Japan at the age of 113.

Fine dust: leading cause of cardiovascular deaths

Fine dust has been smothering the nation as of late and the government was left with no choice but to issue emergency measures in hopes of reducing the fine dust level.

President Moon urged to listen to investors' voices

A noted international lawyer said that President Moon Jae-in and his administration should listen carefully to the voices of market participants to spur investment and inject new vigor into the economy. He cited youth unemployment and the low birthrate as the two most serious short- and long-term issues that Asia's fourth-largest economy should address.

'SKY Castle's Yum Jung-ah soars on to reputation chart

The smash success of JTBC's Friday/Saturday drama “SKY Castle” has put its protagonist Yum Jung-ah at the top of a brand reputation chart for Korean actors and actresses.

Embattled lawmaker gives up party membership over land speculation allegations

Ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) lawmaker Sohn Hye-won said Sunday she will quit the party amid growing suspicions over her involvement in speculative property investments in Mokpo, South Jeolla Province. But Sohn denied her involvement, saying she had decided to leave the party because she had become a political burden on the ruling camp. She said she would prove her innocence via a legal battle, and return to the party after she was cleared.

Measles infections spreading; 8 newly test positive

Measles infections are spreading here, putting health authorities on high alert. Five infants aged under four as well as three of their mothers were confirmed to have contracted measles in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, Sunday.

After 3 years, Junho set to release second best songs collection

Is it a sign that his return to the music stage is imminent? Or is it simply a gimmick to quell fans' ever-growing impatience about the three years he has been away from the local K-pop scene?

Chung Ha tops five music charts in two weeks with 'Gotta Go' [VIDEO]

K-pop rookie Chung Ha has topped five major domestic TV music charts with her new solo song “Gotta Go” released on Jan. 2. The singer, 22, has ranked 1st three times on MBC - once on main MBC channel and twice on its music-only channel MBC Music - and once on KBS, SBS and Mnet.

Ailing K-pop star Leeteuk takes stage for Latin American fans

Leeteuk is ill, but it couldn't stop him taking the stage for his Latin American fans flocking to a giant arena in Chile to catch a glimpse of the K-pop star. The leader of K-pop boy band Super Junior performed in the star-studded SMTOWN Special Stage concert at Estadio Nacional, a 48,600-seat stadium in Santiago, on Saturday (local time). He missed the Friday session of the two-day concert due to severe enteritis.

Decomposed body found in Busan

A decomposed female body has been found at a house in Busan, police said Sunday.

Cellphone exports fall to 16-year low

Korea's exports of mobile phones hit a 16-year low in 2018 after falling 23.2 percent year-on-year amid mounting competition from Chinese phone makers, data showed Sunday.

[Test drive] Genesis G70 goes beyond Mercedes C-class, BMW 3 Series

Throughout last year, the Genesis G70 has been widely applauded by not only domestic media but also a slew of foreign automotive magazines and news outlets.

Comedy films dominate box office again

Korean cinemas are set to rebound as several comedies have drawn positive responses from moviegoers following crushing performances of much-anticipated local films in the box office last year. With “Inside Me” at the forefront, a low-budget comedy with a surprise box office success, a slew of other comedies are slated to screen in coming months.

Former K-pop star's return sparks controversy

Korean-American singer Yoo Seung-joon - also known as Steve Yoo in the United States - who has been banned from entering South Korea permanently for evading mandatory military duty, released a new album via online music streaming sites on Friday. His comeback has sparked a backlash on social media.

SMEs' exports hit record high of $114.6 bil.

Exports by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) reached a record high of $114.6 billion in 2018 on the back of the booming global manufacturing industry, the minister of SMEs and startups said, Sunday.

Romania assures role for cohesion of EU

Romania will lead the European Union in harmony, although tough tests await the country during its rotating EU presidency from January to June, Romanian Ambassador to Korea Mihai Ciompec said. During a reception at his embassy on Jan. 18, to mark Romania’s first EU presidency, the envoy said the country would faithfully carry out its motto, “Cohesion, a common European value,” and enhance political, economic, and social integration within the EU accordingly. Ciompec’s remarks came as the EU faces tricky tests that can change the course of its history, such as the United Kingdom’s scheduled exit in March, European Parliament elections in May and wrangling over the next budget.

Animal activist leader refuses to step down despite euthanasia scandal

Park So-youn, head of animal rights group Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth (CARE), is refusing to resign despite the recent protests from group members and supporters over her euthanasia of hundreds of animals.

Edgy Memes Only in Korea

While most of the real-world here in South Korea was focused on air quality that seemed straight out of a dystopian movie or Fallout computer game, the internet was instead concerned with the closure of a popular local Facebook group, Only in Korea (Oink).

Walking in the footsteps of the Past: Suwon 1884 (Part 2)

In the morning, George C. Foulk, dressed in his uniform, and called on the magistrate or governor of Suwon. His notes are rather sparse (unlike his notes of other locations) but he did describe the fortifications and the location of the yongmun - with which he seemed fairly pleased.

W6.68 trillion: Korea spent record-high unemployment benefits in 2018

The number of jobless people was 1.073 million in 2018, the largest since 2000 and the third straight year that the unemployment figure has surpassed 1 million, according to separate data released by Statistics Korea. (Yonhap)